Colorado § 42-4-1407.5 - Splash guards - when required - definition.

§ 42-4-1407.5. Splash guards - when required - definition.

(1) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:

(a) "Splash guards" means mud flaps, rubber, plastic or fabric aprons, or other devices directly behind the rear-most wheels, designed to minimize the spray of water and other substances to the rear.

(b) "Splash guards" must, at a minimum, be wide enough to cover the full tread of the tire or tires being protected, hang perpendicular from the vehicle not more than ten inches above the surface of the street or highway when the vehicle is empty, and generally maintain their perpendicular relationship under normal driving conditions.

(2) Except as otherwise permitted in this section, no vehicle or motor vehicle shall be driven or moved on any street or highway unless the vehicle or motor vehicle is equipped with splash guards. However, vehicles and motor vehicles with splash guards that violate this section shall be allowed to remain in service for the time necessary to continue to a place where the deficient splash guards will be replaced. Such replacement shall occur at the first reasonable opportunity.

(3) This section does not apply to:

(a) Passenger-carrying motor vehicles registered pursuant to section 42-3-306 (2);

(b) Trucks and truck tractors registered pursuant to section 42-3-306 (4) or (5) having an empty weight of ten thousand pounds or less;

(c) Trailers equipped with fenders or utility pole trailers;

(d) Vehicles while involved in chip and seal or paving operations or road widening equipment;

(e) Truck tractors or converter dollies when used in combination with other vehicles;

(f) Vehicles drawn by animals; or

(g) Bicycles, electrical assisted bicycles, or electric scooters.

(4) Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a class B traffic infraction.

Source: L. 99: Entire section added, p. 296, § 2, effective July 1. L. 2006: (3)(a) and (3)(b) amended, p. 1512, § 75, effective June 1. L. 2009: (2) amended, (SB 09-014), ch. 136, p. 592, § 1, effective August 5; (3)(g) amended, (HB 09-1026), ch. 281, p. 1280, § 59, effective October 1. L. 2010: (3)(a) and (3)(b) amended, (SB 10-212), ch. 412, p. 2039, § 19, effective July 1. L. 2019: (3)(g) amended, (HB 19-1221), ch. 271, p. 2562, § 13, effective May 23.