How Strict Are 4x4 Fender Coverage Laws in Canada, Oz, and Nz?

[nicholastanguma]

In the USA laws technically vary on a state-by-state basis. However, in practical application the USA is overall very lenient in regards to rigs having every inch of big fat mud tires covered by fenders and/or mud flaps; and of course in some places, where off-roading fun is ubiquitously recognized as part of the area's historical culture and economic health, the police will completely ignore fender coverage altogether. There can always be exceptions, obviously, but usually this will be the result of a vehicle's driver exhibiting some kind of unsafe and/or antisocial behavior (burnouts, lane weaving, rolling coal, a local PD needing to pad their monthly revenue, whatever).

In general, most of the time here in the States police don't care about fenders on motorcycles and hot rods, too.

I've never seen any indication whatsoever that law enforcement anyplace from Mexico all the way down through Central/South America so much as blink an eye at completely uncovered mud tires. On the other hand I'm assuming that most, if not all, of Europe are pretty strict on having tires completely covered, and that Russia doesn't care at all.

So what's the deal in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand?

 

[CanucksRedRocket]

It very's Province by Province in Canada, but pretty much they all say the tire can't stick out past the fender, i have seen them use a meter stick to check too. Really depends on the cop ( or MOT, Commercial vehicle enforcement officer) if they want to be a stickler about it. Mud flaps are a big one in my local town that the cops go for, Rock chips are so bad here i can see why they push people to have proper mud flaps on lifted trucks.

 

[gnel]

Australia is very serious about enforcing the "no poke" law.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

I wish more states would enforce it better, but Moab has been cracking down since chief Winder took over. Sadly, Utah did away with the annual safety inspection last year and there has been a bunch of junk making its way onto the roadways that I can only hope Darwinism takes care of.

 

[Regcabguy]

Even here in over regulated and taxed California I see tires sticking way out. The neg offset boys see some kind of redeeming value in it.
It's on the books here but lax enforcement.

 

[Buliwyf]

I recommend decent fender flares, and those hitch mounted RV towing brush like flap things, if you want to run MT's on canadian gravel.

You're not going to make many friends otherwise, and the flappy thing can be removed for offroad.

 

[Cruisn]

Oz is 100% no poke. save yourself that hassle and cover up.

 

[Grump E-Vet]

If you ever watch any of the Patriot Campers or their “Patriot Games” series on Netflix I have heard him say numerous times how they are limited on spacers and to a degree tire size because of the Austrailian laws about them sticking out too far.

 

[Hilux_Max]

In Australia, the first two things the cops will look at, even the uneducated ones, are tyre poke past fenders, and mudflaps. if there is any tyre poke, include just the sidewall, they can slap a defect sticker on your windscreen (called a "Canary" because its Yellow), forcing you to correct the issue within 28days and go to get it re-inspected.

same with mudflaps. technically, the bottom edge of the mudfkap cannot be any higher than 30cm off the ground.

for 2 simple items, as much as they bug you....its worth keeping it in check, especially if you have other questionable items on your vehicle that they may not pickup on otherwise, but being pulled over for tyre poke or mudflaps will usually get you done for too much lift, excessive tyre diameter, and a host of other items potentially. not worth it. keep it in check. keep em happy, and keep moving.

 

[NorthbyNorthwest]

In BC Canada the law is no tire poke.

Lots of people "get away with it" but tire poke is really good way to give law enforcement an excuse to look closer and find other issues with your truck.

Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk

 

[Betarocker]

I was pulled over and given the option for flaps or flares. Haven't had an issue with the police since. In BC

 

[Grump E-Vet]

Oz is 100% no poke. save yourself that hassle and cover up.

Shame a little poke could be fun...