Avoid a flap over mudflaps

Rob Bernshaw, Columnist

How many people that own pickup trucks (a staple commodity) in Alberta are aware that driving around without mudflaps will garner a ticket from the local constabulary.

A lot of dealerships in Alberta were unaware of this little known fact until it was brought to light when a $57.00 ticket was recently issued to an unsuspecting Alberta couple from the community of Morinville, which is a little bit north of Edmonton Alberta, on Highway 2.

Here is an excerpt from the Alberta Transportation website at www.transportation.alberta.ca/596.htm:

Vehicle Equipment RegulationMajor vehicle equipment changes resulting from the Vehicle Equipment Regulation (AR 322/2002) of the Traffic Safety Act are:
Section 3 – Motor vehicle safety equipment must be maintained in good working order including: anti-lock braking system, daytime running lights or a centre high-mounted brake light.
Section 4 – Vehicle lights must meet the manufacturer’s original equipment specifications or the industry standards of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Custom or after-market coloured lights are not allowed. This includes lights on equipment such as windshield wipers, vehicle hood, licence plate, under the vehicle, etc. Before buying after-market lights, look on the package to ensure they meet SAE standards.
Section 35 – Vehicles leading a funeral procession may be equipped with a flashing purple light.
Section 50 – The installation and use of fog lights and driving lights has been clarified. Fog lights may be white or amber coloured. Driving lights must be white only. No other colours are allowed.
Section 64 – The requirement for mudflaps has been simplified. Mudflaps must extend to the horizontal mid-point of the axle when viewed from behind the vehicle.
Section 90(5) – A recreational vehicle may be equipped with an awning that when rolled up projects not more than 100 millimetres from the right or left side.
For more information, please contact:
Vehicle Safety
Vehicle Inspection ProgramAlberta Transportation
Main Floor, Twin Atria Building
4999 – 98 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T6B 2X3
Ph: (780) 427-8901 (dial toll-free 310-0000)
Fax: (780) 422-272

Take particular attention to Section 64 of the above excerpt in order to be aware, that it does not specify any particular size shape or model of vehicle, therefore all vehicles could be suspect under this section of the law.

Are all trucks in Alberta being targeted now, in order to help raise money for reducing the massive deficit Alberta has, or was this a one off event?

To avoid being stuck in the legal system mud, over mudflaps, or lack thereof, know the law and safe journeys.

The following video may or may not pertain to the flap about mudflaps, but it does show the humorous side of owning a truck, and we do need a laugh every once in awhile to remind us that we are on this planet for a short while, and need to make the best, out of every situation that we can. Looking out for our brothers and sisters, neighbors and friends will help this world turn much smoother along our journeys.

Official video for The Truck Got Stuck - Corb Lund & The Hurtin Albertans. From the album "Hair In My Eyes Like A Highland Steer" (2005). Directed by Joel Stewart. Filmed at the Valgardson Family Farm in Taber, Alberta.