Collection: Mudguards (0)

Mudguards on HGVs: requirements and replacement

Mudguards on commercial vehicles are a legal requirement under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations. The mudguard must cover the full width of the tyre and extend rearward sufficiently to prevent spray projection at the angles specified in the regulations. Missing mudguards are a definite failure at DVSA annual test and a reason for a roadside prohibition notice.

Front mudguards on cab-over HGVs are typically steel or heavy-duty plastic assemblies fitted over the front axle. They are exposed to road debris and can crack or deform following contact with obstacles during yard manoeuvres. Rear mudguards on drive axles are often fitted with mudflap rubbers that absorb impact from stone strike and road debris. The mudflap rubber wears and splits over time, particularly on vehicles doing motorway mileage where spray is heaviest.

When ordering replacement mudguards, confirm whether you need the full mudguard assembly including the support bracket, the mudflap rubber only, or the bracket alone. On many vehicles the rubber mudflap fits a standard width bracket that is not make-specific, whereas the mudguard housing itself usually is.

For trailer mudguards, confirm the axle configuration and whether the mudguard is for a tandem or tri-axle arrangement. Trailer mudguard brackets and rubbers are available for most standard trailer configurations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are mudguards a legal requirement on HGVs?

Yes. Mudguards are required under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. They must cover the full tyre width and extend rearward to prevent spray. Missing or inadequate mudguards are a roadworthiness defect and will result in a failure at DVSA annual test. A PG9 prohibition notice can be issued at a roadside check if mudguards are missing or non-compliant.

How often do mudflap rubbers need replacing?

This depends on mileage and operating conditions. On motorway-heavy operations, mudflap rubbers typically last two to three years before splitting or wearing through at the lower edge. On distribution work with a lot of kerbing and reversing, the life can be shorter. Inspect mudflaps at each safety inspection and replace if splits are visible or the rubber has thinned significantly at the base.

Do I need to replace the full mudguard assembly or just the rubber?

If the mudguard housing and bracket are sound and the only issue is a worn or split rubber, replace the rubber only. If the housing is cracked, the bracket is bent, or the mounting points have corroded through, replace the full assembly. A rubber fitted to a compromised housing will not stay in place under load.

Can I fit non-standard mudguards to pass the DVSA annual test?

Replacement mudguards must meet the coverage requirements set out in the Construction and Use Regulations. An aftermarket mudguard that meets the same coverage dimensions as the original is acceptable. A mudguard that does not cover the full tyre width or does not extend rearward sufficiently will not pass inspection regardless of how new it is.