Ask A Trooper: Bigger tires require bigger fenders

Published 5:03 pm Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Sgt. Troy Christianson

Question: How far can tires stick out from fenders on road worthy vehicles? My son put big fancy tires on his truck and says they are fine but I thought there was a limit?

Answer: Minnesota law states that all passenger vehicles shall have fenders, or other devices, that are designed to prevent, as far as practicable, water, dirt or other material being thrown up and to the rear by the wheels of the vehicle.

Email newsletter signup

For the tires sticking outside of the fenders the vehicle would need to be equipped with fender flares. The fender flares would need to match the width of the tires sticking out.

You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober. Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths. If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848.  (Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us)