Final answer:
Mud flaps are typically required on commercial vehicles, such as trucks and trailers, to prevent debris from being thrown into the air. Regulations vary by location but are crucial for the safety of other road users and pedestrians. Commercial vehicle operators must comply with these requirements to ensure safety and avoid legal issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The requirement for vehicles to have mud flaps usually applies to commercial trucks and trailers to prevent rocks, mud, and other debris from being thrown into the air by their tires. Specific regulations can vary by state or country, but generally, larger vehicles such as semi-trucks or heavy-duty trucks are required to have these installed. The mud flaps help protect other vehicles on the road as well as pedestrians from flying debris, which could cause accidents or injuries.
In some jurisdictions, the laws stipulate specific dimensions for the mud flaps and how far they must reach towards the ground. It's important for commercial vehicle operators and owners to be aware of and comply with these regulatory requirements to ensure the safety of all road users and to avoid legal issues. Personal passenger vehicles usually do not need mud flaps unless they have been modified in a way that could cause more debris to be thrown from their tires.