Missing or Inadequate Fenders or Mudflaps
A CVC 27600 citation means your vehicle did not have fenders, covers, flaps or a body that effectively minimizes the spray or splash of water or mud to the rear, at least as wide as the tire tread (Vehicle Code 27600). It covers motor vehicles with three or more wheels, trailers and semitrailers, except vehicles exempt from registration, trailers and semitrailers under 1,500 pounds unladen, and vehicles made and first registered before January 1, 1971, under 1,500 pounds unladen. Restoring the fender or flap, then getting the correction certified, resolves this violation.
Correction Window
The deadline is printed on your citation.
Fee After Correction
These steps apply when your ticket was issued as correctable. An officer does not issue it that way if there is evidence of fraud or persistent neglect, the violation presents an immediate safety hazard, or you cannot promptly correct it (Vehicle Code 40610(b)). When the court accepts your proof of correction, the court clerk collects a $25 fee for each corrected violation (Vehicle Code 40611). There is no fee if the agency that cited you handles the correction and nothing is sent to the court (Vehicle Code 40611(c)). Without proof of correction, you may owe the full fine. Check your notice or ask your court for the amount.
Who Can Certify
A police department, the CHP, a sheriff, a marshal or another agency that enforces the Vehicle Code can certify this correction after the fender or mudguard is restored.
The court must dismiss a corrected violation when you deliver proof of correction on or before the date on your ticket (Vehicle Code 40522). After that date it may not accept the correction, and you may owe the full fine. If you fail to appear without good cause, the court may add a civil assessment of up to $100 after mailing you a warning notice (Penal Code 1214.1). Willfully failing to appear, or willfully failing to deliver proof of correction, is a misdemeanor (Vehicle Code 40508 and 40616). If you need more time, ask the court before the date passes.
Step by Step
How to Correct This Violation
- 1
Identify which fender or mudguard is missing or damaged based on the citation.
- 2
Have the fender repaired or replaced at a body shop.
- 3
Confirm the fender or flap is at least as wide as the tire tread and blocks spray to the rear.
- 4
Have a law enforcement officer sign the certificate of correction on your citation.
- 5
Submit the signed citation and $25 fee to the court before your deadline.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- My vehicle has a lift kit and the tires extend past the fenders. Does that count?
- It can. Vehicle Code 27600 requires the fenders, flaps or body to be at least as wide as the tire tread and to effectively minimize spray to the rear, so tires that stick out past the fenders can fall short. Fender flares or mudflaps are the usual fix. A body shop or mechanic familiar with lifted vehicles can advise on options.
This guide covers passenger vehicles. Some rules differ for commercial vehicles and truck tractors (for example, where registration tabs go under Vehicle Code 5204(a)). If you were driving one, check with your employer or a licensed attorney.
This guide provides general procedural information only. It is not legal advice. For questions specific to your citation, contact the court listed on your ticket.
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