Which type of vehicle is not required to have mud flaps?

Pole trailers are not required to have mud flaps primarily due to their unique design and function. Unlike other vehicles that operate on the roads, pole trailers are specifically intended to transport long, cylindrical objects like utility poles. Their structure often results in a reduced likelihood of generating excessive spray or debris on the roadway, which is the primary safety concern that mud flaps address.

In contrast, flatbed trucks, dump trucks, and delivery vans can carry a variety of loads and are more prone to throwing debris or water from their tires, which can create hazards for other vehicles on the road. For this reason, regulations necessitate mud flaps on these types of vehicles to help minimize the risk of road spray and potential accidents. Thus, pole trailers are the exception to this requirement, reinforcing their unique operational context in transportation.