Sheriff and police urge drivers to observe mud‑flap and plate rules during monsoon season
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Summary
Officials reminded Cochise County drivers that monsoon rains raise hazards and that state vehicle rules require mud flaps for certain lifted pickups; they also advised keeping temporary and metal plates legible to avoid stops and to aid recovery of stolen vehicles.
Sheriff Mark J. Daniels used KWCD’s First Watch to urge drivers to prepare for monsoon hazards and to comply with vehicle display rules. He said mud flaps help divert water and improve safety in heavy rain and noted Arizona law requires mud flaps for lifted three‑quarter‑ton pickups and larger commercial vehicles. "The number of reasons is to divert water so it doesn't go into your windshield. That's the number 1 reason," Daniels said, describing the safety case for mud flaps. He added that enforcement of commercial vehicle equipment violations can be a federal offense under federal regulations. Daniels also warned drivers to keep temporary paper registration and metal license plates legible and displayed in their designated spots. He described traffic stops where paper plates were not visible and advised motorists to replace faded tags promptly. "You have to have a legible plate," he said. The sheriff praised county road and fleet staff for monsoon preparations and urged residents to heed posted road closures and avoid driving through floodwater. Officials recommended securing vehicles and clearing yards to reduce hazards during seasonal storms.