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Can You Drive a Jeep without Fenders? (Answer Explained)

There is a hot topic going around, and that is, “Can you drive a Jeep without Fenders.” Well, the answer is “No” and “Yes,” depending on where you live.

Several states have prohibited riding jeeps without fenders, while others allow it. However, apart from the law, it is still not good to ride without them.

Fenders allowed you a lot of features and added convenience that just can not be ignored. Some of the features are so crucial they can turn your experience from the worst to the best.

This article is all about that. Here we will explain why you can not and should not drive without fenders. So, let’s get started.

Why You Can’t and Shouldn’t Drive a Jeep Without Fenders:

Follow the Law

Running without fenders is illegal in several states. While some others let the drivers drive without fenders, it is still ideal not to drive without them.

According to the Washington State Legislature, the law is, “No person may operate any motor vehicle, trailer, cargo extension, or semitrailer that is not equipped with fenders, covers, flaps, or splash aprons adequate for minimizing the spray or splash of water or mud from the roadway to the rear of the vehicle.”

So if you are running without a fender, the chances are high that you will be attracting a lot of traffic police attractions. As a result, tickets will be coming your way seamlessly.

States like New Jersey or Utah won’t allow you to ride your tire sticking out of your fender flares. Now think what will happen if you don’t even have fenders. However, there are a few states where the law is a bit laid back.

For example, in Arizona, you can ride without fenders. The best thing to do is ask the guys at the state highway patrol. They will give you the right info.

The reason for this law is that when you are running on the road, a lot of debris gets attached to the tire. So when running at high speed, that debris may loosen up and start spreading around, hitting other cars.

Imagine a rock hitting your windshield at 50mph. Not just that, they can even hit any passerby as well, leaving them with fatal injuries.

Look Great

Have you seen Jeeps without fenders? Now compare those with the jeeps with fenders. The difference is clear. Besides ensuring that you don’t break any laws, fenders will also make your jeep look much cooler.

Fenders carry great personalities and can totally change the look of your jeep. Especially with aftermarket fenders, you can customize your jeep just the way you always wanted. 

Fenders are excellent for modding.  You can custom paint them, have them hydro-dipped, or just can install a contrasting color one to give that edgy look to your jeep.

Also, some fenders from the aftermarket can bring that aggressive look to your jeep. Many of us desire that look. Luckily, now you have options available to you.

With fenders, you will have many ways to make your jeep look much cooler. Without them? Well, you just don’t have such options.

Keep Debris Away

There was only one purpose for the fenders, and it was definitely not for aesthetics., Fenders were installed to keep debris at bay.

Without fenders, you will see muds flying around your surroundings, coloring everything you pass by in brown! Apart from muds, they also save you from rocks.

Come on, let’s be honest, you didn’t buy your jeep to run around city streets, right? You got your jeep for offroading. And, while running on gravel ground, you can notice how many small rocks there are.

Besides, when offroading, we tend to use tires with bigger grooves. Perfect for small rocks to slide in. If you don’t use fenders, those can fly around and can injure you and anyone in your surroundings.

Besides, fenders will surely save your paint job. While extreme off-roading, it is ideal for getting bigger fenders. Yes, they are bulky and expensive but do the job much better. Your main purpose should be protecting you and your vehicle.

Save from Rock Rash

Another great benefit of the fenders is they protect you from rock rash. Rock rash is a term that refers to the contact your tires get from rocks while driving off-road.

Narrow trails full of rocks will leave quite a mark on your jeep tires. If you have your fenders on, those marks will minimize greatly.

Besides, jeep tires can be severely damaged from rock rash. Hence, it is extremely important to minimize as much as you can. This can greatly enhance your tire’s durability. And we know how costly those tires can be.

Moreover, good fenders are strong and durable. If anything goes wrong, they will be the first to save your jeep’s body from scratches and other damages. Also, they can be easily changed, unlike a full-body repair.

Provide More Room for Accessories

Fenders are an extension of your body. That means you have more room to attach whatever you want that will help you and your ride. Sometimes additional accessories are needed when the trail is daunting.

One of the popular accessories is fender lights. These are excellent for lighting your way. Yes, your jeep comes with lights, but sometimes that is not just enough to make the cut.

You need additional visibility when you are maneuvering in the dark. This is when those extra lumens come in handy.

Adding high lumen LEDs to your fenders will leave you with day-like visibility. Going through the steepest turns full of rocks won’t be a problem, will it?

Conclusion

There is always a debate as to whether to use fenders or not. But the results are what matter. It’s the outcome you should always pay attention to, not what someone else told you.

And if we notice, we can see that fenders win the argument as it gives enhanced conveniences and functionalities. Furthermore, it won’t let you break the law either. Hence, think again if you are thinking of going without the fenders on your off-roading endeavor. These additional four pieces will provide you with extra protection and more functionality.

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