Can a smart car be driven on highways?

[DelElizabeth]

smart cars can be driven on highways, but vehicles with a maximum speed below 70 km/h are not allowed. Taking the smart fortwo as an example: it is a micro 3-door 2-seater hatchback equipped with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. Its dimensions are 2695mm in length, 1663mm in width, and 1555mm in height, with a wheelbase of 1873mm. It has a fuel tank capacity of 28L and a trunk capacity of 260L. The smart fortwo is powered by a 0.9T L3 turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 90 hp and a maximum torque of 135 Nm. It features a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension.

[SanNaomi]

I've been driving a Smart car for three years now, frequently commuting between the city and highways, and I can confidently tell you that it's absolutely capable of highway driving. This is because the Smart, as a microcar, falls under the legal category of passenger vehicles. In most countries, including China, as long as the vehicle is properly registered, has license plates, and adheres to traffic regulations, it can be driven on any highway. However, I must admit that the actual driving experience isn't that effortless. At high speeds, such as when reaching 120 km/h, the car tends to feel a bit floaty, mainly due to high wind resistance and its compact size with a higher center of gravity. It becomes even less stable on windy days. I recommend maintaining the tires and brake system well, checking fluid levels before hitting the highway, and avoiding excessive speed—keeping it between 100-110 km/h is safer. For long-distance trips, it might not be as comfortable as a sedan, but as an urban commuter with occasional highway use, it's perfectly fine. Additionally, from an environmental perspective, the Smart's low fuel consumption makes it more economical on highways compared to larger vehicles, making it quite suitable for budget-conscious drivers.

[WillowRose]

As someone who frequently focuses on vehicle safety, I must emphasize that driving a Smart on the highway is legally permissible, but it carries significant potential risks, requiring careful consideration of safety factors. The main issue lies in its design: the small body has poor stability at high speeds, and wind resistance can easily cause side wind drift. In the event of sudden braking or lane changes, the likelihood of losing control increases. From my personal testing, at speeds above 110 km/h, the chassis feels noticeably bumpy, especially when passing toll booths or bridges. The car's top speed is typically around 130 km/h, which is barely sufficient, but it's advisable to ensure proper tire pressure and an unworn suspension system before hitting the highway. During long trips, avoid excessive overtaking and preferably stay in the right lane at lower speeds. It's also worth noting that highway noise is significant, leading to faster driver fatigue, so bring music and plan rest stops. Overall, while it's legal, caution is advised, and opting for a more stable vehicle is the wiser choice.

[DeSerenity]

With over 20 years of driving experience and having driven various cars including the Smart, I can confirm it's fully capable of handling highways without issues. The key factors are speed and vehicle condition: the standard Smart has a top speed of 140km/h, which can keep up with the typical highway speed limit of 120km/h. When driving, maintain smooth acceleration, avoid sudden throttle inputs to prevent wind resistance-induced swaying. Regular maintenance is advised, especially checking tire tread wear—older vehicles shouldn't take unnecessary risks. Personally, I find highway driving more fuel-efficient and cost-effective for short trips up to 150km, but not recommended for long journeys exceeding 300km due to driver fatigue. Remember, as long as the car passes inspection and complies with highway regulations, extra caution in driving technique is needed—compact cars offer less space and stability compared to sedans, making drivers prone to fatigue. Always carry GPS navigation to avoid wrong turns and ensure safe arrival.