Does the Rearview Mirror Crossing the Line Count as the Vehicle Body Crossing the Line?
3 Answers
During the exam, if the rearview mirror crosses the line, the infrared system can generally detect it, so it is also considered as the vehicle body crossing the line. Below is the relevant introduction about the vehicle body crossing the line: 1. Meaning: The vehicle body crossing the line refers to the vehicle deviating from the fixed track of the exam course. 2. Deduction criteria: During the reverse parking process, if the vehicle body crosses the line, 100 points will be deducted; during the pile test, if the vehicle body crosses the line or the wheels of a two-wheeled motorcycle cross the line, 100 points will be deducted; during parallel parking, if the vehicle body crosses the line, 100 points will be deducted; during curve driving, if the wheels press against the road edge line, 100 points will be deducted; during a right-angle turn, if the wheels press against the road edge line, 100 points will be deducted.
During my driver's license test preparation, the instructor kept emphasizing that only the fixed parts of the vehicle body count as crossing the line, while rearview mirrors are movable accessories and don't count. When practicing reverse parking in Subject 2, I was nervously worried that touching the line with the mirrors would be disastrous. The instructor just laughed and said those don't count - just focus on the wheels and chassis. During the actual test, I saw others' mirrors slide outside the markings without consequence. The rulebook clearly states: only the vehicle frame counts as the core. New drivers often misunderstand these small details - developing spatial awareness through practice is crucial. Crossing the line with the body will deduct points, but mirrors don't count, so no need for unnecessary worry. It's also important to cultivate good driving habits - avoid frequent scrapes and prioritize safety.
I've been driving for over a decade, so I'm quite experienced. The rearview mirror extending beyond the line definitely doesn't count as the car body crossing the line—it's just a small accessory, not fixed like the chassis. It's a common issue when helping beginners park; they get nervous thinking the rearview mirror crossing the line is a violation, but I always reassure them it's fine. The car body crossing the line refers to the tires or frame going out of bounds, which would result in failure during a test, but the rearview mirror doesn't count. However, don't let your guard down in real-life situations, like when reversing in a narrow alley—if the rearview mirror scrapes the wall, it means repairs, which are troublesome and costly. Accurate car positioning is key, so I teach my students to rely more on their eyes and use the reversing camera as an aid. Rules might be lenient here, but never compromise on driving safety.
