Does the vehicle width include the rearview mirrors?
2 Answers
Vehicle width does not include the rearview mirrors. The body width is defined as the distance between the two extreme points in the width direction of the car, which is the distance between the left and right protruding positions of the body. The body width does not include the extended width of the left and right rearview mirrors, meaning the protruding positions should be selected after the mirrors are folded. The limitation on vehicle width is to provide sufficient lateral clearance for overtaking between adjacent lanes. The limitation on vehicle height is to ensure adequate vertical clearance under bridges and overhead utilities like cables, as well as to guarantee the rollover stability of the vehicle. The limitation on the total length of the vehicle affects the time required for overtaking or for the vehicle to pass through another road or railway line. Internal vehicle dimensions such as front overhang, rear overhang, and wheelbase influence the required width on curves and the vehicle's load capacity.
From my over ten years of driving experience, the vehicle width in specifications generally doesn't include side mirrors. Manufacturers define vehicle width as the widest point of the body, such as the edges of doors - foldable mirrors aren't counted. But in real-world driving, you must consider mirror width to avoid accidents. For example, when reversing in a narrow alley, I relied on the manual's 1800mm width, but with mirrors extended, total width reached 2100mm - nearly scraping the wall. So when buying new cars, don't just trust official specs. Test the mirror folding function, especially before parking or entering garages. Most modern mirrors auto-fold to reduce risks, but drivers must get accustomed to the actual total width. Remember: safety first - practical experience beats blindly trusting specifications.
