Does the width of a car include the side mirrors?
2 Answers
The width of a car does not include the side mirrors. The body width is defined as the distance between the two extreme points in the width direction of the car, that is, the distance between the leftmost and rightmost protruding positions of the body. Method for measuring car width: To measure the width of a car, simply measure the distance from the leftmost to the rightmost point. However, it should be noted that the "fixed protruding parts on both sides" do not include side marker lights, rearview mirrors, position lights, flexible mudguards, anti-skid chains, turn signals, or the deformed parts of tires in contact with the ground. According to industry standards, the body width does not include the width extended by the left and right rearview mirrors, meaning the most protruding positions should be selected after the mirrors are folded. The significance of body width and common car widths: According to national standards, the significance of car width data is to provide sufficient space between two vehicles when overtaking and to prevent accidents or road markings due to excessive width. Additionally, on narrow roads, national regulations stipulate that the total width of a vehicle must not exceed 2.5m to meet the requirements of public road usage. Common private car widths generally range between 1600mm and 1800mm, with an upper limit not exceeding 2000mm.
I've been researching vehicle dimension standards and can confirm that a car's width typically excludes side mirrors. Standards like ISO or national regulations define body width by measuring only fixed parts, such as doors or wheel arches, while mirrors are excluded as they are foldable or protruding accessories. If you check your vehicle manual, it will clearly state 'body width' without including mirrors. This design ensures uniform dimension measurements and avoids discrepancies caused by mirror adjustments. In practical driving, this means you need to pay extra attention to parking spaces, especially in narrow garages or alleys where mirrors are prone to scraping objects. It's recommended to leave an additional 10-20 cm clearance on both sides when choosing a parking spot or reversing to accommodate the mirrors, ensuring safe driving.
