Does vehicle width include side mirrors?
2 Answers
Vehicle width does not include side mirrors. Regulations on vehicle width and reasons for width restrictions: Regulations on vehicle width: According to China's national standard 'GB1589-89' on vehicle outline dimension limits, the total vehicle width (excluding side mirrors) must not exceed 2.5m, hence it does not include side mirrors. Reasons for width restrictions: Vehicle width limitations are set to provide adequate lateral clearance for overtaking between adjacent lanes; height restrictions ensure sufficient vertical clearance under bridges and overhead utilities while maintaining rollover stability; total length restrictions affect overtaking time or crossing other roads/railways; internal dimensions like front/rear overhang, wheelbase, and minimum turning radius influence required curve width and load capacity.
The standard definition of vehicle width is actually quite interesting. I specifically looked up the regulatory documents. The national standard GB1589 clearly states that the total vehicle width refers to the distance between the outermost fixed protrusions on both sides of the body—this includes the side mirrors. Last time, a friend got stuck driving into a narrow alley and only realized this after the side mirrors got scratched. When manufacturers list the dimensions of a new car, the advertised 1.8-meter width on the brochure includes the 'ears' (side mirrors). Before buying an underground parking space, remember to measure the entrance width. Many older residential areas label their parking spaces as 2 meters, but that refers to just the lane width—the actual entrance beam might only be 1.85 meters, and if the side mirrors protrude by 3 centimeters, you won't get through. This is especially true for wide-body off-road vehicles, which become even wider after installing wider tires, so extra caution is needed when driving on mountain roads.
