Vehicle manufacturers do all they can to make sure customers enjoy driving their vehicles but this cannot be done without adhering to government regulations. One of such regulations is the maximum legal vehicle width.
In North America and many European countries, the maximum width of any standard vehicle should not exceed 102 inches or 8 feet, 6 inches. The rationale for this limitation is actually really simple: standard road width is at 12 feet which gives vehicles enough wiggle room to maneuver safely without bumping into incoming traffic. Exceeding the standard limitation could pose unnecessary risks to road users.
Exemption To The Standard Limitation
Interestingly, vehicle owners need to be aware that width limitations only apply to personal and commercial vehicles with general purposes. However, certain types of vehicles are exempt from these limitations:
- Military Equipment
- Farm Equipment
- Road Construction Equipment
- Emergency Apparatus
These vehicles can traverse roads without any limitations and you'll often see them with an escort or a large warning sign that an extremely wide vehicle is incoming. Any vehicle with a large "WIDE LOAD" sign is probably carrying incredibly big machines.
Permits For Exemption
Sometimes, you may need to transport oversized loads. But you can't simply display a 'wide load' warning or sign and think everything should be ok. Each state has a process for granting permits for wide load vehicles or transportation of items with wider-than-normal limits.
For example, if you've purchased a prefabricated home and need to transport it to your preferred location, one of the first steps is to check local regulations on transporting such items. Typically, your prefab seller will have knowledge about obtaining the necessary permits. Similarly, experienced hauling companies can guide you through the process of obtaining permits for oversized items.
A Closer Look At RVs
An RV is one of the largest non-commercial vehicles on the road. Built as a temporary home for those on the road, the RV practically comes with every basic need for the home - which explains the reason why they are longer and wider than most vehicles.
Although RVs may appear wider than expected, they actually adhere to width limitations to avoid needing additional permits while on the road.
The following are their width based on classification:
- Class A - 8 to 8.5 feet
- Class B - 6 to 7.5 feet
- Class C - 7 to 8.0 feet
Class A RVs are large, bus-like vehicles while Class B RVs are relatively small, similar in size to a van. Class C RVs have a camper box attached. All these vehicles are road compliant.
Adjusting To Consumer Demands Of Comfort
While companies adhere to government regulations as regards the width of their vehicles, they are coming up with new ways to make vehicles like RVs more comfortable. Such modifications include installing modular parts that can be used for a wide variety of purposes when parked, extensions that can be used as tables on a road trip and more. Of course, these modifications have to be removed while driving to comply with regulations yet they enable vehicles to serve various purposes beyond transportation.
In conclusion, understanding the maximum legal vehicle width for road use is crucial for ensuring safety on the road. By familiarizing yourself with local regulations, obtaining necessary permits, and understanding vehicle classifications, you can drive more safely and confidently.
