Chapter 2Width
Section § 35100
This law sets the maximum width for vehicles and their loads at 102 inches but allows for exceptions in this chapter. Safety devices deemed necessary by the Secretary of Transportation are not counted toward this width limit. Additionally, cities and counties can make local rules to restrict vehicles wider than 96 inches on their roads, but these rules only take effect once signs are posted.
Section § 35100.1
This law provides guidelines for measuring vehicle width. Section 35100.1 specifies that a vehicle width of 102 inches is equivalent to 2.6 meters. Additionally, when measuring a vehicle's width, it should be measured from the outer walls of the vehicle's sides.
Section § 35100.5
This law states that a cotton module mover, which is a type of vehicle used to transport harvested cotton, cannot be wider than 130 inches on highways. However, individual county boards can pass resolutions to further limit or completely prohibit these vehicles on their county highways if they choose to.
Section § 35101
This law states that the maximum width of a vehicle with pneumatic tires, including wheels and tires, should not exceed 108 inches. However, the width of the vehicle's body or its load should be no more than 102 inches.
For vehicles made or modified after certain changes to the law in 1983, they must have axles, tires, and wheels wide enough to keep the vehicle stable and safe. The California Highway Patrol will conduct tests on vehicles that are more than 96 inches wide to see if performance standards are needed. If standards are set, they'll match federal transportation guidelines.
Section § 35102
This law states that if a vehicle is transporting a load of unpackaged, loose agricultural products, like hay or straw, the total width of the load and any racks holding it cannot be more than 120 inches wide.
Section § 35103
This law allows recreational vehicles to be a little wider than the normal maximum width if the extra width comes from things attached to the vehicle, like awnings or cameras, as long as they don't stick out more than six inches on either side. These attachments can't be used to carry loads.
Section § 35104
This law section specifies that certain vehicles can be wider than usual but cannot exceed 120 inches in width. It applies to special mobile equipment, construction or highway maintenance vehicles, and vehicles used exclusively to transport livestock feed, except when these feed-hauling vehicles operate on a highway at night.
Section § 35105
In California, cities with a special charter can create their own rules allowing vehicles and their loads to be wider than normal, but only if the vehicles operate solely within the city's limits.
Section § 35106
This law lays out the maximum width limits for motor coaches and buses. By default, these vehicles can be up to 102 inches wide. However, there's an exception for buses operating under public utility regulations in urban or suburban services, which can be up to 104 inches wide if approved by the Public Utilities Commission. Buses used by companies in similar areas not regulated by the Commission can also be 104 inches wide.
Section § 35107
This law defines what "urban and suburban service" means in terms of transportation. It refers to transportation services provided within urban or suburban areas or between nearby cities. However, these services can only operate one-way routes that are no longer than 50 miles. If a motor coach route on a state highway is over 25 miles but under 50 miles, it needs approval from the Department of Transportation.
Section § 35109
This law allows certain necessary items like lights, mirrors, or other devices that must be installed on a vehicle to extend up to 10 inches beyond the vehicle's width on each side.
Section § 35110
This law allows certain extensions on the sides of vehicles up to three inches for specific items like door handles, hinges, aerodynamic devices, and tarping systems. Aerodynamic devices are designed to reduce drag and improve airflow, but they must not affect how the vehicle turns. For tarping systems, all parts like transverse structures, side rails, and rear doors can fit within these extensions. The law specifies measurements and requirements to ensure safety and regulate how these components are attached and used.
Section § 35111
This law means that if you're driving a passenger car on a highway, you can't have anything sticking out past the left fender. On the right side, whatever you're carrying can't stick out more than six inches past the fender. Basically, keep things within the width of your car for safety.