What is the maximum side protrusion for lights and mirrors?

Answer: C — 10 inches

The maximum side protrusion for lights and mirrors is established to ensure that vehicles maintain a safe profile while on the road. A limit of 10 inches is set because it balances visibility for safety purposes while minimizing the risk of the protruding elements being damaged or causing accidents. Protrusions beyond this limit could lead to hazardous situations, such as hitting obstacles or being more vulnerable to other vehicles, especially in tight spaces like urban areas or on narrow roadways. The regulation helps to ensure that all vehicles maintain a certain degree of uniformity in size and shape, thereby contributing to road safety as well as reducing the risk of property damage.