<P> The widths of vehicle lanes typically vary from 9 to 15 feet (2.7 to 4.6 m). Lane widths are commonly narrower on low volume roads and wider on higher volume roads . The lane width depends on the assumed maximum vehicle width, with an additional space to allow for lateral motion of the vehicle . </P> <P> The maximum truck width had been 96 inches (2.438 m) in the Code of Federal Regulations of 1956, which matches with the width of 8 feet for shipping containers . This was increased to 102 inches (2.591 m) in 1976 which explicitly states to be read as the slightly larger metric 2.6 metres (102.36 in) width respecting international harmonization . The same applies to standards in Europe, which increased the allowable width of road vehicles to a current maximum of 2.55 metres (100.39 in) for most trucks, and 2.6 metres (102.36 in) for refrigerator trucks . The minimum extra space had been 0.20 metres (7.87 in) and it is currently assumed to be at least 0.25 metres (9.84 in) on each side . For roads with less traffic it is allowed to build the second or third lane in the same direction to an assumed lower width for cars like 1.75 metres (68.90 in); however this is not recommended as a design principle for new roads, as this could be risky if traffic becomes heavier in future . </P> <P> The Interstate Highway standards for the U.S. Interstate Highway System use a 12 - foot (3.7 m) standard lane width, while narrower lanes are used on lower classification roads . In Europe, laws and road widths vary by country; the minimum widths of lanes are generally between 2.5 to 3.25 metres (8.2 to 10.7 ft). The federal Bundesstraße interurban network in Germany defines a minimum of 3.5 metres (11 ft 6 in) for each lane for the smallest two lane roads, with an additional 0.25 metres (9.84 in) on the outer sides and shoulders being at least 1.5 metres (59.06 in) on each side . A modern Autobahn divided highway with two lanes per direction has lanes 3.75 metres (12 ft 4 in) wide with an additional clearance of 0.50 metres (19.69 in) on each side;, with three lanes per direction this becomes 3.75 metres (12 ft 4 in) for the rightmost lane and 3.5 metres (11 ft 6 in) for the other lanes . Urban access roads and roads in low - density areas may have lanes as narrow as 2.75 metres (9 ft 0 in) in width per lane, with shoulders at least 1 metre (3 ft 3 in) wide . </P> <P> Painted lane markings vary widely from country to country . In the United States, Canada, Mexico, Honduras, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and Norway, yellow lines separate traffic going opposite directions and white separates lanes of traffic traveling the same direction, but such is not the case in many European countries . </P>

How wide is a standard 2 lane road
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