Vehicle Clearance Calculator
Check if your vehicle can safely pass under bridges, garages, and other height restrictions.
Recommended safety margin to account for measurement errors and vehicle movement.
Clearance Result
Vehicle Height:
Clearance Height:
Safety Margin:
Required Height:
Verdict:
About Our Vehicle Clearance Calculator
DISCLAIMER: This calculator is for informational purposes only. Results should be verified independently. Always check official height restrictions and consult with professionals when in doubt. The creators of this tool are not liable for any damages resulting from its use.
Our Vehicle Clearance Calculator helps drivers determine whether their vehicle can safely pass under bridges, through tunnels, into parking garages, or through any other height-restricted passages. By accounting for your vehicle's height and adding a safety margin, our calculator provides a quick assessment of clearance safety.
Why Vehicle Clearance Matters
Misjudging vehicle clearance can lead to serious accidents, vehicle damage, infrastructure damage, and traffic disruptions. Commercial drivers, RV owners, and drivers of tall vehicles need to be particularly cautious about height restrictions.
How Our Calculator Works
Our calculator uses a simple but effective formula to determine if there's adequate clearance:
Required Height = Vehicle Height + Safety Margin
If the Required Height is less than the Clearance Height, passage is considered safe.
Key Features:
- Instantly check if your vehicle can safely pass under a given clearance
- Choose between feet and meters for all measurements
- Includes a customizable safety margin to account for measurement errors
- Provides clear verdicts with color-coded results
- Offers safety recommendations based on the clearance margin
How to Use:
- Enter your vehicle's height
- Enter the clearance height (of the bridge, tunnel, garage, etc.)
- Adjust the safety margin if needed (default is 0.5 feet/meters)
- Click "Calculate Clearance" to see the results
Common Vehicle Heights
| Vehicle Type | Typical Height (feet) | Typical Height (meters) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Sedan | 4.5 - 5.0 | 1.4 - 1.5 |
| SUV | 5.5 - 6.5 | 1.7 - 2.0 |
| Pickup Truck | 6.0 - 6.5 | 1.8 - 2.0 |
| Minivan | 5.5 - 6.0 | 1.7 - 1.8 |
| Van | 6.5 - 8.0 | 2.0 - 2.4 |
| RV/Camper | 10.0 - 13.5 | 3.0 - 4.1 |
| Box Truck | 10.0 - 13.5 | 3.0 - 4.1 |
| Semi-Truck | 13.5 - 14.0 | 4.1 - 4.3 |
Common Clearance Heights
Standard U.S. Interstate Overpass: Minimum 16 feet (4.9 meters)
Standard Parking Garage: 6.5-8 feet (2.0-2.4 meters)
Drive-through: 8-9 feet (2.4-2.7 meters)
Residential Garage: 7-8 feet (2.1-2.4 meters)
Urban Tunnels: 12-14 feet (3.7-4.3 meters)
Safety Tips
- Always verify clearance signs before proceeding
- Remember that road conditions like repaving can reduce clearance
- Be aware that vehicle height can change with loads, roof racks, or antenna
- When in doubt, find an alternative route
- Consider weather conditions that may affect vehicle stability
This calculator is especially useful for RV owners, truck drivers, moving van operators, and drivers of tall vehicles. Stay safe on the road by always checking clearance before proceeding under low bridges or into height-restricted areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate are posted clearance heights?
Posted clearance heights typically include a small safety margin already, but they should not be your only reference. Weather conditions, road maintenance, and recent modifications can all affect actual clearance. Some jurisdictions may post the "legal clearance" which could be slightly less than the actual physical clearance. It's always best to err on the side of caution.
Why should I use a safety margin?
A safety margin accounts for several variables: measurement inaccuracies of both your vehicle and the clearance, vehicle movement due to suspension bounce or swaying, changes in vehicle height due to loading, and potential changes in road surface height. A recommended safety margin is at least 3-6 inches (8-15 cm), with larger margins for higher speeds or less stable vehicles.
What should I do if my vehicle is close to the clearance height?
If your vehicle's height plus safety margin is within a few inches of the posted clearance, it's best to find an alternative route. If that's not possible, approach at the lowest possible speed, drive in the center of the lane (as bridges are often highest in the center), and consider deflating tires slightly for temporary height reduction in emergency situations. When the clearance is questionable, having a spotter outside the vehicle to guide you is recommended.