How is the width of a highway or street defined?

The width of a highway or street is best defined as the width between the boundary lines of a publicly maintained way. This definition encompasses the entire extent of the roadway designated for public use, which includes not only the travel lanes but also any adjoining shoulders or other elements that are part of the roadway infrastructure.

It's important to specify that the term "publicly maintained" indicates that this definition pertains to roads which are cared for by governmental entities, as a distinction from private roads where width may not be defined in the same manner. This concept ensures clarity in understanding the limits and usability of the roadway in the context of traffic laws, safety regulations, and maintenance responsibilities.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately capture this definition. The distance between property boundaries, for instance, can vary significantly and may not reflect the usable width of the street for vehicular traffic. The total length of the road focuses solely on longitudinal measurement and fails to consider breadth. Distance from the road to the nearest traffic signal pertains to specific locations rather than the structural width of the roadway itself. Thus, the correct choice clearly aligns with the standardized definition used in traffic management and regulation.