Georgia Truck Following Distance
No fixed number in Georgia. Behind another truck out on the open road (outside a business or residential district), you just have to leave enough room for a car to pass and pull in (O.C.G.A. 40-6-49(b)) — it never stops you from passing, and non-lead platoon trucks are exempt. Everywhere else, tailgating is judged by the general reasonable-and-prudent rule (40-6-49(a)). It's a misdemeanor and 3 points.
How much room Georgia makes you keep
No fixed number in Georgia. Behind another truck out on the open road (outside a business or residential district), you just have to leave enough room for a car to pass and pull in (O.C.G.A. 40-6-49(b)) — it never stops you from passing, and non-lead platoon trucks are exempt. Everywhere else, tailgating is judged by the general reasonable-and-prudent rule (40-6-49(a)). It's a misdemeanor and 3 points.
The required distance
- Rule: Gap between trucks
- Gap: sufficient space for a passing car to merge — no fixed feet (truck or combination behind another truck or combination, outside a business or residential district)
- Fine: Misdemeanor; 3 points on your record (Georgia DDS); fine set by the court (O.C.G.A. 40-6-49)
Georgia Following Distance FAQ
How much following distance must a truck keep in Georgia?
What is the required gap in Georgia?
What is the following-too-closely fine in Georgia?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://codes.findlaw.com/ga/title-40-motor-vehicles-and-traffic/ga-code-sect-40-6-49/. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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