Illinois Truck Following Distance

No fixed feet. Illinois gives trucks no numbered gap. Out on the open road behind another truck, you leave enough room for a faster vehicle to pull in and pass (625 ILCS 5/11-710(b)), and it never stops you from passing. The rule that governs, and what a trooper cites for tailgating, is the general reasonable-and-prudent standard (11-710(a)): a petty offense, up to $1,000 plus fees, and three moving violations in 12 months can pull your license.

Truck ruleGap between trucks

Required gapNo fixed feet — behind another truck on the open road

FinePetty offense / moving violation: fine up to $1,000 plus mandatory fees and court costs; SOS assigns 25 points, and three moving-violation convictions in 12 months

Statute625 ILCS 5/11-710(a) (general reasonable-and-prudent standard); 625 ILCS 5/11-710(b) (truck convoy passing-gap rule)

01 The rule

How much room Illinois makes you keep

02 The gap

The required distance

Rule: Gap between trucks
Gap: No fixed feet — behind another truck on the open road (outside a business or residence district), leave sufficient space for an overtaking car to merge; the enforceable standard for everyone else is reasonable and prudent
Fine: Petty offense / moving violation: fine up to $1,000 plus mandatory fees and court costs; SOS assigns 25 points, and three moving-violation convictions in 12 months (two if under 21) suspends your license.

Illinois Following Distance FAQ

How much following distance must a truck keep in Illinois?

Illinois requires a gap between trucks in a line: No fixed feet — behind another truck on the open road (outside a business or residence district), leave sufficient space for an overtaking car to merge; the enforceable standard for everyone else is reasonable and prudent. No fixed feet.

What is the required gap in Illinois?

No fixed feet — behind another truck on the open road (outside a business or residence district), leave sufficient space for an overtaking car to merge; the enforceable standard for everyone else is reasonable and prudent

What is the following-too-closely fine in Illinois?

Petty offense / moving violation: fine up to $1,000 plus mandatory fees and court costs; SOS assigns 25 points, and three moving-violation convictions in 12 months (two if under 21) suspends your license.

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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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://ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/062500050K11-710.htm. See our Terms & Disclaimer.

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Illinois Truck Following Distance

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Illinois Following Distance FAQ

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