Kansas Truck Following Distance
No fixed feet for you. On the open road behind another truck or combination, leave enough space for a faster vehicle to pass and merge back in — 'sufficient space' (K.S.A. 8-1523(b)), and the same idea in a caravan (subsec. c). Behind a car or in town it's reasonable and prudent (8-1523(a)), and that's the tailgating ticket: a $75 traffic infraction (K.S.A. 8-2118), doubled in a work or school zone. Passing is expressly allowed.
How much room Kansas makes you keep
No fixed feet for you. On the open road behind another truck or combination, leave enough space for a faster vehicle to pass and merge back in — 'sufficient space' (K.S.A. 8-1523(b)), and the same idea in a caravan (subsec. c). Behind a car or in town it's reasonable and prudent (8-1523(a)), and that's the tailgating ticket: a $75 traffic infraction (K.S.A. 8-2118), doubled in a work or school zone. Passing is expressly allowed.
The required distance
- Rule: Gap between trucks
- Gap: Sufficient space for a passing vehicle to merge — behind another truck outside a business or residence district; no fixed feet. Otherwise reasonable and prudent.
- Fine: $75 traffic infraction on the statewide uniform fine schedule (K.S.A. 8-2118), plus court costs; doubled in a road-construction or school zone.
Kansas Following Distance FAQ
How much following distance must a truck keep in Kansas?
What is the required gap in Kansas?
What is the following-too-closely fine in Kansas?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch08/008_015_0023.html. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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