Kentucky Truck Following Distance
250 feet. A motor truck, semi, bus, or heavy-equipment unit can't follow within 250 feet of another one of those heavy vehicles outside a business or residential district (KRS 189.340) — and it's a flat ban, stricter than the softer 'just leave room to pass' rule most states use. It doesn't apply on a lane specially designated for trucks or heavy equipment, never stops you from passing, and drops the trailing platoon truck. In town or in traffic the rule is reasonable and prudent. Expect 4 points.
How much room Kentucky makes you keep
250 feet. A motor truck, semi, bus, or heavy-equipment unit can't follow within 250 feet of another one of those heavy vehicles outside a business or residential district (KRS 189.340) — and it's a flat ban, stricter than the softer 'just leave room to pass' rule most states use. It doesn't apply on a lane specially designated for trucks or heavy equipment, never stops you from passing, and drops the trailing platoon truck. In town or in traffic the rule is reasonable and prudent. Expect 4 points.
The required distance
- Rule: Fixed truck gap
- Gap: 250 feet behind another truck, bus, or heavy-equipment unit, outside a business or residential district (binds motor trucks, semitrailer trucks, buses, and heavy construction equipment units when following another such heavy vehicle — not ordinary cars)
- Fine: 4 points on your license, plus fine and court costs (KRS 189.340; penalties under KRS 189.990)
Kentucky Following Distance FAQ
How much following distance must a truck keep in Kentucky?
What is the required gap in Kentucky?
What is the following-too-closely fine in Kentucky?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=55539. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
More for Kentucky
Check Kentucky before you roll
Live weather, closures, and hazards on one map. Free, no account.
Open Live Map →