Massachusetts Truck Following Distance
200 feet, but only in one narrow spot: a slow-moving commercial vehicle behind another slow-moving commercial vehicle, on a two-way road under 27 feet wide, outside a business or residential district (720 CMR 9.06(8)). It never stops you from passing, and it skips funerals and lawful processions. Everywhere else Massachusetts gives you no number, just follow no closer than reasonable and prudent (720 CMR 9.06(7); the Turnpike mirrors it at 730 CMR 7.08(15)). The citation carries only a token fine, around $20, but it's a surchargeable moving violation, so the real hit is your insurance and an at-fault mark after a rear-ender. Hold the CDL 7-second gap. A loaded rig needs it.
A detail here is flagged medium confidence — confirm with the state statute before you rely on it.
How much room Massachusetts makes you keep
200 feet, but only in one narrow spot: a slow-moving commercial vehicle behind another slow-moving commercial vehicle, on a two-way road under 27 feet wide, outside a business or residential district (720 CMR 9.06(8)). It never stops you from passing, and it skips funerals and lawful processions. Everywhere else Massachusetts gives you no number, just follow no closer than reasonable and prudent (720 CMR 9.06(7); the Turnpike mirrors it at 730 CMR 7.08(15)). The citation carries only a token fine, around $20, but it's a surchargeable moving violation, so the real hit is your insurance and an at-fault mark after a rear-ender. Hold the CDL 7-second gap. A loaded rig needs it.
The required distance
- Rule: Fixed truck gap
- Gap: 200 feet behind another slow-moving commercial vehicle, on a two-way road less than 27 feet wide outside a business or residential district (720 CMR 9.06(8)); it never bars passing, and reasonable and prudent governs everywhere else.
- Fine: About a $20 civil fine, but it is a surchargeable moving violation, so the real cost is the insurance surcharge and an at-fault mark (720 CMR 9.06(7))
Massachusetts Following Distance FAQ
How much following distance must a truck keep in Massachusetts?
What is the required gap in Massachusetts?
What is the following-too-closely fine in Massachusetts?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/massachusetts/720-CMR-9-06. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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