Minnesota Truck Following Distance
500 feet, and Minnesota means it broadly: a truck, bus, or any rig towing must not follow within 500 feet of ANY vehicle out on the open road, not just another truck (Minn. Stat. § 169.18, subd. 8(b)). In town or in traffic it's reasonable and prudent (subd. 8(a)). Passing is allowed, approved platoons are exempt, and designated truck lanes don't count. It's a petty misdemeanor; a routine payable runs around $140.
How much room Minnesota makes you keep
500 feet, and Minnesota means it broadly: a truck, bus, or any rig towing must not follow within 500 feet of ANY vehicle out on the open road, not just another truck (Minn. Stat. § 169.18, subd. 8(b)). In town or in traffic it's reasonable and prudent (subd. 8(a)). Passing is allowed, approved platoons are exempt, and designated truck lanes don't count. It's a petty misdemeanor; a routine payable runs around $140.
The required distance
- Rule: Fixed truck gap
- Gap: 500 feet behind ANY vehicle out on the open road for trucks, buses, and rigs towing (Minn. Stat. § 169.18, subd. 8(b)) — not just behind another truck. In town, reasonable and prudent.
- Fine: Petty misdemeanor (Minn. Stat. § 169.89) — no jail, statutory max $300. A routine following-too-closely citation is payable and runs roughly $140 with the state surcharge.
Minnesota Following Distance FAQ
How much following distance must a truck keep in Minnesota?
What is the required gap in Minnesota?
What is the following-too-closely fine in Minnesota?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/169.18. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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