New Hampshire Truck Following Distance
No fixed feet in New Hampshire. The truck line in RSA 265:25 is a convoy rule: behind another truck or a rig towing a trailer, out past the city line, leave a hole so a faster car can pass and pull in. Passing is still allowed. Behind a car or in town, what governs is the reasonable-and-prudent standard, and that's the tailgating ticket: about $124 for a first offense. Run the CDL 7-second gap.
How much room New Hampshire makes you keep
No fixed feet in New Hampshire. The truck line in RSA 265:25 is a convoy rule: behind another truck or a rig towing a trailer, out past the city line, leave a hole so a faster car can pass and pull in. Passing is still allowed. Behind a car or in town, what governs is the reasonable-and-prudent standard, and that's the tailgating ticket: about $124 for a first offense. Run the CDL 7-second gap.
The required distance
- Rule: Gap between trucks
- Gap: Sufficient space for a passing car to merge when you're behind another truck or combination outside a business or residence district — no fixed feet
- Fine: $124 for a first offense (statutory fine $100), plus points (RSA 265:25)
New Hampshire Following Distance FAQ
How much following distance must a truck keep in New Hampshire?
What is the required gap in New Hampshire?
What is the following-too-closely fine in New Hampshire?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/XXI/265/265-25.htm. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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