New Mexico Truck Following Distance
300 feet, the one hard number in this batch. Behind another truck, or a rig towing, outside a business or residence district, stay back at least 300 feet (NMSA 66-7-318(B)); you may still close up to pass. It does not apply in town or behind a car. The caravan rule (66-7-318(C)) carries its own 300 feet and is what exempts funeral processions, escort vehicles and non-lead platoon vehicles. Behind a car the rule is reasonable and prudent (66-7-318(A)). Following too closely is a $25 penalty assessment (66-8-116), and a work zone does not double it; only speeding doubles in a posted double fine zone.
How much room New Mexico makes you keep
300 feet, the one hard number in this batch. Behind another truck, or a rig towing, outside a business or residence district, stay back at least 300 feet (NMSA 66-7-318(B)); you may still close up to pass. It does not apply in town or behind a car. The caravan rule (66-7-318(C)) carries its own 300 feet and is what exempts funeral processions, escort vehicles and non-lead platoon vehicles. Behind a car the rule is reasonable and prudent (66-7-318(A)). Following too closely is a $25 penalty assessment (66-8-116), and a work zone does not double it; only speeding doubles in a posted double fine zone.
The required distance
- Rule: Fixed truck gap
- Gap: 300 feet behind another truck outside a business or residence district; otherwise reasonable and prudent
- Fine: Penalty assessment, $25 fine (NMSA 66-8-116), plus MVD points. A work zone does not double it; only the speeding assessment doubles in a posted double fine zone (66-8-116(D)).
New Mexico Following Distance FAQ
How much following distance must a truck keep in New Mexico?
What is the required gap in New Mexico?
What is the following-too-closely fine in New Mexico?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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://law.justia.com/codes/new-mexico/chapter-66/article-7/part-4/section-66-7-318/. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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