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, behind a car, or to escort vehicles and funeral processions. Behind a car the rule is reasonable and prudent (66-7-318(A)). Following too closely is a $25 penalty assessment, doubled in a highway work 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, behind a car, or to escort vehicles and funeral processions. Behind a car the rule is reasonable and prudent (66-7-318(A)). Following too closely is a $25 penalty assessment, doubled in a highway work 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 (doubled in an interstate or state-highway work zone), plus MVD points
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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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