Rhode Island Truck Following Distance
Rhode Island gives you no truck number. Follow no closer than reasonable and prudent, and, unusually, the statute tells you to leave room for a passing car when you're rolling through a business or residential district (R.I. Gen. Laws 31-15-12). There's no convoy foot-rule for trucks on the books. Tailgating is an $85 fine (31-41.1-4). The real yardstick is the CDL one-second-per-10-feet gap, 7-plus seconds for a loaded rig.
How much room Rhode Island makes you keep
Rhode Island gives you no truck number. Follow no closer than reasonable and prudent, and, unusually, the statute tells you to leave room for a passing car when you're rolling through a business or residential district (R.I. Gen. Laws 31-15-12). There's no convoy foot-rule for trucks on the books. Tailgating is an $85 fine (31-41.1-4). The real yardstick is the CDL one-second-per-10-feet gap, 7-plus seconds for a loaded rig.
The required distance
- Rule: Reasonable & prudent
- Gap: No fixed distance — reasonable and prudent; leave room for a passing car in a business or residential district
- Fine: $85 (R.I. Gen. Laws 31-41.1-4)
Rhode Island Following Distance FAQ
How much following distance must a truck keep in Rhode Island?
What is the required gap in Rhode Island?
What is the following-too-closely fine in Rhode Island?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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://webserver.rilegislature.gov/statutes/title31/31-15/31-15-12.HTM. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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