South Dakota Truck Following Distance
No set distance for you. On the open road behind another truck or a combination, leave a hole big enough for a faster vehicle to pass and pull back in — 'sufficient space' (SDCL 32-26-41). Behind a car or in town it's the general reasonable-and-prudent rule (SDCL 32-26-40), and that's the tailgating charge. Both are Class 2 misdemeanors, up to $500. Troopers write the general statute; the convoy line is a rarely-cited platoon-buster.
How much room South Dakota makes you keep
No set distance for you. On the open road behind another truck or a combination, leave a hole big enough for a faster vehicle to pass and pull back in — 'sufficient space' (SDCL 32-26-41). Behind a car or in town it's the general reasonable-and-prudent rule (SDCL 32-26-40), and that's the tailgating charge. Both are Class 2 misdemeanors, up to $500. Troopers write the general statute; the convoy line is a rarely-cited platoon-buster.
The required distance
- Rule: Gap between trucks
- Gap: Sufficient space for a passing vehicle to merge — behind another truck outside a business or residence district; no fixed feet. Otherwise reasonable and prudent.
- Fine: Class 2 misdemeanor (SDCL 22-6-2): up to 30 days in jail and/or up to $500. In practice it's a scheduled-fine ticket, not jail time.
South Dakota Following Distance FAQ
How much following distance must a truck keep in South Dakota?
What is the required gap in South Dakota?
What is the following-too-closely fine in South Dakota?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/32-26. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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