Washington Truck Following Distance
No fixed feet. Washington's truck rule is a convoy rule: on the open road outside a city, when you're behind another big truck, leave room for a passing car to merge (RCW 46.61.145(2)). It never blocks passing. Everywhere else - behind a car, in town, in traffic - the ticket is the general 'reasonable and prudent' standard (RCW 46.61.145(1)), an infraction around $136. Run the CDL 7-plus seconds; a trooper's judgment measures your gap, not the statute.
How much room Washington makes you keep
No fixed feet. Washington's truck rule is a convoy rule: on the open road outside a city, when you're behind another big truck, leave room for a passing car to merge (RCW 46.61.145(2)). It never blocks passing. Everywhere else - behind a car, in town, in traffic - the ticket is the general 'reasonable and prudent' standard (RCW 46.61.145(1)), an infraction around $136. Run the CDL 7-plus seconds; a trooper's judgment measures your gap, not the statute.
The required distance
- Rule: Gap between trucks
- Gap: Sufficient space for a passing car to merge, on a road outside a business or residence district and behind another truck - no fixed feet.
- Fine: Traffic infraction, around $136 before added court fees and assessments; an extra, non-waivable fine applies if the vehicle you followed was a vulnerable road user (RCW 46.61.145(4)).
Washington Following Distance FAQ
How much following distance must a truck keep in Washington?
What is the required gap in Washington?
What is the following-too-closely fine in Washington?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.61.145. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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