Transportation Code · §545.062

Following Distance

Following Distance (§545.062): key points and worked practice questions for Texas peace officer exam preparation.

Key points

  • Maintain an assured clear distance so the operator can safely stop without colliding with the vehicle ahead or veering into other traffic
  • Considering speed of vehicles, traffic, and highway condition

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Worked examples

Worked example 1

Under §545.062 (following too closely), a driver:

  1. May follow at any distance the driver thinks is safe
  2. May not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent considering speed, traffic, and the highway condition Correct
  3. Must always maintain 4 seconds following distance
  4. Must follow at least 2 car lengths
Why: Subjective standard: 'reasonable and prudent.' Often charged in rear-end collisions. A driver of a truck or vehicle towing another must leave additional space for overtaking traffic. Grading: misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $1 to $200 (Transp. Code §542.401; §545.062 sets no separate penalty).
Statute: Tex. Transp. Code §545.062

Statutory definitions for this topic

Following too closely Tex. Transp. Code §545.062
Following another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent considering speed, traffic, and the highway condition. Subjective standard; commonly charged in rear-end collisions.