A lorry above 3,500 kg MAM follows another vehicle outside a built-up area on a conventional road with one lane per direction, outside tunnels, where overtaking is allowed and traffic is not saturated. With no signalled intent to overtake or different separation sign, what additional minimum does the overtaking-facilitation rule require?

Correct answer

At least 50 metres, preserving any greater gap needed for safety.

At least 50 metres, in addition to the space needed to stop without collision after sudden braking. Leave more where safety conditions require it. Article 54.2 sets this minimum for MAM above 3,500 kg or total length above 10 metres. Paragraph 3 exempts built-up areas, prohibited overtaking, more than one lane per direction or traffic so saturated that overtaking is impossible. Tunnels and specific signs have other rules. This additional gap is neither a maximum nor a replacement for the safe following distance.