A lorry over 3,500 kg MAM follows another vehicle without signalling an intention to overtake. In which situation does the additional minimum 50-metre gap apply to allow a following vehicle to overtake?

Correct answer

On a road outside a built-up area with one lane per direction, overtaking permitted and no congestion preventing it.

On a road outside a built-up area with one lane in each direction, where overtaking is permitted and traffic is not too congested to allow it. Article 54 requires this additional minimum for vehicles over 3,500 kg MAM and vehicles or combinations longer than 10 metres. It does not apply in built-up areas, where overtaking is prohibited, where more than one lane serves the same direction, or where congestion prevents overtaking. In every case retain enough stopping distance to avoid a collision if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly; that distance can exceed 50 metres.