You drive a lorry with MAM above 3,500 kg behind a bus, outside built-up areas and tunnels, on a conventional road with one lane each way where overtaking is permitted and traffic is not saturated. You do not signal an intention to overtake. In addition to enough distance to stop without collision, what minimum gap does Article 54(2) require?

Correct answer

50 metres, without reducing the stopping gap needed for safety.

At least 50 metres in this case, to help a following vehicle overtake safely. Also maintain enough stopping distance to avoid a collision if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly; this may require more than 50 metres depending on speed, grip and braking. The additional Article 54(2) gap is not required in built-up areas, where overtaking is prohibited, with more than one lane in your direction, or when traffic is too saturated for overtaking. Tunnels have specific rules.