You drive an 11-metre combination and do not intend to overtake the vehicle ahead. Outside tunnels and without congested traffic preventing overtaking, on which of these roads does Article 54 require a minimum gap of 50 metres?

Correct answer

On a road outside a built-up area with one lane each way where overtaking is not prohibited.

The minimum 50-metre gap is required on the road outside a built-up area with one lane each way where overtaking is not prohibited. If you do not intend to overtake, Article 54 applies to vehicles over 3,500 kg maximum authorised mass and vehicles or combinations over 10 metres long: meeting either criterion is sufficient. Exceptions include built-up areas, prohibited overtaking, more than one lane in the same direction and congestion preventing overtaking. Always keep enough distance to stop without a collision, which may exceed 50 metres. Tunnels have specific rules.