A driver cannot follow another vehicle too closely. They need to leave enough space based on how fast they are going and what the road is like. A group of vehicles driving together in a line (not a funeral or parade) must leave enough space between them so other vehicles can safely pass. Breaking this rule is a class C misdemeanor.
Classifications stated in the statute. Actual outcomes vary.
304.017. Distance at which vehicle must follow, . — 1. The driver of a vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonably safe and , having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon and the condition of the . Vehicles being driven upon any roadway outside of a business or in a or , whether or not towing other vehicles, shall be so operated, except in a funeral procession or in a parade, so as to allow sufficient space between each such vehicle or combination of vehicles as to enable any other vehicle to or pass such vehicles in safety. This section shall in no manner affect section 304.044 relating to distance between trucks traveling on the .
2. Violation of this section shall be a .
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Source & history notes
(L. 1953 p. 587 § 304.020, A.L. 1980 H.B. 1368, A.L. 1996 H.B. 1047) (1959) This section does not apply to trucks or buses governed by § 303.044 so that if safe and prudent following distance rule is applicable to the operation of trucks it is by virtue of a common law duty and not by this section. Thebeau v. Thebeau (Mo.), 324 S.W.2d 674. (1960) Plaintiff struck by car while replacing damaged tire in truck parked on right edge of four-lane highway while tire was being replaced held entitled to allege and submit question as to whether vehicle which struck him was following another vehicle more closely than was reasonably safe and prudent. Binion v. Armentrout (Mo.), 333 S.W.2d 87. (1965) Where plaintiff had testified that he had been stopped behind school bus for about five seconds before being struck from behind, his testimony does not preclude submission of case on defendant's violation of this section. Sundermeyer v. Lentz (Mo.), 386 S.W.2d 16.
Related Missouri laws
Passing regulations
RSMo 304.016
Drive on right of highway
RSMo 304.015
Hand and mechanical signals, violations, penalty
RSMo 304.019
Rules of the road to be observed
RSMo 304.014
All-terrain vehicles, prohibited on highways, rivers or streams of this state, exceptions, operational requirements
RSMo 304.013
Motorists to exercise highest degree of care
RSMo 304.012
Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.