When driving a bus whose total length exceeds 10 meters, is there a regulatory obligation to keep a minimum safety distance of 50 meters from the vehicle ahead?

Question

DentroTest · Accepted Answer

According to the General Traffic Regulations (Article 54(2)), vehicles whose maximum authorized mass (MAM) is above 3,500 kg and vehicles or combined vehicles whose total length exceeds 10 meters are required to keep a minimum separation of 50 meters from the vehicle ahead when driving with no intention of overtaking. The main purpose of this extra distance is to allow a faster vehicle behind to pull in between and overtake in complete safety. This requirement does not apply in built-up areas, on sections where overtaking is prohibited, on roadways with more than one lane in the same direction, or when traffic is so congested that it does not allow overtaking (Article 54(3)). That is why, as a general rule, the obligation exists for a bus of more than 10 meters; it is not enough to keep only the distance needed to avoid a collision, and it does not apply only on roads with two or more lanes in the same direction, which is precisely where it does not apply.

When driving a bus whose total length exceeds 10 meters, is there a regulatory obligation to keep a minimum safety distance of 50 meters from the vehicle ahead?

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