What is the standard following distance on highways?
4 Answers
When driving on highways, if the vehicle speed exceeds 100 kilometers per hour, the distance from the vehicle in front in the same lane should be maintained at more than 100 meters; when the speed is below 100 kilometers per hour, the distance from the vehicle in front can be appropriately reduced, but the minimum distance should not be less than 50 meters. When driving on highways under low visibility weather conditions such as fog, rain, snow, dust, or hail, the following regulations should be observed: When visibility is less than 200 meters, turn on the fog lights, low beam lights, clearance lights, and front and rear position lights. The speed should not exceed 60 kilometers per hour, and the distance from the vehicle in front in the same lane should be maintained at more than 100 meters. When visibility is less than 100 meters, turn on the fog lights, low beam lights, clearance lights, front and rear position lights, and hazard warning flashers. The speed should not exceed 40 kilometers per hour, and the distance from the vehicle in front in the same lane should be maintained at more than 50 meters. When visibility is less than 50 meters, turn on the fog lights, low beam lights, clearance lights, front and rear position lights, and hazard warning flashers. The speed should not exceed 20 kilometers per hour, and the vehicle should exit the highway at the nearest exit as soon as possible.
When driving on the highway, what I pay most attention to is the following distance, which is no trivial matter. Generally speaking, at speeds above 100 km/h, you should leave at least 100 meters of space, and at lower speeds, maintain about 50 meters. The safe distance varies with speed—the faster you go, the more room you should leave. I remember one time when the road was slippery from rain, the car in front braked suddenly, and thanks to leaving over 150 meters, I didn’t collide. An experienced driver once taught me a simple method to judge: when the car ahead passes a streetlight or road sign, count two seconds silently; if your car hasn’t reached that point by then, the distance is sufficient. When following large trucks, increase the distance even more—they brake slowly and are prone to dropping cargo. Even in traffic jams, don’t tailgate; leaving a buffer zone of three to four meters is essential.
China's traffic laws stipulate that the following distance on highways depends on speed: maintain over 100 meters when exceeding 100 km/h, and at least 50 meters when below 100 km/h. This standard is scientifically grounded, considering human reaction time and braking distance. In practice, many drivers fail to comply, especially when speeding. I recommend beginners use the simplest method: pick a reference point, such as when the leading car passes a road sign, start counting 'one thousand one, one thousand two'—if you haven't reached that spot by the time you finish, you're at a safe distance. Modified cars require attention to altered braking performance, and abnormal tire pressure can also extend braking distance—these factors must be considered.
Only after experiencing the consequences on the highway do you truly understand the importance of maintaining a safe distance. Driving instructors teach the "100-meter rule at 100 km/h," but in reality, it's challenging to adhere to this in heavy traffic. My personal method is using the windshield as a gauge: for sedans, I ensure I can see the entire rear bumper within a three-second gap. In foggy or heavy rain conditions, I automatically double this distance, and I'm extra cautious with vehicles that have worn tire treads, as their braking distance increases. Once, while driving a friend's new energy vehicle, the regenerative braking system helped shorten the stopping distance, preventing a rear-end collision. After installing a dashcam and reviewing footage, I realized that maintaining a proper distance allows you to spot the brake lights of the car two vehicles ahead, giving you more time to react.
