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DMV Permit · General

The 3-second following distance rule — how do you apply it?

Correct answer

Choose a fixed object ahead (sign, tree, overpass); when the vehicle in front passes it, begin counting seconds; your vehicle should not reach the same object until you have counted at least 3 seconds — if less than 3, you are following too closely

  1. A Count to 3 before accelerating from a stop
  2. B Choose a fixed object ahead (sign, tree, overpass); when the vehicle in front passes it, begin counting seconds; your vehicle should not reach the same object until you have counted at least 3 seconds — if less than 3, you are following too closely
  3. C Follow 3 car lengths behind
  4. D Count 3 seconds while changing lanes

Why this is the answer

3-SECOND FOLLOWING DISTANCE TEST: PROCEDURE: Pick a fixed roadside marker (sign, overpass, line on road) when it's dry, light conditions at normal speed; Note when the rear of the vehicle ahead passes it; Count 'one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three' at a steady rate; Your front bumper should not reach the marker until you finish counting; If you reach it sooner, you are following too closely; ADJUST FOR CONDITIONS: Wet road: 4-5 seconds; Snow/ice: 6-10 seconds; Night or fog: 4 seconds; Towing a trailer: add 1-2 seconds; Following a large truck: add 1-2 seconds (they stop faster but you can't see past them); Heavy traffic: give more space even if others don't — it gives you time to react and prevents rear-ending the vehicle ahead if traffic suddenly stops.
Source: DMV Rules of the Road — 3-Second Following Distance

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