§ 21704 Slow Vehicle Following Distance

Vehicle Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law says slow-moving vehicles on certain roads must stay at least 300 feet apart from each other.

Key Takeaways

•Slow vehicles (like tractors) must keep 300 feet apart on certain roads.
•This rule doesn’t apply if passing or on roads with multiple lanes.
•It only applies outside of business or home areas.

Example

A farmer driving a slow tractor on a rural road sees another tractor ahead.

The farmer must stay at least 300 feet behind the other tractor unless passing or on a multi-lane road.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 21704 Slow Vehicle Following Distance

(a) The driver of any motor vehicle subject to the speed restriction of Section 22406 that is operated outside of a business or residence district, shall keep the vehicle he is driving at a distance of not less than 300 feet to the rear of any other motor vehicle subject to such speed restriction which is preceding it. (b) The provisions of this section shall not prevent overtaking and passing nor shall they apply upon a highway with two or more lanes for traffic in the direction of travel. (Amended by Stats. 1969, Ch. 226.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

motor vehicle speed restriction 300 feet business or residence district overtaking and passing highway with two or more lanes

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Vehicle Code. Section 21704.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References