When are you allowed to follow closer than the normal limit while driving a bus or truck?

Following closer than the normal limit while driving a bus or truck is permitted in a business or residential district or when passing. In these situations, traffic conditions often require a driver to maintain closer proximity to the vehicle in front to navigate safely and effectively.

In business or residential districts, where traffic tends to be more congested and access points such as driveways and side streets are frequent, maintaining a closer following distance can help in making quicker stops or adjusting speed effectively to accommodate the flow of traffic.

When passing, especially on the highway, a driver may need to get closer temporarily to safely maneuver around the vehicle being overtaken, while still ensuring that there's enough space for both vehicles to operate safely.

In contrast, following closer in a rural area may not be necessary or safe due to typically less traffic. Inclement weather generally requires an increased following distance to ensure adequate reaction time. Traveling with a convoy might imply more vehicles on the road, also necessitating a more cautious approach in maintaining safe following distances. Therefore, the guidelines for distance are adjusted according to specific conditions and environments, making the business or residential districts and passing situations exceptions to the general rule.