The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) defines the four no-zones surrounding a truck as:
The front of the truck: The FMCSA recommends maintaining a 20-foot distance in the front of the truck.
The back of the truck: The FMCSA recommends maintaining a 30-foot distance behind the truck.
Both sides of the truck: The FMCSA recommends not riding alongside a truck but rather passing it quickly.
Many tractor-trailers have signs posted on the back of the trailer warning drivers that “If you cant see my mirrors, I cant see you.” This is a true statement, given that drivers rely on their side mirrors to maintain a safe distance. There are no rearview mirrors on trucks—something most drivers do not think about when they pass a large truck.