Columbia Distance from other vehicles ordinance (§ 14-242)
Chapter 14: Motor Vehicles and Traffic · Article IV. Operation
In short: Drivers may not follow another vehicle or cycle more closely than is reasonably safe, considering speed, traffic and road conditions. Outside business and residential districts, caravans and motorcades must leave enough space for others to pass safely, except funeral processions and authorized parades.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
The driver of a vehicle shall not follow another vehicle or cycle more closely than is reasonably safe and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle or cycle and the traffic upon and the condition of the roadway. Vehicles being driven upon any roadway outside of a business or residential district in a caravan or motorcade, whether or not towing other vehicles, shall be so operated, except in a funeral procession or in a duly authorized parade, so as to allow sufficient space between each such vehicle or combination of vehicles to enable any other vehicle or cycle to overtake or pass such vehicles in safety.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 14-242
Text from Supplement 139 (September 3, 2026).
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.