Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license charges. *Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.
Driving safety guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
Sharing the Road with Tractor-Trailers
Big rigs need more room to stop, more room to turn and have blind spots large enough to hide a car. Here is what the Indiana BMV Driver's Manual says about driving safely around tractor-trailers.
400+ feeta fully loaded tractor-trailer with hot brakes may need to stop (Indiana BMV)
130-140 feetan average car needs to stop at 55 mph (Indiana BMV)
Up to 20 feetblind spot in front of the cab (Indiana BMV)
Up to 200 feetblind spot behind the trailer (Indiana BMV)
The short answer
Stay out of a truck's blind spots, pass completely on the left without lingering, never cut in front of a truck or stop suddenly ahead of it, and leave room when it turns. If you are following a truck and cannot see its rearview mirrors, the driver cannot see you.
A truck needs far more room to stop
The BMV manual says a tractor-trailer will take longer to stop than a car traveling at the same speed, so you should not make a sudden lane change or stop in front of one:
| Vehicle | Approximate distance to stop |
|---|---|
| Average passenger car at 55 mph | About 130 to 140 feet, about half the length of a football field |
| Fully loaded tractor-trailer with hot brakes | More than 400 feet, more than the length of a football field |
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation (sharing the road with tractor-trailers), read November 3, 2026.
Truck blind spots (no-zones)
Many drivers falsely assume a tractor-trailer driver can see the road better because they sit twice as high as the driver of a car. The BMV manual says truck drivers do have a better forward view and bigger mirrors, but they still have serious blind spots in which a car can completely disappear from view.
Those blind spots are up to 20 feet in front of the cab, on either side of the trailer, alongside the cab, and up to 200 feet behind the vehicle. Drivers lingering in the blind spots on the sides and in the rear hinder a truck driver's ability to take evasive action to avoid a dangerous situation.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation, read November 3, 2026.
Give trucks room to turn
With any turning vehicle, the rear wheels follow a shorter path than the front wheels, and the longer the vehicle, the greater the difference. Tractor-trailer drivers often swing out as the first step in making a tight turn.
When following a tractor-trailer, watch its turn signals before trying to pass, especially on the right. If the truck appears to be moving to the left, wait a moment, check which way the driver is signaling and watch for a right turn.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation, read November 3, 2026.
Why trucks drive the way they do
Tractor-trailers are designed to carry products long distances and are not as maneuverable as cars. The BMV manual says they weigh more, have longer stopping and accelerating distances and have a wider turning radius.
On multi-lane highways, tractor-trailers stay in the center lane to help the flow of local traffic on and off the highway. The middle lane also gives the driver more options to switch lanes to avoid a dangerous situation or a crash. For entering highway traffic, see our guide on how to merge onto a highway.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation, read November 3, 2026.
Tips for sharing the road with tractor-trailers
The BMV manual lists these tips:
Do not cut in front
Cutting into the open space in front of a truck removes the driver's cushion of safety. Slow down and exit behind it; it only takes a few extra seconds.
Do not race to a merge
Trying to beat a tractor-trailer to a single-lane construction zone creates a particularly dangerous situation.
Pass completely, on the left
Do not linger alongside a truck when passing. Lingering makes it impossible for the driver to take evasive action if an obstacle appears ahead.
Do not tailgate
If you cannot see the driver's rearview mirrors, the driver cannot see you, and if the truck hits something in the road you will have no time to react.
Respect size and speed
Because of its size, a tractor-trailer often appears to be traveling slower than it is. A substantial number of car-truck collisions happen at intersections because the car's driver did not realize how close the truck was or how quickly it was approaching.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation, read November 3, 2026.
Indiana size and weight limits without a permit
The BMV manual lists the maximums for any vehicle operated without a special permit:
| Measure | Maximum without a special permit |
|---|---|
| Width | 8 feet, 6 inches |
| Height | 13 feet, 6 inches |
| Weight | 80,000 lbs |
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation, read November 3, 2026. Oversize or overweight moves need a permit.
Keep your brakes and tires ready
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 3, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Sharing the road with trucks FAQ
Where are a tractor-trailer's blind spots?
The Indiana BMV Driver's Manual says a tractor-trailer driver's blind spots are up to 20 feet in front of the cab, on either side of the trailer, alongside the cab, and up to 200 feet behind the vehicle.
How can I tell if a truck driver can see me?
The BMV manual says that when you are following a tractor-trailer, if you cannot see the driver's rearview mirrors, the driver cannot see you.
How long does a semi take to stop?
The BMV manual says a fully loaded tractor-trailer with hot brakes may take more than 400 feet to come to a complete stop, compared with about 130 to 140 feet for an average passenger car at 55 mph.
Which side should I pass a truck on?
The BMV manual says to always pass a tractor-trailer completely and always on the left side, without lingering alongside it.
Why do trucks swing wide when turning?
With any turning vehicle, the rear wheels follow a shorter path than the front wheels, and the longer the vehicle, the greater the difference. Tractor-trailer drivers often swing out as the first step in making a tight turn.
Why do trucks stay in the middle lane?
The BMV manual says that on multi-lane highways, tractor-trailers stay in the center lane to help the flow of local traffic on and off the highway, and it gives the driver more options to switch lanes to avoid a dangerous situation.
What does The Works at Michigan City Ford include?
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Book a routine checkup
Book The Works, which includes a brake inspection, tire rotation and pressure check, and battery test, at Michigan City Ford.
Sources
Tractor-trailer guidance and size limits are from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Driver's Manual, read November 3, 2026. Laws change; this page is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation (sharing the road with tractor-trailers), Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, PDF modified July 7, 2026, read November 3, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 3, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 3, 2026