When stopped behind another vehicle, what should you be able to see?

When stopped behind another vehicle, being able to see the rear tires plus some pavement is vital for maintaining a safe following distance. This position allows you to have a clear view of the space in front of the vehicle, which is important for reacting promptly if the vehicle in front of you begins to move or if any sudden changes occur. It also helps you gauge the distance to the vehicle ahead, allowing for enough stopping space to avoid collisions in case of an emergency.

Seeing just the license plate or the brake lights does not provide adequate information regarding your distance from the vehicle, and focusing solely on the rear tires or the entire vehicle without the pavement may limit your awareness of your positioning relative to the road and traffic conditions. Therefore, the requirement to see the rear tires plus some pavement integrates the need for safety, visibility, and proper distance management on the road.