What are no zones?

A truck typically has four no zones. They’re located directly in front of, behind, and on each side of a semi.

This spot can stretch up to 20 feet in front of a semi’s front bumper.

This zone extends at least 30 feet behind a semi-truck, but it can be longer depending on a truck’s specific size and shape.

This zone is located on the truck driver’s side. It starts at about the truck’s side mirror and extends out at an angle for one lane, and back to about midway through the truck’s trailer.

This zone is on the truck’s passenger side, starting at about the truck’s side mirror. It stretches out at an angle for about two lanes and back past the truck’s rear wheels.

If you’re not sure whether you’re in a no zone, a good rule of thumb is to look for the truck driver’s face in their side mirrors. If you can see their face, they can likely see you. If you can’t see their face, you’re probably in a no zone—and you should try to safely get back in their line of sight.

Here are some more general safety tips:

• Don’t cut too closely in front of a truck. You’ll likely enter the front no-zone and the truck driver won’t be able to see you. This could cause an accident if you need to come to an abrupt stop.

• Give trucks plenty of room and time to turn. Trucks also have a blind spot on their passenger’s side when they’re turning, particularly when they’re turning right. You don’t want to get caught between the truck and the curb.

• Pass trucks safely. Don’t linger in a no zone. If possible, pass on the truck’s left side as it has the smallest no zone.

• Use turn signals early. This can give the truck driver a fair warning that you’ll be switching lanes or slowing down to turn.

• Be extra cautious when merging next to a truck. You’ll likely be merging right into a no zone.

Learn more about the different types of trucking accidents—many of which could be caused by being a truck’s no zone.