From what length of a vehicle combination must you keep a sufficient distance from the vehicle in front outside the built-up area to allow an overtaking vehicle to file in?

If you are driving a vehicle combination (like a car with a trailer or a truck with a trailer) that is longer than 7 meters, German traffic law requires you to keep enough distance from the vehicle in front of you when outside built-up areas. This distance must be large enough so that a vehicle overtaking you can safely move into the gap. This rule is designed to improve traffic flow and safety on highways and country roads by making overtaking maneuvers safer for all road users. It applies specifically when your vehicle combination is longer than 7 meters. Vehicles shorter than this do not have this specific requirement. Knowing this rule helps you maintain proper distance and ensures that overtaking vehicles have room to merge back safely.