# MD012 - No Multiple Consecutive Blank Lines
This rule enforces that there are no consecutive blank lines in the document.
## Description
Multiple consecutive blank lines in a document can make it harder to read and maintain. This rule ensures that there is at most one blank line between blocks of content.
## Configuration
- `maximum`: Maximum number of consecutive blank lines allowed (default: 1)
## Examples
### Valid
```markdown
First paragraph
Second paragraph
Third paragraph
```
### Invalid
```markdown
First paragraph
Second paragraph
Third paragraph
```
### Fixed
```markdown
First paragraph
Second paragraph
Third paragraph
```
### Special Cases
- Blank lines at the start of the document are counted
- Blank lines at the end of the document are counted
- Lines containing only whitespace are considered blank
- Code blocks are treated as content and not checked for multiple blank lines
- Front matter blocks are ignored
## Related Rules
- MD009: No trailing spaces
- MD047: Files should end with a single newline character