Yes, it is possible to get a ticket for following too close to another vehicle. This is known as “tailgating” and is illegal in all 50 states. Tailgating is dangerous as it increases the risk of rear-end collisions. If you are driving too close to the vehicle in front of you, a police officer can pull you over and issue a traffic citation.
What is the Law on Following Distance?
Most states require drivers to follow at a “reasonable and prudent” distance that allows them to safely stop in time if the vehicle ahead makes a sudden stop. However, some states specify a minimum following distance in their traffic laws. For example, in California, the minimum following distance is 3 seconds. This means you should stay at least 3 seconds behind the vehicle ahead when driving under normal conditions.
To gauge your following distance:
- Pick a fixed object like a sign or tree ahead of the vehicle you are following.
- When the rear bumper of the vehicle ahead passes the object, start counting “one-one thousand, two-one thousand, three-one thousand.”
- If you reach the object before counting to 3, you are following too closely.
The minimum following distance may need to be increased if driving conditions are not ideal, like in bad weather, heavy traffic, or poor visibility. Most states recommend adding 1 or more seconds to your following distance in these situations.
Why is Tailgating Dangerous?
Tailgating is extremely dangerous because it does not allow enough time or space to react and stop if necessary. At highway speeds, you should keep a minimum 4-5 second following distance from the vehicle ahead.
Some key risks of tailgating include:
- Not enough time to brake – At just 30 mph, a car travels 44 feet per second. That’s not enough time to react and brake if the vehicle ahead stops suddenly.
- Magnified impact – Tailgating dramatically increases the severity of a rear-end collision due to the force of the initial impact.
- Difficulty seeing ahead – Tailgating obscures your view of the road ahead, preventing you from seeing hazards and reacting in time.
- Triggering chain reaction crashes – Tailgating can lead to multi-vehicle pileups if vehicles behind you cannot stop in time.
When Can You Get a Ticket for Tailgating?
Police officers can pull over and issue citations to drivers who follow too closely. Some common situations when tailgating tickets are given include:
- If an officer observes you driving dangerously close to the vehicle ahead.
- If you are involved in a rear-end collision – the investigating officer will likely cite the tailgating driver.
- If another driver calls to report a tailgater.
In most states, tailgating is considered a moving violation. Fines vary by jurisdiction but can range from $50 to several hundred dollars. Tailgating may also lead to points assessed against your driver’s license. Getting multiple citations for tailgating or having it contribute to an accident can also increase your car insurance rates.
Legal Defenses Against a Tailgating Ticket
There are a few legal defenses you can raise to fight a tailgating citation:
- Unsafe sudden stop: Argue the vehicle ahead made an abrupt, unpredictable stop that did not allow enough time to react safely.
- Adverse conditions: Explain poor weather or traffic conditions made it difficult to maintain a safe distance.
- Miscalculated distance: Demonstrate you had a reasonable following distance but misjudged it.
- Wrong vehicle identified: Provide proof you were not the vehicle tailgating if police pulled over the wrong car.
The success of these defenses will depend on the specific circumstances of the traffic stop and citation. Having objective evidence like dashcam footage can help strengthen your case.
How to Avoid a Tailgating Ticket
Here are some tips to ensure you maintain a safe following distance and avoid getting cited for tailgating:
- Use the 3-second rule as minimum under good conditions.
- Add 1+ seconds for inclement weather, traffic, or impaired visibility.
- Increase your following distance at higher speeds.
- Focus on the vehicle ahead and resist distractions.
- Be prepared to brake early and gradually.
- Don’t let frustration or aggression impact your driving.
- Allow extra space around large vehicles that block your view.
- Set your cruise control to avoid creeping up on vehicles.
Conclusion
Tailgating is an extremely negligent behavior that puts all motorists at risk. Failing to leave adequate braking room between vehicles commonly leads to rear-end crashes. Police take this violation seriously and will not hesitate to stop and ticket tailgaters. To avoid both danger and fines, every driver should learn proper following distances and make a habit of maintaining them.