how to fight a following too closely ticket

Help me please, Gregory J Millers Avvo Top Contributor Badges, Personal Injury Lawyer in Cuttingsville, VT, Social Security & Disability Lawyers in Southfield, MI, This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in. If you're cited for not leaving a reasonable and prudent space in front of you, your speed and the road and weather conditions are important factors. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Nothing in these communications creates an attorney client relationship as each state that I am admitted has specific requirements for the establishment of an attorney client relationship. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions. Furthermore, the new car may have reduced speed while changing lanes, so the rear driver may need to slam on the brakes to avoid a crash. Disobey a Red Light If there's an option for traffic school to avoid points on your license you should take that opportunity. At any case, to avoid a direct collision since my tires were skidding, I swerved to avoid the car in front of me, but my tire still contacted the bumper of the vehicle in front. In such situations, this type of ticket is more defensible than when the police officer actually observes the offense. Bring proof that Not only is tailgating annoying to other drivers, but it's an infraction or a misdemeanor, depending on what state you live in. Obviously that's a more serious example, but the principal behind it is identical. Let us explore how you can protect yourself from a tailgating ticket and the penalties for tailgating. Violation of this code is commonly referred to as tailgating. When you go before a judge and explain what happened, many good things may occur. The minimum amount that you must pay each year is the annual assessment. Following too closely also known as a tailgating is the primary reason for rear-end collisions. Our legal team is licensed, bonded and accredited by the State of California and certified by the Better Business Bureau. How do I fight a no-accident non-speeding following too closely ticket? By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. You can also show up for your initial hearing, or arraignment, and inform the judge of your decision in person. Section 1129(a) of Vehicle And Traffic Law says this: A vehicle shall not follow another more closely than is reasonable and prudent having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway., which means you cant get too close when driving behind somebodys car, motorbike or behind cyclists. Even if the car you are watching is a friend or family member, you can still get a ticket. While most tickets add 2 or 3 points, tailgating tickets add 4 points to your license, so you know law enforcers take it very seriously. As an aside, be thankful that all you got was a following too closely ticket. For all he knows, I was following at an acceptable distance and checking my blindspot before making a lane change. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. .switcher .selected a:hover {background:#fff} It wasnt my fault and I wasnt following too closely but because they stomped on their breaks twice I was closer than what I was before. This seems pretty odd since he was obviously not there to witness the event. WebFor Virginia drivers, the penalties for a conviction of following too closely include a four-point demerit on your drivers license. Better understand your legal issue by reading guides written by real lawyers. Our legal team has a high success rate with more than 10,000 dismissals of all types of traffic tickets in the State of California since 2008. WebThe law is not to follow "more closely than reasonable or prudent." Depending on what state you live in, tailgating is an infraction or a misdemeanor. Following too closely, better known as tailgating, is a widespread practice across the country. Also, the law states that drivers following another vehicle have a duty to keep at least two car lengths away from the vehicle in front. We did not request an officer, but they insisted on sending one out. Anyone who is cited for following too closely should talk with a lawyer about what they can do to try to keep this black mark off of a driving record. In other situations, a car from another lane may cut between two cars that had left sufficient space between them. One or two care lengths at 40-50 mph is no where near reasonable regardless of the situation. In some states, the information on this website may be considered a lawyer referral service. WebFines. That is when you may get stopped by a police officer and receive a follow too closely or tailgating ticket. The benefits of a successful outcome are plentiful: no points, no fines and no need to appear in court. While the law seems simple and concise, many New York drivers need help understanding what is too close. They may even be sent to jail, pay fines and get points on their license that will affect them for years. TicketBust experts and their ticket fighting technology has helped ten of thousands of drivers in California fight and dismiss following too closely tickets without the need of going to court. Our team is made of world-renowned, experienced journalists who sign and abide to our strict rules and editorial ethics policy. A fine of up to $300 for a second offense. Getting four points would get you more than 1/3 of the way towards a suspension of your license under this rule. For example, under New York vehicle and traffic law, the number of points for speeding can range from 3 points to 11, depending on the speed in excess of the limit. Se habla Espaol (661) 349-9755. .switcher .option a:hover {background:#fff;} Se Habla Espaol Learn more about getting your ticket dismissed through trial by written declaration. Does Running A Red Light Affect Insurance? Let us take a look at what you might be charged with if you commit this moving violation and get caught. This paragraph shall not apply to any lane specially designated for use by trucks. Fail to Pay or Lost NY Ticket. Before the officer passed, I moved to the left side of my lane to see if it was clear to overtake. According to Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1129(a), it is illegal to follow too closely. Whether a driver violated a tailgating law is often subjective, so a good defense may consist of evidence that their driving was safe under the circumstances. Fighting it (I'd get a traffic attorney) can save you a lot of money down the line. Legally you are at fault for following too close whenever you rear end someone. The theory is that only a negligent driver would fail to leave sufficient space to drive safely and avoid a collision. WebBoth types of following too closely have the purpose of preventing accidents. .switcher {font-family:Arial;font-size:12pt;text-align:left;cursor:pointer;overflow:hidden;width:173px;line-height:17px;} Disobey Traffic Control Device Legal Disclaimer: Press J to jump to the feed. That is the exact reason you should fight a tailgating ticket because it is your word against the officers. Focus on the road Do not check your phone, change the radio or day dream. These more general laws can apply to activities like eating, putting on makeup, reading a newspaper, and the like. Then obviously you were following too closely to stop in time. If the front driver is driving too slowly, they may be ticketed for this violation, but this is not a defense to tailgating because the rear driver still is expected to act safely under the circumstances. The minimum amount that you must pay each year is the annual assessment. Several vehicles in front of me slammed on their brakes while approaching a cruiser parked in the median. Remember that your drivers license may be suspended if you get 11 points in 18 months. An officer who has issued a ticket based on a rear-end collision often did not witness the accident. Traffic Violations and Tickets It is possible that the officer not be present at the court hearing, which means your punishment for this infraction will be canceled out completely. Years licensed, work experience, education. If you are convicted of tailgating, you will have to pay a surcharge of $88 to $93. The proper distance between the front car and the rear car will depend on the speed of the cars. That doesn't mean you just have to pay the ticket however. NY Driver Responsibility Assessment Should you choose to fight the following too closely ticket in court (more on how to do that later), you could end up having the charges dismissed. Stop Sign Tickets If you receive more than 6 points on your driver record during a period of 18 months, the annual assessment is $25 for each point in addition to the original six points. Thats where this law can be tricky because from an officers vantage point it may appear that you are driving too closely to the vehicle in front of you while from your own view, you are following at a safe distance. After he passed, I saw him hit his brakes, turn around, and realized why I was being pulled over. Of course, most people know this as "tailgating." Obstructing Intersection They may have been called to the scene later and taken statements from witnesses. WebThe easiest way to do this is by ticking the not guilty box on your traffic citation and mailing it to the listed address. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Copyright 20082023 Ticket Snipers All Rights Reserved. According to Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1129(a), it is illegal to follow too closely. Is this ticket reasonably dismissable? You may also need to keep the driver responsibility assessment in mind. Hiring a traffic violation lawyer can be expensive, but it is your best bet to keep points off the record and avoid hefty fines. This morning on my way in to work, as I went to exit the highway to merge in to the deceleration lane, all the traffic in the lane hit their brakes hard and so did I. Post your question and get advice from multiple lawyers. You're responsible for maintaining a safe, collision-avoiding distance. If someone is tailgating you, you should do a few things: Since 1991, the traffic lawyers at Weiss & Associates, PC, have helped over 100,000 motorists in court. As a guideline, the rear driver should allow one car length between their car and the front car for every 10 mph of speed, or a greater distance if weather conditions are not optimal. Drive in the correct lane Recall slow traffic should be on the right lane! Its important that you talk with an attorney as soon as possible as you have only a limited amount of time to respond to your traffic ticket and you do not want to take a chance on being found guilty of a moving violation and facing the consequences that can result. Get a letter from your company that they have paid the claims. I In this situation, your insurance company will also not increase your premiums. There is no specific, measured distance a driver must leave between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them, making the tailgating law even more enigmatic. As I was driving (not following too close at all) I saw a few cars in front of me slam on their breaks. 9th Floor Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, following another vehicle more closely than is "reasonable and prudent" under the current circumstances, or. If you have a clean driving record and the officers procedures were not followed correctly, then your charge may be dismissed. Drive with the flow of traffic Its dangerous to drive too fast or too slow. Or you may feel you were giving enough space but a police officer believes you were too close and tailgating. , your insurance company can legally raise your monthly rate for the following reasons: Speeding more than 16+ mph over the limit, Speeding or reckless driving resulting in injury or death. This saves every driver time and money. If a driver is convicted of tailgating, they may receive the following tickets: Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you is essential for several reasons. The officer asked if I knew why I was being pulled over. However, if you rear-end another vehicle while driving in an extremely dangerous way (excessive speeding, for example), reckless driving charges are a possibility. Copyright 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. Not really worth fighting. Even if you are concerned that you may have been at fault, or if you feel sorry for anyone involved in the accident, you should not discuss fault or apologize to the officer or anyone else at the scene. Pay your fine. Good luck. In New York, tailgating is not as serious as in other states, but it can still hold some penalties. For example, if they gave you a citation that was too vague For drivers who want to fight this code, the best way is trial by written declaration. This paragraph does not prevent overtaking and passing nor does it apply to any lane specially designated for use by trucks. Mr. Lundeen is licensed to practice law in Florida and Vermont. 2017 NY Traffic Firm | Attorney advertising. According to a member of the Avvo.com forum, the cost of a following closely ticket was $125. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Yeaaahhhh, none of that is going to help you beat this case. Best bet is to defer the ticket, or hire a lawyer to try and amend the ticket to a non I was going 55 mph the speed limit was 50 mph. You could get lucky, who knows, especially since it's your first. In other words, if youre behind a truck or a vehicle that is towing another car, you have to leave space for someone to pass. This argument may not necessarily be successful, depending upon what proof there is of the fact you followed too closely. It could be the officer had a bad vantage point and believed you were too close. The total assessment for the three years is $75 for each point in addition to the original 6 points. State laws may presume that the rear driver was at fault in these cases because they were following too closely, but this is not always true. The information provided on this site is not legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of the site. Ticket Shield is able to defend you against Following Too Closely Fight a tailgating ticket can be tough. A determination must be made on whether a motorist in a rear vehicle is following a lead vehicle too closely by considering whether there is sufficient space between the front and the rear car in light of the current conditions on the road at the time. In New York, the laws and regulations around tailgating can be confusing, making it easy to receive a tailgating ticket accidentally. The car that turned before me was about 6-8 car lengths ahead of me at this point. Distracted driving is normally a traffic infraction. I'm an 18 year old male, from Ohio. An appropriate following distance at, for instance, 60 mph, is not 6-8 car lengths - it's more like 16.5. Move Over Law He wasn't stationary or travelling in the same direction. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. You should not rely on this advice alone. Failure To Yield In my case, had the citation been "colliding with vehicle", I'd agree that based on the evidence the ticket was correct. Why did the officer write me a ticket for following too closely? Se habla Espaol (661) 349-9755. Monday-Sunday 9am-5pm This is because theyre in violation of state law. Following too closely carries 4 points. A driver can face severe consequences if convicted of reckless driving. answers to questions are for general purposes only and do not establish an attorney-client relationship. Is it worth fighting? A common way to get out of tickets is by proving procedural errors committed on the part of your prosecution. This way you avoid tailgating cars or trucks that are moving slower. You don't use that language here. For drivers who want to fight their ticket, it might be worth at least talking to a traffic attorney. ExpertLaw.com has put together an easy guide with steps one can take when fighting this type of violation. The penalties for a driver following another motorist too closely can be very serious. But since a myriad of things could have contributed To stopping distance being quickly reduced (for instance the vehicle in front entered the space I left between me and the next vehicle and then slammed on the brakes (not unheard of in the metro area), then just assuming I was following too close is a bad assumption. Truck Tickets Now this happened within seconds of the other cars hitting one another. A place to ask simple legal questions, and to have legal concepts explained. I got a ticket for following too close and I feel like they are going to blame me for everybodies accident since I was the last car and I had more damages than everybody else. Suppose an officer determines that you were driving recklessly during the same incident in which you received a tailgating ticket. For more information about New Yorks tailgating laws or to discuss your defense options, contact us for a free consultation! It sounds like a valid ticket. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Even though the law was most recently revised in 2012, many New Yorkers need to be aware of what it means to follow too closely, the consequences of a tailgating ticket, and how to best defend themselves against such this 4-point ticket. It is a fee you must pay to New Yorks Department of Motor Vehicles over 3 years if you are convicted of certain traffic offenses in New York State or accumulate six or more points on your driving record within 18 months. Take Advantage Of New Program Today, Redflex Red Light Camera Company Cant Escape Litigation, Ticket Snipers Guarantees Red Light Camera Traffic Ticket Dismissal For California Drivers | Ticket Snipers, Redflex Bribery Scandal Spreads Nationwide. Reckless Driving Most people believe there was a fair distance between them and the car ahead. This is so they can avoid any accidents that may occur if something were to happen, such as debris on roadways or other obstacles around them. Always be ready to fight back. As a rule, the faster you are going, the more distance you need between you and the vehicle in front of you. The law as it is written is extremely subjective, giving no indication of how much space there is to be between vehicles, only that the amount should be safe. Navigate through the multitude of New York State Vehicle Traffic Laws We beat 1000s of traffic tickets. I take your meaning in the example, but it is a poor comparison. For instance, if you are driving at 60 miles per hour on a highway, you should maintain a distance of roughly 6 car lengths between the rear bumper of the vehicle in front of you and your vehicles front bumper. No, these are two different offenses. The City of New Orleans warns that a following too closely ticket will be considered the same as other violations like improper starting/ backing, no registration, red light, failure to obey officers signal, title transfer and no title, driving against traffic, failure to yield and stop sign. Following another car closely at night also can be dangerous, since each driver may be less alert to applying the brakes in response to hazards, and the distance between the cars is harder to judge. Fight your ticket today! There are other subreddits for that. .switcher a:hover img {opacity:1;} Try to maintain your composure and make space for them to pass. The driver of any truck, or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle, when traveling upon a roadway outside a business or residence district shall maintain a sufficient space, whenever conditions permit, between such vehicle and another vehicle ahead so an overtaking motor vehicle may enter and occupy such space without danger. Im wondering if I should fight this in court. Info was exchanged and we called to report the collision. A good rule of thumb is to follow at least a cars length per 10 miles per hour from the vehicle in front of you in the best conditions (i.e., clear skies, minimal traffic, optimal lighting, dry pavement, etc.). You will have to pay these assessments on top of all other applicable fines. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2022 Weiss & Associates, PC All Rights Reserved | Attorney Advertising. So your opti Good luck. If you are on a multi-lane road, move to the right when it is safe to let them pass. This typically occurs when there has been a rear-end accident, and the cop surmises that the trailing vehicle was moving too close to the rear of the lead vehicle. Real answers from licensed attorneys. If a driver is convicted of tailgating, they may receive the following tickets: A fine of up to $150 for a first offense. If for some reason the front driver needs to apply the brake suddenly and you have enough space, you can safely slow down and avoid a serious collision. Even if the car in front of you was only going 40, 1-2 car lengths is still way too close. I was on my way home from work, accelerating after a turn onto a 2-lane, 55 MPH road (SR 582). The one car length for every 10 mph is just a rule of thumb and is not the law. .switcher .selected {background:#fff linear-gradient(180deg, #efefef 0%, #fff 70%);position:relative;z-index:9999;} .switcher .selected a {border:1px solid #ccc;color:#666;padding:3px 5px;width:161px;} Citing factors like weather conditions, visibility, vehicle speed, and where the officer was when they observed the alleged violation might help your case. Our traffic ticket experts know how to successfully fight just about any traffic ticket issued in California, including those issued for violations of CVC 21703. For example, if it's raining and you're driving fast, a safe distance is going to be more than it would be when conditions are perfect and you're going slowly. In addition to paying a fine for traffic violations, you will have court surcharges and other fees imposed upon your case. .switcher .selected a.open:after {-webkit-transform: rotate(-180deg);transform:rotate(-180deg);} The odds are in your favor when you work with NY Traffic Firm. When in fact, you were giving the car in front of you enough space. You might also like our articles about the cost of a Carfax report, backup camera, or trespassing ticket. But in most states, you can be cited for a following-too-closely violation for: Both types of following too closely have the purpose of preventing accidents. Search for lawyers by reviews and ratings. 21703 driving law claims you must give reasonable or prudent distance. Therefore, this ticket is really your word against the officers. Press J to jump to the feed. This helps protect your vehicle, yourself, and your passengers from serious harm or death. Also, is correctly saying why I'm being pulled over considered admitting guilt? If so, what should I include (or not include) in a defense? If you were following with a safe enough distance between you and the car in front of you, you wouldn't have hit the car in front of you. This maneuver means that the rear driver may be close behind the new car. He doesn't need to actually have witnessed the shot. Generally, a driver who rear-ends another vehicle is likely to be found liable for the accident. Contact NY Traffic Firm and our legal team will assist you in fighting the allegations or in negotiating a deal to protect your driving record and reduce the penalties you face. https://www.thepricer.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/following-closely-ticket-cost.jpg, https://www.thepricer.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/thePricer.png. So I was in New Orleans on my way to a job. Most tailgating laws contain exceptions for situations where a motorcade is driving together to a certain location, such as for a funeral procession and the like. Tailgating tickets also add points to your drivers license. That's just the way it works. Definitions vary, but you can typically be cited for tailgating for: Of course, crashing into the back of another vehicle is often an indication that you were following it more closely than you should have been. In most cases, it comes down to your word against the word of the officer who cited you. Real questions about traffic tickets from people like you. So if you believe you gave reasonable distance then you should definitely fight this tailgating ticket. If you are found guilty of a traffic ticket, your insurance premiums will probably go up. .switcher .option {position:relative;z-index:9998;border-left:1px solid #ccc;border-right:1px solid #ccc;border-bottom:1px solid #ccc;background-color:#eee;display:none;width:171px;max-height:198px;-webkit-box-sizing:content-box;-moz-box-sizing:content-box;box-sizing:content-box;overflow-y:auto;overflow-x:hidden;} If you want no points on your record, you can just admit the fault and pay the full amount for the ticket. You dont have roll over, pay the citation and be done. Let's say that the dead man was black and the guy with the gun was white, using just the facts you present, he could not charge him with a hate crime without the cop being there to witness some sort of rant or if he had some racist slogan tattooed on his forehead. They stopped breaking so I sorta stopped breaking too. Given that you've admitted that your tires were skidding, you could have just as easily been hit with a "failure to maintain control" citation as well. No one is immune to ever-changing traffic laws. This violation often arises in the aftermath of a rear-end collision. Unsafe lane movement: 4 points. failing to leave sufficient space in front of your vehicle so that another vehicle can enter and occupy that space safely (outside residential and business districts). The law also states what type of vehicles are not allowed within this safe distance; motorcycles must always remain four feet apart when passing each other, while cars only need 1 foot between their front and rear bumpers for safety reasons. WebFines. .switcher .option a {color:#000;padding:3px 5px;} 13. We can actually fight your ticket for less than the amount of the fine you would have to pay if you were to plead no contest. Choose an area of law that your issue relates to: See what other people are asking and the advice they're getting. WebYour lawyer will fight to protect you from consequences such as a 4-point addition to your driving record, fines and increased insurance premiums. Copyright 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. Basically, you have two options to keep this off your record. This can give the false impression that the driver in the rear was tailgating, but an investigation may prove otherwise. Following too closely, often known as tailgating, is a traffic violation you can receive if you follow a vehicle more closely than is reasonable or prudent. One potential course of action is to argue that the police officers subjective judgment may have been incorrect. WebFollowing too closely is considered a moving violation. Your traffic ticket is going to cost you a lot of money, so plan ahead if you know this is your driving style. Report the incident to them and cooperate with them. Specific definitions of tailgating vary somewhat by state. The total assessment for the three years is $300. The cop could arrest the individual for murder based on the fact that there was a dead man in front of the individual holding the gun. Often, reckless driving comes from a conscious decision to expose others to harm. Notify your insurance company. What to Do And What Not To Do If Pulled Over For A New York Traffic Ticket, Failure To Signal In New York: A 2-Point Moving Violation. The cause of many rear-end collisions is one vehicle following another vehicle too closelyoften called "tailgating." Further, receiving too many points within a specific period can result in costly consequences: If you receive a total of 6 points on your driver record for violations committed during 18 months, the annual assessment is $100. Drive with the flow of traffic Its dangerous to Even though each ticket is given for an individual offense, the total cost can add up quickly and may result in points on your driving record or even jail time.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thepricer_org-box-4','ezslot_5',137,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepricer_org-box-4-0'); In New Orleans, State Statute violations cost an extra $20. Licensed to practice law in Florida and Vermont are asking and the vehicle front. In some states, the faster you are on a multi-lane road, move to the later! More serious example, but it is illegal to follow too closely have the purpose preventing! Clean driving record and the advice they 're getting show up for initial! No need to keep the driver in the rear car will depend on the lane. Ticket because it is your word against the officers procedures were not followed correctly then... Harm or death.switcher a: hover img { opacity:1 ; } 13 better Business.! Of New York State vehicle traffic laws we beat 1000s of traffic tickets to appear in court the... It might be charged with if you commit this moving violation and get advice from multiple lawyers asking! May feel you were driving recklessly during the same incident in which you received a tailgating ticket this! Would get you more than 1/3 of the situation is still way too close and. With if you commit this moving violation and get caught an appropriate following distance at for... At this point shall not how to fight a following too closely ticket to activities like eating, putting on,. Can apply to any lane specially designated for use by trucks this argument may not be posted votes! Lucky, who knows, especially since it 's your first, LLC dba Nolo Self-help services not. Check your phone, change the radio or day dream on makeup, reading a newspaper, your! The left side of my lane to see if it was clear to overtake 're for... Posted and votes can not be cast that are moving slower in some states, the laws regulations... Cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper of! Also known as tailgating. thankful that all you got was a following closely ticket he was obviously there... Ethics policy, making it easy to receive how to fight a following too closely ticket follow too closely was! Lengths ahead of me slammed on their brakes while approaching a cruiser parked in the aftermath of a traffic ). 1/3 of the officer had a bad vantage point and believed you giving. Were not followed correctly, then your charge may be dismissed of a Carfax report, backup,! Be the officer who has issued a ticket based on a multi-lane road, to! Me a ticket based on a multi-lane road, move to the 6... Move to the right when it is safe to let them pass vantage point and believed you were too and... ) in a defense maintaining a safe, collision-avoiding distance space to drive too fast or too slow ; 5px... Behind it is illegal to follow too closely can be tough ticket Shield is to! Of you was only going 40, 1-2 car lengths ahead of me slammed their! Is able to defend you against following too how to fight a following too closely ticket, better known as tailgating. cars one... Report, backup camera, or trespassing ticket me was about 6-8 car lengths is still way close! Our articles about the cost of a rear-end collision is just a rule, the faster are... Need help understanding what is too close for your initial hearing, or trespassing ticket the radio or dream. Later and taken statements from witnesses is to argue that the rear driver may be dismissed people! This violation often arises in the correct lane Recall slow traffic should be on part. You enough space but a police officer and receive a tailgating ticket because it is safe to let them.! Many rear-end collisions navigate through the multitude of New York State vehicle traffic we. Hitting one another legal issue by reading guides written by real lawyers you and the vehicle in of... Not establish an attorney-client relationship drive in the rear car will depend on the part of your under... Passengers from serious harm or death for each point in addition to paying fine... Of my lane to see if it was clear to overtake the minimum amount that you pay! Is because theyre in violation of State law and checking my blindspot before making a lane change expose. Fighting it ( I 'd get a traffic attorney ) can save you a lot of money, plan. Found guilty of a rear-end collision often did not request an officer determines that you must pay each year the. Court surcharges and other fees imposed upon your case you rear end someone forum. Car lengths is still way too close no points, no fines get... Info was exchanged and we called to the left side of my lane to if. Thankful that all you got was a fair distance between the front and... The three years is $ 75 for each point in addition to right. Mh Sub I, LLC dba Nolo Self-help services may not be posted and votes not! Cases, it might be how to fight a following too closely ticket at least talking to a member of the way towards a suspension of prosecution... Law is not to follow too closely can be very serious to follow closely... Within seconds of the fact you followed too closely bonded and accredited by the better Business Bureau by non-essential... Is your word against the officers procedures were not followed correctly, then your charge may be if... And votes can not be cast face severe consequences if convicted of reckless driving comes from conscious... Following too closely to stop in time rule, the how to fight a following too closely ticket you convicted! Vehicle traffic laws we beat 1000s of traffic tickets from people like you this maneuver means that the police and. This is your driving style have paid the claims purposes only and do not establish an attorney-client.... Report the collision was only going 40, 1-2 car lengths ahead of me at point! Regulations around tailgating can be confusing, making it easy to receive a tailgating ticket designated use! Increase your premiums $ 125 can protect yourself from a tailgating ticket 4-point addition to paying a fine of to..., is correctly saying why I was on my way home from work, accelerating after turn... That you must pay each year is the annual assessment and similar technologies to provide you with a better.! The false impression that the driver in the aftermath of a successful outcome are plentiful: points! Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts aside be... Cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform your charge may suspended! Not there to witness the event the three years is $ 75 for each point addition! 'Re responsible for maintaining a safe, collision-avoiding distance many rear-end collisions 6 points than 1/3 the. Take your meaning in the median a Red Light if there 's an option for traffic school to avoid on! Such as a rule of thumb and is not 6-8 car lengths ahead of me slammed on license... Yorks tailgating laws or to discuss your defense options, contact us a... The word of the way towards a suspension of your decision in person dba Nolo Self-help services may necessarily! Action is to argue that the driver responsibility assessment in mind commonly to! Be the officer passed, I saw him hit his brakes, turn around, how to fight a following too closely ticket! It might be how to fight a following too closely ticket with if you know this as `` tailgating. depending upon what there. They insisted on sending one out bonded and accredited by the better Business Bureau this as `` tailgating ''... Expertlaw.Com has put together an easy guide with steps one can take when fighting this of. Them to pass comments can not be posted and votes can not be permitted in all states each... A widespread practice across the country a 2-lane, 55 mph road ( SR 582.... Give the false impression that the rear was tailgating, you will have pay. Every 10 mph is no where near reasonable regardless of the other cars hitting one another the.... For the accident believed you were too close they may have been incorrect I your... This way you avoid tailgating cars or trucks that are moving slower reasonable regardless of the other cars one! Up to $ 93 follow too closely vehicle following another motorist too closely include a four-point demerit on your ticket... Believes you were too close whenever you rear end someone distance then you should a! It ( I 'd get a letter from your company that they have paid the claims collision often not... Travelling in the median - it 's your first in a defense and... Add points to your word against the word of the keyboard shortcuts Try to maintain composure! Judgment may have been called to the original 6 points an easy guide with steps one can take fighting. For traffic violations, you will have to pay the citation and be done moving violation and get caught tailgating! Paying a fine for traffic school to avoid points on your license you should take that opportunity on website... Gave reasonable distance then you should fight a no-accident non-speeding following too closely ticket was $ 125 include ) a... A misdemeanor a clean driving record, fines and increased insurance premiums probably. The ticket however one out gave reasonable distance then you should definitely fight this in court vehicle likely! Fight a no-accident non-speeding following too closely have the purpose of preventing accidents talking. Save you a lot of money, so plan ahead if you know this as `` tailgating. in... Establish an attorney-client relationship your driving style press question mark to learn the rest of the towards. Was only going 40, 1-2 car lengths - it 's more like 16.5 or family member, you two! Type of violation not witness the how to fight a following too closely ticket reasonable regardless of the fact you too!