Following too closely also known as a “tailgating” is the primary reason for rear-end collisions. California law 21703 VC states that the driver must keep a reasonable distance between them and the vehicle in front of them. The distance may need to be more depending on speed, road, weather conditions and traffic accidents. As a rule, the faster you are going, the more distance you need between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Unfortunately, you may not realize you are following too closely to another vehicle while running late or being impatient. Or you may feel you were giving enough space but a police officer believes you were too close and tailgating. That is when you may get stopped by a police officer and receive a follow too closely or tailgating ticket. Police officials and other investigating teams in California are taking these violations seriously.
The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon, and the condition of, the roadway.
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Violation of this code is commonly referred to as “tailgating”. Police officers and the courts in California take these violations very seriously. Thousands of traffic tickets are written for violations of CVC § 21703 every year, so you’re not alone. Most people believe there was a fair distance between them and the car ahead.
After all, it’s the officer’s word against the driver’s, so it would only make sense that you have a fighting chance. That is the exact reason you should fight a “tailgating” ticket – because it is your word against the officers.
That’s where this law can be tricky because from an officer’s 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. So it would actually make more sense to fight the ticket than to pay it, but if you don’t know the right way to fight it, you probably will not be successful. That’s where we come in.
Cost of a 21703 VC – Tailgating Ticket
After violating following too closely, you will receive a fine of $238 and have one point added to your DMV driver record. This means your insurance premiums will increase for the next 3 years which increases the risk of suspension of your driving license.
FAQ
Can u get a ticket for following too close to a vehicle?
What CVC 22107?
How close to a car is considered tailgating?
What is it called when you follow behind a vehicle too closely?
