How Much Does a Following Closely Ticket Cost?

How Much Does a Following Closely Ticket Cost?

Following closely or tailgating is a traffic offense that is taken seriously by law enforcement agencies. Tailgating is one of the leading causes of accidents, and it is important for drivers to understand the dangers of this violation. If you are caught tailgating, you might be wondering about the cost of the ticket. In this article, we will discuss the cost of following closely tickets and other important information about this offense.

The Cost of a Following Closely Ticket

The cost of a following closely ticket varies by state and jurisdiction. In most states, the fine for tailgating is between $100 to $150. However, if you cause an accident while following closely, the cost of the ticket can go up significantly. Additionally, if you are a repeat offender, you might be subject to higher fines and even license suspension.

Factors that Affect the Cost of a Following Closely Ticket

Several factors can affect the cost of a following closely ticket. For example, if you cause an accident, the cost of the ticket can increase significantly. Other factors that can affect the cost of the ticket include:

• Severity of the offense
• Prior traffic violations
• Location where the offense occurred
• The judge’s discretion

What Happens if You Get a Following Closely Ticket?

If you get a following closely ticket, you have several options. You can pay the fine, plead guilty and attend traffic school, or contest the ticket in court. If you choose to contest the ticket, you will need to hire a traffic lawyer or represent yourself in court. It is important to understand that contesting a following closely ticket can be challenging, and you might end up paying a higher fine and getting points on your license.

How Can You Avoid Getting a Following Closely Ticket?

The best way to avoid getting a following closely ticket is to maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles. Experts recommend that you stay at least three seconds behind the car in front of you. Additionally, you should always keep your eyes on the road, avoid distractions, and adjust your speed to traffic conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Points Can You Get for a Following Closely Ticket?

The number of points you can get for a following closely ticket varies by state and jurisdiction. In most states, you can get two to three points on your license for tailgating. If you accumulate too many points, you might be subject to license suspension or revocation.

Can You Contest a Following Closely Ticket in Court?

Yes, you can contest a following closely ticket in court. However, contesting a tailgating ticket can be challenging, and you might end up paying a higher fine and getting points on your license.

What are the Dangers of Following Closely?

Following closely is dangerous because it increases the risk of accidents. If you are too close to the car in front of you, you might not have enough time to react if they slam on their brakes. Additionally, tailgating can create a domino effect where several cars might become involved in an accident.

Can You Get a Following Closely Ticket for Bicycles?

Yes, you can get a following closely ticket for bicycles. If you are driving a car and following a cyclist too closely, you might be violating traffic laws.

What Happens if You Cause an Accident While Following Closely?

If you cause an accident while following closely, you might be held liable for the damages and injuries. Additionally, you might face criminal charges and higher fines.

Is There a Statute of Limitations for Following Closely Tickets?

The statute of limitations for following closely tickets varies by state and jurisdiction. In most states, the statute of limitations is two to three years.

How Can You Pay a Following Closely Ticket?

You can pay a following closely ticket online, by mail, or in person. The ticket should have instructions on how to pay the fine.

How Can You Check Your Driving Record for Following Closely Tickets?

You can check your driving record online or by contacting your state’s department of motor vehicles. Your driving record will show any traffic violations and points on your license.

Does a Following Closely Ticket Affect Your Insurance Premium?

Yes, a following closely ticket can affect your insurance premium. Insurance companies consider traffic violations when calculating your premium. If you have a history of traffic violations, your insurance premium might increase significantly.

Can You Get a Following Closely Ticket for Driving too Slowly?

No, you cannot get a following closely ticket for driving too slowly. However, you can get a ticket for impeding traffic if you are driving below the posted speed limit and causing other drivers to slow down.

Is Tailgating Considered Road Rage?

Yes, tailgating is considered a form of road rage. Road rage is any aggressive or reckless behavior that can endanger other drivers on the road.

What Happens if You Ignore Following Closely Tickets?

If you ignore a following closely ticket, you might face legal consequences such as license suspension or even arrest. It is important to take traffic offenses seriously and address them promptly.

How Can You Get Following Closely Tickets Dismissed?

You can get following closely tickets dismissed by contesting them in court and presenting evidence that proves your innocence. It is important to hire a traffic lawyer or conduct thorough research to increase your chances of success in court.