Following Too Closely NY
NY VTL § 1129(a): Following Too Closely
In New York, following too closely (also known as "tailgating") is a violation of Vehicle and Traffic Law §1129(a). Under this law, all motorists are required to leave an adequate amount of space between them and the vehicle in front of them.
New York VTL § 1129(a) states that "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 vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway."
The amount of space required between vehicles is enough that another vehicle could safely occupy the space. As a rule of thumb, the New York DMV's Driver's Manual also recommends that drivers allow a space of two seconds between them.
What is the Price for a Following Too Closely Ticket?
In New York, the penalties for following too closely include:
- A fine of up to $150 for a first offense
- A fine of up to $300 for a second offense
- A fine of up to $450 for a third offense
- Four points on your driving record
- Increased insurance rates
Following too closely is considered to be a "serious traffic offense" in New York, which means that a conviction would add points to your driving record. If you accumulate 11 points or more in an 18-month period, your driver's license could be suspended.
If you have been ticketed for following too closely in New York, seek representation from an NYC tailgating ticket attorney at Gannes & Musico, LLP. Your initial consultation is FREE. Contact us online or by calling (877) 803-2603 today!
Why the Law Requires You to Leave Space
The reason for this law is to maintain protection of drivers on the road. Unpredictable situations often occur while driving and, if you have enough space in front of you, you are more likely to avoid an accident. If the car in front of you brakes and you are following too closely, you may rear-end them and be liable for a car accident.
One trick is to allow a space of two to three seconds between you and the car in front of you. Calculate this by picking a point, such as a pole, and after the vehicle in front of you passes the point, you can count "one-one thousand, two-one thousand." You should not pass that same point until after you have counted at least two to three seconds.
How Can a Lawyer Help With a Tailgating Ticket or Accident?
If you have received a ticket for tailgating or have been involved in an accident due to tailgating, a lawyer can provide valuable assistance in protecting your rights and minimizing the consequences. In New York, tailgating is a serious traffic violation that can result in hefty fines, points on your license, and increased insurance premiums. Legal representation can make a significant difference in addressing these issues effectively.
A lawyer will carefully analyze the circumstances of the alleged violation or accident, examining police reports, witness statements, and any available evidence, such as dashcam footage. This investigation can help determine if the ticket was issued unfairly or if other factors contributed to the accident, such as unsafe driving by the other party or road hazards.
For accidents involving tailgating, legal representation is crucial in navigating fault determinations and potential liability. An attorney can argue on your behalf to demonstrate that you were not solely at fault, which could reduce or eliminate liability in civil or insurance claims.
Call Us 24/7 for Your Free Case Review
Contact a New York City tailgating ticket lawyer from Gannes & Musico, LLP today if you have been ticketed for following too closely. Our legal team has more than 30 years of combined experience and has taken thousands of cases to trial. When you give us a call, we can review your case for free and discuss your legal options.
Call now at (877) 803-2603 to discuss your tailgating ticket with an attorney. Our firm is available to take your call 24/7.
