Tailgating

Following Too Closely Ticket New York Lawyer

Tailgating is a serious traffic violation in New York. Grasping its implications could help avoid potential legal repercussions. Tailgating, also known as “following too closely,” is defined under New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law section 1129. The law requires drivers to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of them to prevent accidents and ensure road safety. Receiving a following too closely ticket can be a consequence of violating this law.

A suitable following distance is generally considered to be at least one car’s length per 10 miles per hour in ideal conditions. This allows you to leave sufficient space to react in case of an emergency or sudden stop by the lead vehicle.

However, the law is open to interpretation and can vary depending on factors such as traffic flow and road conditions.

Factors Considered by Police Officers

When determining whether a driver is tailgating/following too closely, police officers consider factors such as:

·       Traffic conditions

·       Vehicle speed

·       Road conditions

·       Driver behavior
They will also take into account any other traffic violations that may have been committed, giving due consideration to their severity and frequency.

Consequences of a Tailgating Ticket in New York

Receiving a tailgating ticket in New York can have several negative consequences. The following analysis will cover the fines, license points, and insurance rate impacts linked to tailgating tickets.

Fines and Surcharges

The monetary penalty for a tailgating infraction in New York can be quite significant. Fines for tailgating range from $150 to $450, with additional surcharges and driver responsibility assessment fees.

A surcharge is an extra fee added to the fines and fees associated with a ticket. The surcharge for a tailgating ticket in New York is between $88 and $93.

Furthermore, if you accumulate six or more points on your driving record within 18 months, you’ll be subject to the driver responsibility assessment, which requires payment in three annual installments.

License Points and Suspension

A tailgating violation in New York carries a penalty of 4 license points. If you accumulate 11 points within 18 months, your license may be suspended.

Taking these consequences seriously and considering contesting a tailgating ticket s advised. Engaging legal counsel can provide guidance and representation in court to help you navigate these potential penalties.

Insurance Rate Impact

Pleading guilty to a tailgating ticket can lead to increased insurance rates for up to 3 years. This can have a significant financial impact, especially if you have prior traffic tickets and other traffic violations on your record.

Contesting the ticket and seeking the assistance of a traffic lawyer can help you avoid these insurance rate increases. They can provide expert advice and representation to minimize the impact of a tailgating ticket on your insurance rates.