How Much Is a Following Too Closely Ticket in Georgia?
I was driving home from work one day when I saw flashing lights in my rearview mirror. I pulled over and was promptly given a ticket for following too closely. I was shocked! I didn’t think I was following that closely, but the officer said I was less than two car lengths behind the car in front of me. I was frustrated, but I paid the ticket and went on my way. However, I couldn’t help but wonder how much a following too closely ticket is in Georgia.
It turns out that the cost of a following too closely ticket in Georgia varies depending on the county in which you are cited. In most counties, the fine for a first offense is $150. However, in some counties, such as Fulton County, the fine can be as high as $200. In addition to the fine, you may also be required to pay court costs, which can range from $10 to $50.
What is Following Too Closely?
Following too closely, also known as tailgating, is a traffic violation that occurs when a driver follows another vehicle too closely. The legal definition of following too closely varies from state to state, but in general, it is defined as following another vehicle at a distance that is less than the safe following distance.
The safe following distance is the distance that you need to allow between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you in order to stop safely in the event of an emergency. The safe following distance varies depending on a number of factors, including the speed of your vehicle and the condition of the road. However, a good rule of thumb is to allow at least two seconds of following distance for every 10 miles per hour that you are traveling.
Why is Following Too Closely Dangerous?
Following too closely is a dangerous driving practice that can lead to a number of accidents. When you follow too closely, you do not have enough time to react to sudden stops or changes in speed by the vehicle in front of you. This can lead to rear-end collisions, which can be serious and even fatal.
In addition to rear-end collisions, following too closely can also lead to other types of accidents, such as sideswipe collisions and head-on collisions. If you are following too closely and the vehicle in front of you swerves to avoid a hazard, you may not have enough time to react and could collide with the vehicle beside you. Similarly, if the vehicle in front of you stops suddenly and you are following too closely, you may not have enough time to stop and could collide with the vehicle in front of you.
How to Avoid Following Too Closely
The best way to avoid following too closely is to be aware of your surroundings and to maintain a safe following distance. Here are a few tips for avoiding following too closely:
- Allow at least two seconds of following distance for every 10 miles per hour that you are traveling.
- Increase your following distance when driving in bad weather or on slippery roads.
- Be aware of the vehicles around you and anticipate their movements.
- Avoid distractions while driving, such as talking on your cell phone or texting.
What to Do if You Are Cited for Following Too Closely
If you are cited for following too closely, you should pay the ticket and attend any required court dates. You may also want to consider taking a defensive driving course to learn more about safe driving practices. Defensive driving courses can help you reduce your insurance rates and avoid future traffic violations.
FAQs About Following Too Closely Tickets in Georgia
Here are some frequently asked questions about following too closely tickets in Georgia:
- What is the fine for a following too closely ticket in Georgia?
The fine for a following too closely ticket in Georgia varies depending on the county in which you are cited. In most counties, the fine for a first offense is $150. However, in some counties, such as Fulton County, the fine can be as high as $200.
- How many points does a following too closely ticket add to my driving record?
Following too closely is a three-point violation in Georgia. This means that if you are convicted of following too closely, three points will be added to your driving record.
- Can I get my following too closely ticket dismissed?
In some cases, you may be able to get your following too closely ticket dismissed. For example, if you can prove that you were not following too closely or that there was a valid reason for following too closely, you may be able to get the ticket dismissed.
- What should I do if I am cited for following too closely?
If you are cited for following too closely, you should pay the ticket and attend any required court dates. You may also want to consider taking a defensive driving course to learn more about safe driving practices. Defensive driving courses can help you reduce your insurance rates and avoid future traffic violations.
Following too closely is a dangerous driving practice that can lead to serious accidents. By following the tips in this article, you can avoid following too closely and keep yourself and others safe on the road.
Are you interested in learning more about traffic laws in Georgia? If so, please visit the Georgia Department of Driver Services website.
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Seamaster Diver 300M 42 mm, steel on steel – 210.30.42.20.10.001 | OMEGA® Aug 2, 2023In Georgia, there is a traffic offense known as “following too closely,” which encompasses a wide range of behaviors. As a traffic lawyer, I frequently come across cases related to this offense. The relevant law is outlined in O.C.G.A. § 40-6-49, which prohibits drivers from following other vehicles “more closely than is reasonable and
