Following too Closely

A traffic ticket for following too closely may be issued under a variety of different scenarios. Oftentimes, a police officer will write a ticket for following too closely after a traffic accident has occurred. The ticket is often written although the police officer didn’t actually witness the accident and only obtained statements from the parties involved. A police officer may also issue a ticket for following too closely because they believe you were ‘tailgating’ another vehicle.

What is the Law?

In Illinois, the traffic offense of following too closely is controlled by section 625 ILCS 5/11-710 of the Illinois Vehicle Code. Illinois law requires that a driver of one vehicle does not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent. The driver must take into account the speed of other vehicles, traffic conditions and the condition of the roadway.

When a motor vehicle is following another vehicle outside of a business or residential district, unless it is in the process of passing the vehicle, it is required to leave sufficient space between itself and the vehicle it is following to allow another passing vehicle to enter into that space without creating a dangerous situation.

What are the Penalties for Following too Closely?

Following too closely is charged as a petty offense in Illinois and classified as a moving violation. This offense carries a maximum fine of $1,000.00 together with mandatory fees and court costs.

A conviction will be reported to the Illinois Secretary of State and placed on your public driving record. All moving violations may be counted towards the basis of a driver’s license suspension or revocation. A conviction for following too closely may also negatively affect your insurance rates.

Contact our Traffic Attorneys

An experienced attorney may be able to assist you in avoiding a conviction for the offense of following too closely. The traffic ticket defense attorneys at The Davis Law Group, P.C., provide professional legal representation to clients in Cook County, Lake County and DuPage County.

If you have received a traffic ticket in the Chicago area, the attorneys at The Davis Law Group, P.C. can help. Contact us today via our website or by calling (847) 390-8500.