Why Choose Us?
The New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers focus exclusively on defending drivers across Central New York. We understand how subjective traffic laws like following too closely are enforced and know how to challenge tickets to protect your license, record, and insurance rates.
- Free consultations and clear guidance
- Proven results reducing or dismissing traffic violations
- Focused defense strategies tailored to New York traffic law
New York drivers must keep a safe distance between themselves and the vehicle in front of them. Failing to keep enough space violates VTL §1129(a) for following too closely, also called tailgating. There is no concrete distance for how far back a driver needs to be to comply with New York traffic law. Police have significant discretion in enforcing the following too closely statute, which can result in an innocent driver receiving a traffic ticket.
New York Tailgating Tickets Explained
Following too closely, often called tailgating, is a traffic violation under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law §1129(a). The law requires drivers to maintain a distance that is reasonable and prudent based on speed, traffic, and road conditions. Because the statute does not define a specific distance, tickets are often based on an officer’s judgment rather than a clear rule.
This subjectivity means drivers can receive tickets even when they believe they were driving safely and responsibly.
New York VTL §1129(a): What the Law Requires
New York law states that a driver may not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, considering:
- The speed of the vehicles
- Traffic conditions
- The condition of the roadway
There is also a presumption that rear-end collisions are caused by following too closely. However, the statute does not explain what distance is reasonable, leaving enforcement largely to officer discretion. What an officer considers unsafe may differ from what a driver reasonably believed was safe under the circumstances.
Penalties for Following Too Closely in New York
Following too closely carries some of the most serious consequences among common traffic violations. If you plead guilty or are convicted, you may face:
- Four points on your New York driver’s license
- A state surcharge of $88 or $93, depending on the court
- Fines up to $150 for a first offense
- Fines up to $300 for a second offense within 18 months
- Fines up to $450 for a third offense within 18 months
Accumulating points can quickly lead to higher costs and long-term consequences.
Driver Responsibility Assessment Fee
If a conviction for following too closely brings your total points to six or more, New York imposes a Driver Responsibility Assessment fee. This fee is paid directly to the DMV and includes:
- $300 for six points
- An additional $75 for each point over six
This assessment is separate from fines and surcharges and can significantly increase the overall cost of a ticket.
Auto Insurance Consequences
Insurance companies treat following too closely as a high-risk violation because it is commonly associated with preventable collisions. A conviction often leads to higher premiums, even if no accident occurred. In many cases, insurance rates may increase by up to 30 percent and remain elevated for years.
We Can Handle Your Following Too Closely Traffic Ticket
If you received a following too closely ticket, you do not have to plead guilty automatically. You have the right to challenge the charge. The New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers defend drivers to help reduce or avoid:
- Points on your driver’s license
- Fines and state surcharges
- Increases to your auto insurance premiums
Contact Our Central New York Traffic Ticket Attorneys
A following too closely ticket under VTL §1129(a) can affect your license, finances, and insurance for years. The New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers provide focused, assertive representation to drivers throughout Central New York. We have successfully resolved traffic tickets in Syracuse and surrounding courts.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help protect your driving record.
FAQs
How serious is a following too closely ticket in New York?
A following too closely ticket is considered a serious traffic violation in New York because it carries four points on your driver’s license. A conviction can also lead to fines, DMV surcharges, higher insurance premiums, and potential Driver Responsibility Assessment fees if you accumulate additional points.
How many points is following too closely in New York?
Following too closely under VTL §1129(a) results in four points on your New York driver’s license. These points remain on your record for 18 months and can contribute to license penalties and insurance rate increases.
How much is a ticket for following too closely in New York?
A first offense can result in a fine of up to $150, plus a state surcharge of $88 or $93 depending on the court. Repeat offenses within 18 months can increase fines up to $300 for a second offense and up to $450 for a third offense, not including insurance impacts.
The New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers handle Following Too Closely tickets throughout Central New York including Albany County, Broome County, Cortland County, Cayuga County, Erie County, Jefferson County, Madison County, Oneida County, Onondaga County, Orange County, Oswego County, Saratoga County, and Warren County.