Vehicle Code § 21703 VC – Following Too Closely (Tailgating)
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Vehicle Code § 21703 VC – Following Too Closely (Tailgating)
Have you been charged with tailgating in California under Vehicle Code 21703? You may be feeling stressed and uncertain about what to do next. At Spodek Law Group, we understand how overwhelming it can be to face a traffic violation. That’s why our skilled attorneys are here to help guide you through the process and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
What is Considered “Following Too Closely” Under VC 21703?
Under California Vehicle Code 21703, it is illegal for a driver to follow another vehicle “more closely than is reasonable and prudent,” taking into account factors such as:
- The speed of the vehicles
- The amount of traffic on the road
- Current road and weather conditions
In other words, drivers are required to maintain a safe following distance that allows enough time to react and avoid a collision if the vehicle in front stops or slows down suddenly. There is no precise distance specified in the law, as the determination of what is “reasonable and prudent” depends on the particular circumstances.As a general rule, safety experts and the California Driver’s Handbook recommend keeping a minimum following distance of 3 seconds behind the vehicle ahead. However, this should be treated as a bare minimum that needs to be increased in situations such as:
| Higher Risk Conditions | Recommended Following Distance |
|---|---|
| Speeds over 45 mph | 4+ seconds |
| Heavy traffic | 4+ seconds |
| Inclement weather | 6+ seconds |
| Larger vehicles/trailers | 6+ seconds |
| Poor road surfaces | 6+ seconds |
By allowing extra space in these scenarios, attentive drivers are better equipped to spot hazards with enough time to safely respond and prevent serious rear-end accidents. But what if you find yourself accused of violating VC 21703?
Penalties for a VC 21703 Violation
If you are cited for following too closely under Vehicle Code 21703, you could be facing:
- A fine of $238
- A point on your driving record
While this may not seem like a harsh penalty on the surface, the reality is that even a single point on your record can have lasting consequences. Insurance companies tend to view drivers with points as higher risk, which often translates into increased premiums. Too many points can even lead to a suspended or revoked license.Additionally, if you are involved in an accident and are found to have been following too closely, you will likely be deemed at fault and held liable for resulting damages. This means your insurance rates could skyrocket, and you may be on the hook for significant costs.
How Our Attorneys Can Help Fight Your VC 21703 Charge
At Spodek Law Group, we have a deep understanding of California’s complex vehicle codes and know what it takes to effectively challenge a ticket for following too closely. When you bring your case to our firm, our dedicated lawyers will:
- Thoroughly review the circumstances of your citation
- Identify weaknesses in the officer’s observations
- Gather evidence to support your defense
- Represent you in court and fight to have your ticket dismissed or reduced
We recognize that every case is unique, which is why we take the time to listen to your side of the story and craft a personalized strategy tailored to your needs. With our help, you may be able to avoid the consequences of a VC 21703 conviction altogether.Some common defenses we may explore include:
- The officer’s view was obstructed and their perception of your following distance was inaccurate
- You were driving at a safe distance given the road and traffic conditions
- You were briefly following closely to pass the vehicle ahead safely
- The lead vehicle stopped short unexpectedly
In other situations, we may be able to negotiate with the prosecutor to have your violation reduced to a lesser offense or to attend traffic school to keep the point off your record. No matter what approach is best for your specific case, you can count on our attorneys to provide the aggressive advocacy you need.
Don’t Face Your Tailgating Ticket Alone – Contact Us Today
Being accused of following too closely is stressful, but you don’t have to deal with it on your own. With a skilled lawyer from Spodek Law Group in your corner, you can have peace of mind knowing your case is in capable hands.We have a proven track record of successfully defending clients against all types of traffic violations, including VC 21703 tickets. Our attorneys have the knowledge, experience, and commitment to achieve the optimal result on your behalf.To learn more about how we can assist with your tailgating charge, contact our office today at 212-300-5196 for a free and confidential consultation. We are here 24/7 to discuss your case and help you move forward.Remember, the sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can start building your defense. Let us put our skills to work for you and fight to keep your driving record clean. Call now to get started.