Following Too Closely

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 More often than not, if you received a traffic ticket for following too closely, you were likely involved in an accident. However, receiving a citation for following too closely does not always mean you’re guilty of following another vehicle too closely. A conviction for following too closely can result in multiple negative consequences, which is why you should consult with a traffic ticket lawyer before it’s too late.

• What are the penalties of a following too closely conviction? For regular Georgia licensees, this is a three-point violation. The consequences likely differ greatly for drivers licensed in other states, or CDL holders (commercial drivers). Additionally, if your case involved an accident, a guilty plea to following too closely can be used against you in future civil cases. For example, if the other driver(s) pursue a personal injury case stemming from the accident. 

• What if I plead nolo/no contest? A nolo plea alone is not a perfect solution if you’re charged with following too closely. While it will keep the points off your license (if you’re a Georgia licensee), it does not keep the incident off your driving history, which likely means your insurance premiums will be impacted significantly. Moreover, not all states recognize nolo/no contest pleas, so if you have an out of state license a nolo plea may not have any impact at all. 

• What should I do if I get a ticket for following too closely? The smartest thing you can do is to call a traffic ticket lawyer to assess your options. A traffic ticket lawyer will investigate your individual case to find the strongest defense possible and minimize the collateral damage as much as possible. Often times this results in a reduction of the charge, or even an outright dismissal.

A consultation costs you nothing, but trying to handle the case by yourself can be a mistake that costs you for years to come. Contact us to today to discuss your options.