When you commute to work and other places, you expect other motorists to drive at least the speed limit. After all, being late for some functions can have some real-world consequences for you. Still, when you approach a slow-moving vehicle, it is important to give the car some space.
According to AAA, tailgating is an aggressive driving behavior that endangers everyone on the road. This aggressive driving behavior happens when you follow another vehicle too closely. In North Carolina, tailgating can have some harsh penalties, including the eventual loss of your driving privileges.
What does the law say?
Section 20-152 of the North Carolina Code expressly prohibits drivers from following too closely. To comply with state law, you must maintain a distance that is both reasonable and prudent when taking into account the following:
- Other vehicles
- Traffic patterns
- Road conditions
As you can see, a distance that is reasonable and prudent during certain times may be entirely too close at other times. Thus, every time you hit the road, you must be certain you are following at a reasonable distance for the circumstances.
What are the legal consequences of tailgating?
Law enforcement agencies across the Tar Heel State take aggressive driving, including tailgating, quite seriously. If you tailgate, you can expect an officer to stop your vehicle and issue you a citation. Tailgating citations typically come with both a fine and a two-point penalty on your driving record.
If you accumulate too many demerit points, of course, you are likely to lose your driver’s license temporarily. Ultimately, if you are close to losing your driver’s license when you receive your tailgating citation, it may be advisable to look into your legal options.
