Getting pulled over for following too closely can catch drivers off guard. Many people assume it’s a minor ticket or just a warning-level offense. In South Carolina, though, a “tailgating” citation is a moving violation that can affect your license, insurance rates, and driving record.
This type of traffic ticket is often written after rear-end crashes, in heavy traffic, or during routine traffic stops. While it may seem subjective, the charge still carries real consequences. Understanding how South Carolina treats following too closely citations can help you decide your next move and avoid bigger problems down the road.
What Does “Following Too Closely” Mean Under South Carolina Law?
South Carolina law requires drivers to leave a reasonable and safe distance between their vehicle and the one ahead. The idea is simple, drivers must allow enough space to stop safely if traffic slows or stops suddenly. The law does not list a specific number of feet or car lengths. Instead, it gives officers discretion based on speed, traffic flow, and road conditions.
Because of that discretion, following too closely tickets are often based on an officer’s judgment rather than a clear measurement. This is one reason these citations can sometimes be challenged or reduced with the right approach.
Common Situations That Lead to Following Too Closely Tickets
Drivers are frequently cited for following too closely in everyday driving situations, not just aggressive driving scenarios. Congested roads, stop-and-go traffic, and highway commuting all increase the chances of being ticketed for following too closely.
Common situations include:
- Rear-end accidents where the trailing driver is automatically cited
- Heavy traffic on I-526, Highway 17, or downtown Charleston streets
- Sudden braking in construction or school zones
- Driving behind slow-moving vehicles where spacing tightens naturally
Penalties and Points for Following Too Closely in South Carolina
A following too closely citation adds two points to your South Carolina driver’s license. While two points may not sound serious, points add up quickly, especially when combined with other moving violations.
Penalties may include:
- Fines set by the local court
- Two points on your driving record
- Increased insurance premiums
- A permanent mark on your driving history
Insurance companies continue to see the violation even after the DMV reduces points over time. This can lead to higher rates long after the ticket is paid.
How This Ticket Can Affect Your Insurance Rates
Insurance companies review the type of violation, not just the number of points. Following too closely is considered a moving violation tied to accident risks, which often triggers insurance increases. Many drivers see higher rates during the annual renewal.
Related Traffic Violations Often Seen Alongside Following Too Closely Citations
Following too closely is often grouped with other traffic offenses, especially after an accident or traffic stop. These related violations may include:
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Failure to signal
- Hit and run allegations
Drivers cited for multiple violations face higher point totals and faster paths to license suspension. Addressing all citations together instead of paying tickets separately often leads to better results.
Can a Ticket for Following to Closely Be Fought or Reduced?
Yes. Many tickets for following too closely are dependent on officer opinion, traffic flow, or assumptions made after a crash. Attorney Joe Good reviews the facts behind the stop, accident reports, and how the citation was issued. In some cases, tickets can be reduced to non-moving violations or dismissed altogether.
What to Do After Receiving a Following Too Closely Ticket
Paying a ticket may feel like the easiest option, but it often locks in points and insurance consequences. Before sending payment for the offense, it’s worth having the citation reviewed by our legal team.
Send Us Your Ticket for a Quick Review
If you want a fast answer, you don’t have to wait.
You can take a photo of your ticket and send it directly to Attorney Joe Good:
📱 Text the photo to: 843-412-1401
📧 Email it to: [email protected]
Once sent, Attorney Good will review the ticket and respond quickly with guidance on the best path forward and what outcomes may be possible.
Why Drivers Choose Joe Good Attorneys at Law for Traffic Ticket Defense
Joe Good Attorneys at Law regularly handles traffic tickets in Mt. Pleasant, Charleston, and across South Carolina’s lowcountry. Many cases can be managed without drivers having to appear in court, which is especially helpful for out-of-state drivers or those with busy schedules.
If you were ticketed for following too closely in South Carolina, contact Joe Good Attorney at Law to discuss your options. A short review now can help protect your license, your record, and your insurance rates down the road.
