Virginia Following Too Closely Defense Attorney
Received a ticket for following too closely in Virginia? Mattox Law provides experienced legal representation to fight your charge, protect your record, and reduce penalties. Call today for a free consultation.
What is a Following Too Closely Violation in Virginia?
Virginia Code § 46.2-816 defines "following too closely" as when a driver fails to leave a reasonable and prudent distance between their vehicle and the one in front. This charge often occurs in rear-end collisions or highway tailgating incidents.
Common scenarios that result in a following too closely ticket include:
- Sudden braking by the lead vehicle
- Heavy traffic congestion
- Distracted or inattentive driving
- Misjudging stopping distance in poor weather conditions
Law enforcement often assumes the driver in the rear is at fault, but not all cases are clear-cut. At Mattox Law, we examine every detail to challenge the charge and fight for a dismissal or reduction.
Penalties for Following Too Closely in Virginia
A following too closely violation is a traffic infraction, but it carries significant consequences:
- Classified as a moving violation – A conviction adds 4 demerit points to your Virginia driving record.
- Fines of up to $250 – Fines increase for excessive speeds or if the violation results in an accident.
- Increased insurance premiums – A conviction can lead to significantly higher rates for several years.
- Potential reckless driving enhancement – In serious cases, officers may charge reckless driving instead of a standard traffic infraction.
A following too closely ticket may seem minor, but the penalties can have long-term financial and legal consequences.
How Mattox Law Defends Following Too Closely Cases
What if the other driver suddenly stopped?
Many following too closely citations result from sudden stops. If the lead driver braked unexpectedly or merged improperly, we can argue that you had no reasonable way to avoid the collision.
Can weather conditions be a factor?
Yes. Rain, snow, fog, and ice can affect stopping distances. If poor weather played a role in your case, we may use this as a defense to show that road conditions—not negligence—caused the incident.
What if I wasn’t actually too close?
Law enforcement officers issue these citations based on their own judgment, not precise measurements. We analyze dashcam footage, traffic camera evidence, and witness testimony to challenge whether you were actually following too closely.
How can I get my ticket reduced or dismissed?
Mattox Law uses several strategies, including:
- Proving insufficient evidence – If the officer’s report lacks specific details, we may argue there’s not enough proof for a conviction.
- Negotiating a lesser charge – In some cases, we can reduce the charge to a non-moving violation, which keeps points off your record.
- Defensive driving course – Completing a court-approved driving course may result in dismissal or a lesser penalty.
Does a following too closely ticket affect my insurance?
Yes. Insurance companies often increase premiums after a conviction, especially if an accident was involved. We work to prevent this by fighting the ticket or reducing it to a non-moving violation.
The strongest defense starts with an experienced attorney. Contact Mattox Law as soon as possible to explore your options.
