What are the laws about following too closely (tailgating)?

In California, tailgating, or following another vehicle too closely, is against the law. This law is enforced by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and other law enforcement officers. The law states that a driver must always maintain a safe distance between their vehicle and other vehicles on the road. If the driver is unable to leave a safe distance between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them, they should reduce their speed to create enough room. In addition to the laws regulating tailgating, the CHP may also issue a citation for any violation of the "safe distance" rule. If a driver is cited for following too closely, the penalty can range from a fine to even suspension of the driver’s license. This penalty depends on the severity of the violation and how long the driver has been driving in California. Drivers should always be aware of the other vehicles in the area and leave plenty of space between them and the car in front of them. If a driver finds themselves tailgating, they should immediately reduce their speed until they can safely brake and create enough distance between their car and the one in front of it. By following this simple rule and the other laws of the road, drivers can help keep themselves, other drivers, and pedestrians safe.

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What are the laws about following too closely (tailgating)?

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