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

In Tennessee, drivers must maintain a safe following distance from the vehicles in front of them by law. This is commonly referred to as “tailgating.” According to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, drivers must maintain a “reasonable distance” between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them at all times. Generally, this means that drivers should keep at least two to three seconds of distance between them and the car in front of them. This allows drivers enough time to react and stop their vehicle if necessary. Drivers who tailgate may be cited for violating a Tennessee traffic law and be subject to fines and/or points on their license. Driving recklessly, which includes tailgating, is considered a Class B misdemeanor and may result in a $500 fine and/or up to 6 months in jail. In addition to criminal penalties, drivers may also face a civil lawsuit if their tailgating results in an accident that causes injury or death. Tailgating can be dangerous and can result in serious accidents. In order to avoid potential penalties and keep all drivers safe, drivers in Tennessee should remember to keep a safe following distance between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them at all times.

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

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