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

In South Carolina, it’s against the law to tailgate – also known as following too closely – another vehicle. This means that when driving, you must maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you at all times. Tailgating constitutes a hazard to other drivers, as the safety distance that should be maintained will depend on the speed you’re going and the conditions of the road. As a general rule, you should maintain a minimum of one car length for every 10 miles per hour you’re going, e.g. two car lengths when traveling at 20 mph. Failing to follow the South Carolina tailgating law can result in a traffic ticket. If found responsible, you may face a fine, points on your license and/or higher insurance rates. Additionally, you may be held liable for any damage to property or injury to people that result from your tailgating. If you notice someone tailgating you, it’s best to slow down and allow them to pass. You should also stay aware of your surroundings and take necessary measures to safely change lanes or increase your speed if needed. If someone is repeatedly tailgating you, you may even need to call law enforcement to get the situation under control.

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

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