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

In Texas, Tailgating, also known as following too closely, is a form of aggressive driving that can be dangerous to other drivers. It is against the law to follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, taking into account the speed of the vehicles and the traffic. Texas law states that a driver must maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of them, depending on the speed limit and the amount of traffic. Drivers who are caught tailgating are subject to fines ranging from $25 to $200, depending on the severity of their offense. Additionally, they may be assessed between 3 and 5 points on their driver’s license. Repeated violations can lead to license suspension for up to one year. To avoid tailgating, drivers should keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of them at all times. In order to do this, experts recommend leaving at least one car length of space between your car and the car ahead of you for every 10 miles per hour of speed. Drivers should also give themselves additional space when the roads are wet or traffic is heavy. Finally, maintaining a constant speed and being courteous to other drivers can help reduce the risk of tailgating.

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