A Following Too Closely ticket in South Carolina can lead to fines, points on your license, and increased insurance rates.
In some cases, law enforcement may issue this ticket if they believe you were at fault in a rear-end collision. However, not all following too close charges are justified. Before you pay the fine and accept the penalties, consult an experienced traffic attorney to explore your options. At Chambers Law, we help drivers fight traffic violations to protect their records and driving privileges.
Call 843-449-0420 today for a free consultation.
What is Following Too Closely in Myrtle Beach?
South Carolina law (S.C. Code § 56-5-1930) states that drivers must maintain a safe distance between their vehicle and the one in front of them, considering traffic speed, road conditions, and other factors. Following too close, also known as “tailgating,” occurs when a driver:
- Fails to leave enough space to stop safely if the front vehicle suddenly brakes
- Drives aggressively close to another car, often due to road rage or impatience
- Misjudges stopping distances in poor weather or heavy traffic
- Is involved in a rear-end collision, even if the front driver stopped abruptly
Penalties for Following Too Closely in South Carolina
A following too close violation can result in significant consequences, including:
- Fines ranging from $75 to $300, depending on the situation
- Four points added to your driving record
- Increased auto insurance premiums
- Potential liability if the violation resulted in an accident
Accumulating too many points on your driving record can lead to a suspended driver’s license.
How the South Carolina Point System Works
South Carolina assigns penalty points for traffic violations. If you accumulate 12 or more points, your license may be suspended:
- Two points – Minor traffic violations
- Four points – Following too close or failure to yield
- Six points – Speeding 25+ mph over the limit
- 12 or more points – Automatic license suspension
While points are cut in half after one year, they can still affect your insurance rates and put you at risk of future penalties.
Why You Should Fight a Following Too Closely Ticket
Many drivers assume they should just pay the fine and move on, but doing so can lead to increased insurance costs, points on your record, and potential liability in the event of an accident. Fighting your ticket may help you:
- Reduce or eliminate points on your driving record
- Prevent higher insurance premiums
- Avoid penalties that could impact future driving privileges
- Challenge the officer’s interpretation of the event
Common Defenses Against Following Too Closely Violations
At Chambers Law, we build strong defenses to fight following too close tickets, including:
- Conflicting witness statements – If other drivers or passengers provide conflicting accounts, your case may lack clear evidence
- Poor visibility – If road conditions, weather, or sudden hazards contributed to the incident, your actions may have been justified
- Officer misinterpretation – The ticket may have been issued based on the officer’s subjective judgment rather than clear evidence
- Emergency situations – If you had to act to avoid a greater danger, you may have had a valid reason for your actions
How Chambers Law Can Help
At Chambers Law, we take an aggressive approach to defending clients charged with following too close violations. Our firm:
- Reviews traffic camera footage, officer reports, and witness statements
- Challenges unclear road conditions, weather factors, and officer errors
- Negotiates with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges
- Represents clients in court to protect their driving record
