Last Updated on June 6, 2025 by Beltz Law Group
“Following Too Closely” Ticket in Garland? Understand the Law & Your Options.
Garland Ticket Defense Attorney
Expert Defense for Traffic Violations in Garland Municipal Court. Call The Beltz Law Group Today to Discuss Your Case: 214-321-4105
Receiving a ticket for “Following Too Closely” can be a frustrating experience, especially if you believe the circumstances didn’t warrant the citation. This particular offense often comes with the added stress of being issued after a car accident. Whether an accident occurred or not, a conviction for “Following Too Closely” in Garland can negatively impact your driving record and insurance rates.
At The Beltz Law Group, our Garland traffic attorneys are experienced in defending these types of citations in Garland Municipal Court. We work to protect your record and explore every possible defense based on the unique facts of your case.
Understanding the Law: “Following Too Closely” in Texas
The rules regarding safe following distances are outlined in the Texas Transportation Code, Section 545.062. FOLLOWING DISTANCE.
(a) An operator shall, if following another vehicle, maintain a safe distance between the two vehicles so that the operator can safely stop without colliding with the preceding vehicle or veering into another vehicle, object, or person on or near the roadway.
(b) An operator of a truck or a motor vehicle drawing another vehicle, when traveling on a highway outside a business or residential district, shall, if following another truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle, maintain a distance of at least 300 feet between the vehicles. This subsection does not prohibit a truck or a motor vehicle drawing another vehicle from passing another truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle.
What this means for drivers in Garland:
- “Safe Distance” is Key (Subsection a): The law doesn’t specify a fixed number of car lengths or a specific time interval (like the “two-second rule”). Instead, it uses the term “safe distance,” which means you must maintain enough space to stop safely without hitting the car in front of you. This “safe distance” can vary greatly depending on factors like speed, weather conditions, road surface, and vehicle type.
- Commercial Vehicle Specifics (Subsection b): There’s a more stringent rule for trucks and vehicles towing others on highways outside urban areas, requiring a 300-foot following distance.
Garland Ticket Defense Attorney
When is “Following Too Closely” Issued?
In most cases, a “Following Too Closely” ticket is issued after a car accident where a rear-end collision has occurred. In these situations, law enforcement officers often presume that the trailing driver was following too closely if they struck the vehicle in front of them. The ticket becomes a byproduct of the accident investigation.
However, a ticket can also be issued without an accident occurring, based solely on an officer’s observation.
Defending Your “Following Too Closely” Ticket in Garland
A conviction for “Following Too Closely” is a moving violation that will appear on your driving record. This can lead to:
- Increased Insurance Premiums: Your auto insurance provider will see this conviction and can raise your rates significantly.
- Potential for Driver’s License Suspension: While not an immediate suspension, accumulating multiple moving violations can lead to a driver’s license suspension by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Here’s how The Beltz Law Group can assist you in Garland Municipal Court:
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If a Car Accident Did Not Occur: If you received this ticket without being involved in an accident, there may be a possible factual defense based on the individual circumstances of your case. Since “safe distance” is subjective, we can argue that the officer’s assessment was incorrect given the specific conditions, your speed, and your reaction time. We’ll explore:
- Traffic flow and speed.
- Visibility and weather conditions.
- Sudden or unexpected braking by the lead vehicle.
- Any other factors that contributed to the officer’s observation. This type of defense requires presenting a compelling argument to the prosecutor or the judge.
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If a Car Accident Did Occur: Even if an accident occurred, our goal remains to protect your driving record. While outright dismissal may be more challenging, we will work diligently to:
- Negotiate for Deferred Disposition: This is often the best outcome. With deferred disposition, you pay a special expense fee and agree to a probationary period (typically 90-180 days) during which you must avoid new violations. If you complete the period successfully, the ticket is dismissed and will not appear as a conviction on your driving record.
- Address Accident Report Details: We can review the accident report and discuss any inconsistencies or mitigating factors that might influence the prosecutor’s decision.
Lawyer In Garland For Traffic Tickets
Call Us Today to Discuss Your Case
Every “Following Too Closely” ticket is unique, and the best defense strategy depends entirely on the specific facts of your situation. Don’t simply pay the fine and accept the consequences for your record and insurance.
Call our office today to discuss the particular facts of your case with our experienced Garland attorneys. We will explain your options and determine the best approach to protect your driving record and driving privileges.
Call The Beltz Law Group Now: 214-321-4105
