Consequences for Following Too Closely to Another Car
It might seem harmless, but the costs of a “following too closely” charge and conviction can be very serious.
YOU MIGHT PAY FOR YEARS IF CONVICTED
While it doesn’t necessarily involve damage or harm to any people, vehicles or property, if you are convicted of “following too closely”, you face fines, a driver’s licence suspension and more. The potential increase in your car insurance rates might be the worst of all.
THE DEFINITION OF FOLLOWING TOO CLOSELY
The provincial laws that define what is “following too closely” can be vague. For example, in its definition of “following too closely” Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act – Section 158 states:
The driver of a motor vehicle or street car shall not follow another vehicle or street car more closely than is reasonable and prudent having due regard for the speed of the vehicle and the traffic on and the conditions of the highway.
THE PENALTIES FOR FOLLOWING TOO CLOSELY
You can face one or more of the following penalties if you are convicted of “following too closely”.
- Fines: a minimum of $110 and a maximum of $500
- Demerit Points: 4
- Potential Driver’s Licence Suspension: 30 days
- Driving Record: a conviction on your driving record that can be used by your insurance company
HOW TO FIGHT YOUR ‘FOLLOWING TOO CLOSELY’ CHARGES
Every case that involves “following too closely” is different, so the law is open to interpretation more than most. That means it is crucial that you have a defence team with specific experience in fighting and winning against “following too closely” charges.
X-Copper’s team of qualified and experienced lawyers, former police officers and legal professionals understand the methods of the officers who charged you, and the procedures of the courts that will hear your case. We know how to help you avoid fines, demerit points, license suspensions and higher car insurance rates.