California Vehicle Code 21703 prohibits following another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent given the speed of traffic and road conditions. Commonly called a tailgating citation, this violation is issued when an officer judges that your following distance was insufficient to allow a safe stop if the vehicle ahead braked suddenly. It carries 1 DMV point and is frequently issued in connection with rear-end collisions.
The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon, and the condition of, the roadway.
Enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. (Original enactment.)
Fine & Penalty Amounts
Estimated totals include all mandatory state and county penalty assessments. Actual amounts vary by county court.
Violation Range
Est. Total with Assessments
Notes
Following too close (standard)
~$490
Standard 1-point moving violation fine schedule.
Following too close — collision involved
~$490+
Additional civil liability may apply if a collision occurred.
The base fine of $238 applies to a standard VC 21703 infraction. After California's mandatory penalty assessments, the total typically reaches approximately $490. If the citation arose from a rear-end collision, separate civil liability is distinct from the traffic fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions drivers search for after receiving this citation.
California Vehicle Code 21703 requires drivers to maintain a following distance that is reasonable and prudent for the speed of traffic and road conditions. There is no fixed number of car lengths or seconds specified in the law — the standard is what a reasonable driver would consider safe. Officers typically cite this violation when a rear-end collision occurs or when they observe dangerously close following in traffic.
The base fine is $238. After California's mandatory penalty assessments, the total typically reaches approximately $490. The exact amount varies by county.
Yes. A conviction under VC 21703 adds 1 point to your California DMV driving record for 36 months from the violation date.
Yes. Because the standard is subjective — "reasonable and prudent" — defenses include arguing that your following distance was appropriate for the speed and conditions, challenging the officer's vantage point or ability to accurately judge the distance, or presenting evidence that road or traffic conditions made a shorter gap necessary. A Trial by Written Declaration lets you contest without appearing in court.
No. A VC 21703 citation can be issued whenever an officer judges your following distance to be unsafe, whether or not a collision occurred. If a collision did occur, the citation is separate from any civil liability or insurance claim.
Also frequently cited with
California drivers who receive this citation often have questions about these related violations.
