Tailgating violation: followed too closely, what now?

Anyone who follows too closely endangers themselves and others and risks a fine. Decisive is the safety distance to the vehicle ahead. How harsh the consequences are depends on the speed driven and how far the distance was undershot.

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A sufficient safety distance must be kept (§ 4 StVO). As a rule of thumb the 'half the speedometer' in meters applies. At higher speed and a clear undershoot, points and a driving ban threaten.

Distance measurements are error-prone: short measurement stretches, another vehicle suddenly cutting in or braking maneuvers can distort the result. Such circumstances can be asserted in an objection.

What you should do now

1
1. Check the notice
See which speed and which distance are alleged.
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2. Reconstruct the circumstances
Recall the traffic situation, cutting in or braking by other vehicles.
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3. Question the measurement
Have the measurement method, measurement stretch and evaluation checked.
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4. Consider an objection
With plausible doubts, lodge an objection within two weeks.

How to spot the scam

A short, situational undershoot is treated like a permanent violation.
The measurement stretch was very short or not meaningful.
The two-week objection deadline expires.

Frequently asked questions

How large must the distance be?

A safety distance must be kept that allows stopping even with sudden braking (§ 4 StVO). As a rule of thumb, half the speedometer value in meters serves (about 50 meters at 100 km/h). Within built-up areas different standards apply.

From when are there points or a driving ban?

That depends on the speed and the degree of the distance undershoot. At high speed and a clear undershoot, points and a driving ban are provided. The details result from the fine catalog.

Can I contest a distance measurement?

Yes. Distance measurements are prone to errors. If the measurement stretch was short, another vehicle cut in or there was a braking maneuver, this can change the assessment. Such points can be raised in an objection within two weeks.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.