Following Too Closely Ticket

The thing is, that different states, and even different jurisdictions, have different ways of handling "traffic court." I have worked in areas where traffic court was handled by an actual judge. A municipal court judge who also handled minor criminal matters. And traffic violations were prosecuted by the district attorney's office. (Usually the most junior member of the DA's team.)

I've also worked areas where traffic violations were handled by an appointed "traffic referee," an individual who is not an attorney, but has had special training in traffic laws, and that is all they handle. No attorneys allowed, either for the defendant, or for the state. It is the motorist vs the officer. Relatively informal, and probably the easiest and most fair in the system.

And then I've worked areas where traffic court was handled by a "justice of the peace." This is an elected position and anybody who is fairly popular can run and be elected. Needs no special training or education. IF you have a JP with common sense, and a sense of fairness, this can work to the motorist's advantage.

And then there is the nightmare scenario: You have an appointed JP, usually by the county commissioners or the city council. He has no qualifications or training, other than to be politically connected. His salary, and in some cases, the salary of the cops, depend on the fines he brings in. I don't know if there are still areas of the country that have this type of situation or not. Used to be common in rural areas of the south. But this is the one where you, as a motorist are totally screwed.

So if you guys were victims of this last type, you have my absolute sympathy.

 

Take the next ramp if a cop is following you? I think you are taking this a little too hard. You have a great driving record, and it will probably be another 20 years before you get another ticket. Just put it behind you and move on. Use it as a chance to reflect on your driving habits and improve yourself. Sometimes its good to get a wake up call, your obviously a good driver so don't go getting all paranoid over this ticket.

 

2 words: Dash Cam

 

Here's my question this week I got pulled over in Indiana officer was heading west I was heading east. Officer did a u turn pulled me over said the car in front of me and were doing 58 in A 55 but he was writing me a ticket for following to close I was at least a trailer behind the car. When the car saw the officer he hit his brakes like most 4 wheelers do then I hit my brakes. Well I tried to explane that but he said I should have been 60 feet back. Should I try and fight this or pay the fine and how long would it be before I can look at getting a job with another trucking co. I know the ticket is Nail in the coffin as far as offenses go I'm ok with the co I'm with now the officer even said he didn't know if the car pulled over to let pass or pulled over because he saw the cops lights.

 

I do see almost everyday on a Highway/Interstate a Big Truck following another Big Truck a car-length or at the most two car lengths between them for an extended period of time..

That is in my "Top Five" of stupid/insane things I see on a regular basis.

 

the "following too closely" is subject to interpretation and i am pretty sure everyone here has had their moments of being less than 3 or 5 or 8 seconds behind anyone

a book or a judge or a cop or a dispatcher or a safety manager or an insurance company cannot drive for you and you will be a fool trying to let them

 

I fight every ticket in a courteous manner:smt024. Have always been successful in some way, usually a lesser offense offered by the court.

 

I usually pull "wide and heavy" across I80 and usually run 60mph so I don't have to pass anyone. Of course its a constant parade around me and unless the driver is passing another truck ahead of me, the driver pulls in with less than 75' between us. Even when there is nothing behind him. If I back off for each truck then I might as well park it. I sure wish I would be given more room because I would love to have a chance to see what is on the shoulder ahead since part of my load is out there. The worst is the 61 mph trucks that hang beside me for ever and then sit under my hood until I back off.

Here's a thought. if you are passing a wide load give him twice the space that you would normally give before you pull back in that lane.

 

I always give you guys more space, unless you give me a light flash to tell me to come on over, otherwise I wait a bit.

Also I never cut in between a pilot car and the wide load. Even though you guys have radio communication, I think it's also good to have a visual on your pilot car. I notice not all drivers do that though.