Following Too Closely Ticket Lawyer in Chicago
A following too closely citation may seem minor, but the consequences add up fast. We can guide you toward the best outcome.
Being cited for following too closely, often called tailgating, can be more serious than many Illinois drivers realize. These tickets are common after rear-end accidents, sudden stops, or when an officer believes you did not leave enough space between vehicles. A conviction can lead to fines, points on your license, and higher insurance premiums, even if the incident was minor. Working with an experienced traffic ticket attorney can make a significant difference, because following too closely cases often depend on the officer’s observations rather than hard evidence. With the right defense on your side, we could reduce the penalties or avoid a conviction altogether.
What Is Considered Following Too Closely?
In Illinois, drivers must leave a safe and reasonable distance between their vehicle and the one in front of them, taking into account traffic, road conditions, and speed (625 ILCS 5/11-704).
A following too closely ticket is a petty offense, but it carries real consequences. A conviction can lead to a fine, court costs, and 25 points added to your driving record, which can push you closer to a suspension. Kovacevic Law represents drivers facing this charge throughout Northern Illinois, and our team can help you challenge the ticket and work toward the best possible outcome.
For a free legal consultation with a Criminal Defense lawyer serving the Chicagoland area, call (312) 344-3340.
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Frequently asked questions
If you received a following too closely citation, these FAQs explain what to expect and what options you may.
Can you get a following too closely ticket dismissed in Illinois?
Yes, it is possible to get a following too closely ticket dismissed. Following too closely tickets in Illinois are often based on the officer’s eyewitness observations rather than physical evidence. A traffic ticket attorney may challenge the officer’s perspective, visibility, the distance between vehicles, traffic conditions, or whether the officer had a clear line of sight. If the evidence is weak or inconsistent, the ticket may be reduced or dismissed. Every case is fact-specific, so the outcome depends on the circumstances and the court handling the citation.
Can police keep questioning you after you ask for a lawyer?
No. Under Illinois law and your constitutional rights, once you clearly request an attorney, police are required to stop questioning you. If they continue questioning you after you assert your right to counsel, any statements you make may be inadmissible in court. This applies to traffic stops that escalate into more serious questioning. If you believe your rights were violated, an attorney can review the interaction and determine whether the evidence can be challenged.
What is the best defense against a following too closely ticket in Illinois?
The strongest defense against a following too closely ticket often focuses on challenging the officer’s observations. Because following too closely cases rely heavily on the officer’s judgment, a lawyer may argue that traffic conditions, road design, weather, sudden stops by the other driver, or a lack of clear visibility make the officer’s conclusion unreliable. Demonstrating that you acted reasonably for the conditions or that the officer lacked a clear view can weaken the State’s case and improve your chances of dismissal or reduction.
How many points does a following too closely ticket add to your Illinois driving record?
In Illinois, a conviction for following too closely adds 25 points to your driving record. Accumulating too many points within a 12-month period can result in a license suspension, especially if you already have other moving violations. This is one reason many drivers choose to challenge the ticket rather than simply paying the fine.
Do Chicago-area courts handle following too closely tickets differently?
Yes, the can handle them slightly differently. Following too closely tickets in the Chicago area are handled in local Cook County courthouses such as the Daley Center, Skokie, Rolling Meadows, Maywood, and Bridgeview. Each courthouse follows its own procedures, and outcomes can vary depending on the judge and prosecutor. Working with a Chicago traffic ticket attorney like the attorney at Kovacevic Law who regularly appear in these courts can help you navigate the process, challenge the officer’s testimony, and pursue a dismissal or reduction.