FAQ: WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I’M CITED FOR FOLLOWING TOO CLOSE IN KANSAS CITY?

FOLLOWING

“Following too closely” — also known as tailgating — is one of the most misunderstood traffic violations in Missouri. Many drivers don’t even realize they weren’t maintaining a proper distance until the moment they see flashing lights in the rearview mirror. And in accidents, police often default to citing the driver in the rear, even when the front driver braked suddenly or acted unpredictably.

A conviction can add points to your license, send your insurance skyrocketing, and create long-term record problems. But with the right defense, these tickets are highly negotiable.

If you were cited for following too closely in Missouri, here’s what you need to know and why you should contact a Kansas City traffic defense attorney before doing anything else. Need  help?

Call Speeding Ticket KC now.

1. What does “following too closely” actually mean under Missouri law?

Mo RS 304.017 requires drivers to maintain a “reasonable and prudent” distance behind the vehicle ahead. But that term is infuriatingly vague, leaving officers broad discretion to issue tickets.

You may be cited for following too closely if:

  • The officer believes you were too close based on their judgment
  • You were involved in a rear-end collision
  • Traffic slowed suddenly and you didn’t stop in time
  • You were driving in heavy rain, fog, or snow
  • You were towing and didn’t adjust distance
  • You were distracted or momentarily inattentive

Because the law isn’t specific, a skilled defense attorney can successfully challenge it in many cases.

2. How many points does a following-too-closely ticket add to my license?

A conviction typically adds:

  • 2–3 points for municipal tickets
  • 3 points for state tickets

This may not sound like much but those points can trigger:

  • License suspension if you’ve had multiple recent tickets
  • Higher insurance premiums
  • Long-term record issues
  • Negatively impacted employment (especially CDL holders)

Avoiding points is the #1 goal when fighting a following-too-closely ticket.

3. Will a following-too-closely ticket increase my insurance?

Yes. Insurance companies view following too closely as a high-risk driving behavior, especially when the ticket follows an accident. Convictions often lead to:

  • Multi-year premium increases
  • Loss of safe-driving discounts
  • Higher deductibles
  • Possible non-renewal for repeat offenses

Hiring a trusted Missouri traffic attorney in Kansas City to negotiate the ticket down to a non-moving violation is the best way to protect your insurance.

4. Can I fight a following-too-closely ticket if the other driver braked suddenly?

Absolutely and this defense is more common than you think.

Sudden braking is a major factor in following-too-closely cases. Your lawyer can analyze evidence to show that the other driver:

  • Slammed on their brakes unnecessarily
  • Merged improperly
  • Cut you off
  • Was distracted
  • Had faulty brake lights
  • Was driving erratically

Missouri is a comparative fault state, meaning both drivers can share responsibility. If the other driver contributed to the collision, that can dramatically change your case.

5. What if the officer didn’t witness the accident?

If the officer didn’t see what happened and they usually don’t, the ticket is often based on assumptions, not evidence. A knowledgeable Kansas City defense lawyer can challenge:

  • Incomplete accident reports
  • Incorrect conclusions
  • Conflicting statements
  • Lack of physical proof
  • Bias toward blaming the rear driver

Officers frequently default to citing the driver behind, even when the facts aren’t clear. This creates a powerful opportunity for defense.

6. Can a traffic lawyer get my following-too-closely ticket reduced or dismissed?

Yes, this is extremely common. An experienced Kansas City traffic defense attorney may be able to:

  • Reduce the charge to a non-moving violation
  • Remove or reduce points
  • Prevent insurance increases
  • Challenge the officer’s conclusions
  • Show the other driver contributed to the accident
  • Get the ticket dismissed entirely

Following-too-closely is one of the most negotiable traffic tickets because it relies heavily on subjective interpretation.

7. Should I just pay the ticket and move on?

No, paying the ticket is the worst thing you can do. Paying is the same as pleading guilty, and that does a lot of damage to your record:

  • Adds points
  • Raises your insurance
  • Makes you appear at fault in civil lawsuits
  • Affects employment that requires driving
  • Risks suspension for drivers with prior points

A lawyer can often handle the case without you ever appearing in court.

NEED TO HIRE AN EXPERIENCED MISSOURI TRAFFIC ATTORNEY IN KANSAS CITY?

Call Speeding Ticket KC. Police often issue these tickets automatically after accidents or based on quick assumptions but a citation isn’t a conviction. With the right legal strategy, you can protect your driving record, avoid points, and prevent costly insurance increases.

At Speeding Ticket KC, our affordable Kansas City traffic defense lawyers fight these tickets every day. We know how to challenge weak evidence, negotiate smart amendments, and keep your record clean.

Don’t let one moment of traffic unpredictability cost you years of higher insurance and points.

AVOID POINTS ON YOUR RECORD. CALL SPEEDING TICKET KC TODAY

Traffic tickets can follow you for years, but Speeding Ticket KC helps Missouri drivers keep their records clean and their insurance rates low. Our affordable Kansas City traffic attorneys specialize in fighting speeding tickets, stop sign violations, and other moving infractions. We know how to handle cases efficiently, often without you ever having to appear in court. Every driver deserves a fair defense, and we make that process simple and affordable.

Don’t pay a ticket and assume it’s over; in Missouri, that payment counts as a conviction.

Contact Speeding Ticket KC today to speak with a skilled Kansas City traffic lawyer who can help you avoid fines, points, and long-term damage to your driving record.

Cities we serve: Adrian, Archie, Bates City, Belton, Blue Springs, Buckner, Butler, Cameron, Claycomo, Cleveland,  Drexel, Fairview,  Ferrelview,  Gladstone, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Houston Lake, Independence, Kansas City Missouri, Kearney, , Knob Noster, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lake Waukomis, Lake Winnebago, Lawson, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Oakview,  Parkville, Peculiar,, Platte City, Platte Woods, Plattsburg, Pleasant Hill,  Raymore, Raytown, Riverside, Smithville, Sugar Creek, Tracy,  Warrensberg, Weatherby Lake, and Weston.

Statewide: Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sheriff Counties we serve: Bates County, Cass County, Clay County, Jackson County, Platte County, Ray County.

Contact our experienced Kansas City traffic defense lawyers near me in Missouri and let us help begin building your defense. Let us help.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Always consult qualified counsel regarding your unique situation.

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