Can you get fined for following too close?

**FastBikeGear** · 5th August 2009, 16:03

s there any law that says you can get fined for following too close.

I know that they talk about the 2 second rule in the road code but is there any legislation to back this up?

**The Baron** · 5th August 2009, 16:12

Yes you can get fined for following too close. So don't do it.

**klingon** · 5th August 2009, 16:15

Originally Posted by Wobblyas

s there any law that says you can get fined for following too close.

I know that they talk about the 2 second rule in the road code but is there any legislation to back this up?

Short answer: Yes.

Long answer: It depends on the circumstances and you may face a charge of careless (or dangerous) driving.

**slofox** · 5th August 2009, 16:24

....yes...

**Ixion** · 5th August 2009, 16:28

Sure can

Road User Rule 2004 5.9.3 (5.9.1-4 are all applicable ) : "Drive too close to vehicle in front". $150 fine

And if you actually hit them, probably a careless driving charge.

**FastBikeGear** · 5th August 2009, 16:31

Originally Posted by Ixion

Sure can

Road User Rule 2004 5.9.3 (5.9.1-4 are all applicable ) : "Drive too close to vehicle in front". $150 fine

And if you actually hit them, probably a careless driving charge.

Surely following too close is a subjective measurement?
Are any distances specified?

**Ixion** · 5th August 2009, 16:33

Yep. That's what the road code is for. "Able to stop in the clear distance ahead" (for roads with lane markings).

Want to argue? Tell it to the judge.

**slofox** · 5th August 2009, 16:36

Originally Posted by Ixion

Want to argue? Tell it to the judge.

And he'll tell you you're wrong...

**jetboy** · 5th August 2009, 16:36

Originally Posted by Wobblyas

s there any law that says you can get fined for following too close.

I know that they talk about the 2 second rule in the road code but is there any legislation to back this up?

Yes there are two laws, one being enforced by the police and one being enforced by physics.

*If you follow too close and a cop sees you = $150 fine
*If you follow too close and the guy infront emergency brakes = you end up crashing, or worse smashing your head on the bootlid of his car/rear door of his truck and end up a mentally deranged vegetable.

Short answer - pass the guy if he's going too slow

**FastBikeGear** · 5th August 2009, 16:40

Originally Posted by jetboy

*If you follow too close and a cop sees you = $150 fine
*If you follow too close and the guy infront emergency brakes = you end up crashing, or worse smashing your head on the bootlid of his car/rear door of his truck and end up a mentally deranged vegetable.

Ok as there was no accident in the incident the rule of physics didn't apply.

So what you guys are saying the only thing you could be charged with is careless driving or possibly dangerous driving?

**jetboy** · 5th August 2009, 16:43

Originally Posted by Wobblyas

So what you guys are saying the only thing you could be charged with is careless driving or possibly dangerous driving?

Pretty much aye - I saw it on Police 10/7 one time where some guy on an Auckland motorway (nooooooooo....can't possibly be!) had his car positioned that close to the guy in front it looked like it was about to perform an anal manoever...the guy got a careless charge and a $150 fine from what I remember.

**Ixion** · 5th August 2009, 17:10

Originally Posted by Wobblyas

Ok as there was no accident in the incident the rule of physics didn't apply.

So what you guys are saying the only thing you could be charged with is careless driving or possibly dangerous driving?

Sigh. You didn't read any of it did you.

You can be charged with a breach of Road User Rule 2004, S 5.9.3 "Drive too close to vehicle in front". And/or 5.9.1 , and 5.9.2 and 5.9.4 if the cop really wants to shit on you.

Accident or no accident.

Cop sees you thinks you're too close, you get a $150 ticket. OK?

**yungatart** · 5th August 2009, 17:12

Its scary to think that people are out on the roads not knowing the road rules...how some folk get a licence is beyond me!

**mynameis** · 5th August 2009, 17:13

Originally Posted by Ixion

Sure can

Road User Rule 2004 5.9.3 (5.9.1-4 are all applicable ) : "Drive too close to vehicle in front". $150 fine

And if you actually hit them, probably a careless driving charge.

That's s0o0o 2004 it's called tailgating