ORLANDO, Fla. – If you’ve ever glanced in your rearview mirror and realized the driver behind you is close enough to read your bumper sticker or your text messages, you’re not imagining things. Following too closely, commonly known as tailgating, is not only dangerous; it’s against Florida law.
Under Florida Statute 316.0895, drivers may not follow another vehicle “more closely than is reasonable and prudent,” taking into account speed, traffic and road conditions. Unlike some traffic rules, the law does not list a specific number of feet or car lengths. Instead, it relies on whether a driver can stop safely without striking the vehicle ahead.
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Safety experts commonly recommend using the “three-second rule” in normal conditions: pick a fixed object on the roadside and ensure at least three seconds pass between the vehicle ahead reaching it and your vehicle passing the same point. In rain, fog, darkness or heavy traffic, that gap should increase.
The statute also includes a stricter requirement for certain large vehicles. Trucks or vehicles towing another vehicle outside business or residential districts must generally maintain at least 300 feet of following distance, with limited exceptions.
Tailgating is a leading factor in rear-end crashes, one of the most common types of collisions on Florida roadways. In most cases, the trailing driver is presumed to be at fault because they failed to maintain a safe stopping distance.
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Beyond legal consequences, following too closely increases stress, reduces reaction time and leaves no margin for sudden stops caused by traffic slowdowns, debris, or unexpected hazards.
The simplest solution is also the safest: leave space. It won’t get you there faster, but it will dramatically reduce your chances of a crash and the paperwork, insurance claims and repairs that follow.