What You Need to Know About Tailgating in Nevada
If you have ever driven on the highways and city streets throughout Nevada you may have noticed there is a lot of tailgating.
Not the kind that you would do before a concert or football game but the kind where traffic tickets are issued.
In the big cities like Las Vegas, Reno, Henderson and North Las Vegas, following too close is common in heavy traffic areas where people are trying to get to work or somewhere on time.
Impatient drivers honking and driving to close behind can be dangerous and if a police or highway patrol happens to see this a ticket can be issued.
It is officially referred to as NRS 484B.127.
The driver of a vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.
Tailgating is often thought of as very aggressive driving behavior and is dangerous for everyone on the road.
The stress of rush hour traffic can lead to a driver being frustrated and impatient.
Getting right up on a vehicles bumper can really create a situation.
Obviously, this type of driving can be avoided by giving yourself a little bit of extra time to be somewhere and drive relaxed.
This is hard to do sometimes in the high-pressured world we live in.
In a situation where a car tries to prevent another vehicle driving next to them from cutting in front of them is one of the reasons someone will tailgate.
This type of driving behavior can create animosity on the road and enhance the chance of road rage happening.
If you ever find yourself in this situation where you have been pulled over and issued a ticket for tailgating then it is time to call us at Ticket Busters.
Is Tailgating illegal in Nevada
Tailgating is a common cause of accidents in the state of Nevada and even if an accident doesn’t occur it is illegal.
The chance of a rear-ending crash definitely increases when a driver is tailgating.
It is often a judgement call with the law officer when a ticket is written which can make it harder to prove beyond a reasonable doubt.
At Ticket Busters our expert attorneys can really help with these legal issues in a tailgating ticket.
What is the Fine for a Tailgating Ticket in NV
In Nevada this tailgating ticket comes with a $305 fine and 4 demerit points on your license.
It is possible with the proper representation to get a tailgating ticket reduced to a non-moving violation or possibly dismissed which can save you a lot of headaches.
A tailgating ticket in Nevada is considered a misdemeanor.
Though it is pretty rare that a tailgating ticket will land you in jail it does have a maximum penalty of $1,0000 in fines and/or 6 months in jail.
Remember that those demerit points can add up if you have been issued other tickets within the same year (12 months).
If you have received 12 demerit points within that yearly period than your license may be suspended for a 6-month period.
This can be very disruptive in a person’s life.
Let our Ticket Buster team of lawyers help!
Is it Worth Fighting a Tailgating Ticket
Of course, you can just go ahead and pay the fine and take the demerit points but it is in your best interest to fight a tailgating ticket.
All cases come with their own set of circumstances and no case is ever the same.
When it comes to traffic tickets Nevada judges have shown leniency in some cases reducing the ticket from a misdemeanor to a lesser non-moving violation.
There is also a chance that the case can get thrown out and dismissed altogether.
So, yes, it is always worth making the effort to put up a defense.
What To do if You Get a Tailgating Ticket in Nevada
Do not ignore a tailgating ticket that’s for sure.
It will come back to haunt you if you don’t address it.
If a court date is missed there will be a 30-day grace period to respond.
After the 30 days pass then a judge will issue a bench warrant.
This is unnecessary stress and it is never recommended to ignore a tailgating ticket.
In many cases it is possible to get the citation for tailgating reduced but in some cases the judge may be determined to make an example.
It is always helpful if you have any evidence to defend your case.
Evidence can include an eye witness, surveillance video or cell phone video.
Sometimes these cases are the officer’s word against you.
This is why a defense attorney that specializes in traffic violations is important.
Ticket Busters has helped Many customers just in Southern Nevada.
We specialize in not only traffic tickets but DUI and warrants as well.
Call us today!
Can I go to Court For My Tailgating Ticket
A person that has been cited for tailgating can request a bench trial.
A bench trial is not the same as a jury trial and a judge determines the verdict.
This is available to anyone that was ticketed for a tailgating violation.
Although most often in tailgating cases the parties involved can negotiate a settlement.
Dealing with judges and the courts can be confusing and overwhelming to many.
Ticket Busters can help navigate you through the process.
Why do I Need an Attorney for a Tailgating Ticket
It is definitely an advantage with the court system if you are properly represented.
It is recommended that a lawyer represents you in these types of situations even for tailgating tickets.
Defense Attorneys are highly trained and your best bet in getting the best outcome possible.
When a lawyer represents you in court you have a much better chance at a favorable deal.
From Out of State and a Tailgating Ticket
If you have ever been pulled over for tailgating in Las Vegas or somewhere in Nevada and you have an out of state license the laws can be a bit confusing.
Because each state has different penalties against a drivers license it is advised that a person find out the consequence in the state registered.
A traffic ticket in Nevada does not give demerit points out to out of state drivers.
There will be fines to pay and if you plan on fighting it a defense lawyer would be the best way.
This could make it possible to be defended when out of state.
Ticket Busters is trained in these types of cases.
What Is an Attorney Session
Since 2019 in Las Vegas the Las Vegas Justice Court has allotted times twice a week for attorney sessions.
These are on Tuesday and Thursday and is a way to resolve the vast amount of traffic tickets handed out by Las Vegas Metro.
In these attorney sessions the defense attorneys are given an opportunity to settle the traffic tickets like tailgating, running red lights etc.
Often negotiations take place sooner and can be negotiated to the benefit of the defendant.
Ticket Busters and their experienced team of lawyers offers a great way to help you resolve your tickets and keep you from losing your license in some cases.
We can help with all types of traffic tickets like speeding, tailgating, running a red light or stop sign without you having to go to court.
Some Helpful Tips to Avoid Tailgating
- Drive consistently at a safe speed – Drive the speed limit at all times. Keep plenty of room between you and the vehicle. If you are around semi-trucks and other larger type vehicles stay aware because accidents can be serious.
- Pass safely a slower car if possible – Instead of riding the persons bumper in front of you change lanes safely and get around them. Don’t get angry and stress yourself. It is often that slower traffic tends to be in the right lane.
- Give plenty of space in front of you -There are simple concepts like the 4 second rule where you give enough space that you pass a stationary object 4 seconds after the vehicle in front of you. These methods can really be helpful in reminding yourself the proper spacing.
- Leave early – Give yourself plenty of time to get from point A to B. Running late always adds stress to driving and clutching the steering wheel while following too close to someone can lead to an accident.
- Never tailgate ever but especially in bad weather – If driving in inclement weather visibility may be an issue. Roads are always slippery when it rains or snows. Rear ending another vehicle can cause injury and damage to both automobiles and persons involved.
- Use Caution – Have you ever traveled down the road too close to a vehicle and a light turns red? The driver has to immediately start braking and if tailgating you may not have the time you need to react. Same goes when approaching a stop sign.
