CVC 21703 Following Too Closely Ticket - What It Means & How to Fight It
Following another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent
Written by
Violation category
General Traffic
Base fine
$35
Estimated total cost
Includes court fees and assessments
DMV points
1 point
What is California Vehicle Code CVC 21703?
Following another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent
Common scenarios
- You were driving in heavy fog and had to stay closer than usual to keep up with traffic flow safely.
- Traffic suddenly slowed down ahead, and you maintained a safe distance but still got a ticket for following too close.
- You were stopped at a red light and the car in front was very close, so your following distance was short but reasonable.
Key facts
- No Fixed Distance in Law: CVC 21703 doesn’t say exactly how many feet you must keep. It depends on what’s safe for the conditions.
- Safety Is the Goal: This rule helps prevent rear-end crashes by making sure drivers have enough time to stop.
- Officer’s Observation Matters: The ticket is based on what the officer saw. If you can challenge their view with evidence, you have a better chance.
Fine breakdown for CVC 21703
| Category | Estimated amount |
|---|---|
| Base fine | $35 |
| Court & county surcharges (estimate) | $133 |
| Total estimated out-of-pocket | $168 |
County fees can multiply the base fine by 3–5x. ClerkHero confirms exact totals using your ticket details.
What Does CVC 21703 Mean?
This law says you can’t follow the car in front of you too closely. It means you need to keep a safe distance so you have enough time to stop if they slow down or stop suddenly.
Why? Because tailgating (driving too close) is dangerous. It can cause crashes if the front car brakes quickly and you don’t have enough space to stop.
What Counts as "Too Close"?
There’s no exact number of feet in this law. Instead, it depends on:
- How fast you’re going
- Road and weather conditions (like rain or fog)
- Traffic flow
You should always leave enough space to stop safely without hitting the car ahead.
Why Did I Get This Ticket?
The officer likely saw you following another vehicle closer than what they thought was safe. They want to keep roads safe for everyone.
But don’t worry. You can fight this ticket if you have good reasons or evidence.
What You Can Do Next
- Check if the officer’s notes match what really happened.
- Think about the traffic and road conditions at the time.
- Gather any proof, like dashcam footage or photos.
You’re not alone. Many drivers get these tickets and successfully defend themselves. Let’s look at how.
Defense ideas you can use in your TR-205 packet
Every ticket is different, but these arguments often surface in successful Trial-by-Declaration defenses. ClerkHero tailors the narrative to match your facts and any evidence you upload.
Defense 1
You kept a safe distance given the road and traffic conditions (e.g., heavy rain, stop-and-go traffic).
Defense 2
The officer’s estimate of your following distance was incorrect or not based on clear evidence.
Defense 3
You were slowing down because of a hazard ahead, and the distance was reasonable for that situation.
Defense 4
You were in a traffic jam or stop-and-go traffic where close following is unavoidable.
Defense 5
The officer did not clearly explain or prove how you were following too closely.
We can help fight your ticket CVC 21703 online
ClerkHero builds your entire TR-205 defense packet automatically. No lawyer. No court visit. No confusing forms. Just upload your ticket and we handle the rest.
Step 1
Upload your ticket
We extract all violation details using hybrid OCR and AI. Works for handwritten, camera, and printed citations.
Step 2
We generate your defense
You answer a few questions. We craft a TR-205 defense letter tailored to this exact violation code.
Step 3
Sign, mail, and track
You receive a complete filing packet with step-by-step instructions. Never miss a deadline again.
Frequently asked questions about CVC 21703
How close is too close under CVC 21703?
There’s no exact distance. You must keep enough space to stop safely based on your speed and road conditions.
Can I get a ticket if traffic is heavy and close following is normal?
Sometimes officers understand stop-and-go traffic. But if they think you’re unsafe, they might still issue a ticket. You can explain this in your defense.
What if I was following the speed limit and still got this ticket?
Speed and following distance are separate. Even at the speed limit, you must keep a safe gap to avoid crashes.
Can dashcam footage help fight this ticket?
Yes! Video showing you kept a safe distance or were in heavy traffic can be strong evidence.
What happens if I ignore this ticket?
Ignoring it can lead to fines, a hold on your license, or even a warrant. It’s best to respond or fight it.