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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    1

    Default Contesting a Ticket For Following Too Closely, In Washington

    I recently received my first traffic ticket. The ticket I got was for following too closely, which I didn't even realize was a ticketable offense.

    I honestly didn't know I was doing it, and I didn't know why I had been pulled over. The officer said that I was following a lot more closely than the cars around me, and that the road conditions were slick so I should have accounted for even more distance than normal.

    I want to contest the charges, but I do not know what I can say that will help. At the time I did not believe I was following too closely, and even the definition per RCW 46.61.145 isn't totally clear on what "too closely" means. I believe I would have been able to stop in time to avoid a collision. But, I do agree with the officer that I was following more closely than the cars around me. Would that admission hurt me? Does being ignorant/believing in my case even if wrong account for anything? What would be a strong defense in this situation, if any?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    California
    Posts
    1,206

    Default Re: Contesting a Ticket For Following Too Closely, In Washington

    I don't think you'll have an easy time defending against the charge. Following too closely is common and causes a great number of accidents. Here in California, it's a terrible problem but is very poorly enforced. I think your only defense is that you felt you were being prudent. Obviously,the officer will testify otherwise.

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