Following Too Closely Lawyer Bergen County — What Are Your Options?
A following too closely ticket in Bergen County is a moving violation under N.J.S.A. 39:4-89, carrying 2 points on your license and fines. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for drivers cited on I-80, the Turnpike, and Route 17. Our following too closely lawyer Bergen County team challenges the officer’s estimation of distance and speed. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
New Jersey Law on Following Too Closely
The driver of a vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of the preceding vehicle and the traffic upon, and condition of, the highway.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
This statute, N.J.S.A. 39:4-89, is intentionally subjective. It does not specify a fixed distance, like the “two-second rule” often taught in driver’s education. Instead, it requires a judgment call based on road conditions, speed, and traffic density. This subjectivity is a key point a following too closely lawyer Bergen County can use in your defense. The firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with over 25 years of experience, understands how to contest these subjective judgments in Bergen County courts.
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, refer to N.J.S.A. 39:4-89 on the New Jersey Legislature website. For court procedures and locations, visit the Bergen Vicinage official court website.
How a Following Too Closely Case Proceeds in Bergen County
Most following too closely tickets in Bergen County are heard in the municipal court of the town where the citation was issued, such as Paramus, Hackensack, or Fort Lee. The prosecution must prove you violated the standard of “reasonable and prudent” distance. A common defense involves challenging the officer’s ability to accurately judge a safe following distance at the speeds involved, especially on high-speed roads like I-80.
- Receive Your Ticket: You will get a summons with a court date, fine amount, and court location.
- Consult an Attorney: Contact a following too closely lawyer near me Bergen County to discuss the specifics of your traffic stop and potential defenses before your court date.
- Court Appearance: Your attorney can appear with you. They may negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction to a zero-point offense like “Unsafe Operation” (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97.2).
- Trial: If no agreement is reached, your attorney will present your defense, cross-examine the officer, and argue before the judge.
- Outcome: The judge will rule. A not guilty verdict dismisses the ticket. A guilty verdict results in fines, court costs, and points.
- Appeal: If found guilty, you have the right to appeal the decision to the Bergen County Superior Court, Law Division.
Penalties for Following Too Closely in New Jersey
In Bergen County, a following too closely conviction under N.J.S.A. 39:4-89 results in a fine, court costs, and 2 motor vehicle points added to your driving record.
| Offense | Classification | Fine Range | License Points | Other Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Following Too Closely | Moving Violation | $85 – $140 + court costs | 2 points | Potential insurance surcharge; possible careless driving plea offer. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Traffic Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We have handled thousands of traffic matters across New Jersey. Our approach is to examine every detail of the traffic stop, from the officer’s vantage point to the calibration of any equipment used, to build a strong defense for our clients.
Case Results in Traffic Matters
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in traffic cases. While every case is unique, our strategies aim for dismissals, not guilty verdicts, or reductions to lesser offenses with no license points. An affordable following too closely lawyer Bergen County can provide crucial defense to protect your driving record and finances.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Traffic Defense Serving Bergen County, NJ
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Bergen County. We are accessible from I-80, the NJ Turnpike, Route 17, and the George Washington Bridge. If you need a following too closely lawyer near me Bergen County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 455-5120
By appointment only.
Serving: Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, Lyndhurst, and all of Bergen County.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is following too closely a points violation in NJ?
Yes. A conviction for following too closely under N.J.S.A. 39:4-89 adds 2 points to your New Jersey driving record. These points can lead to insurance surcharges and, if you accumulate enough, license suspension.
Can I fight a following too closely ticket?
Yes. Defenses often challenge the officer’s subjective judgment of a “safe” distance. A lawyer can argue that your following distance was reasonable given the traffic speed and conditions, or question the officer’s ability to accurately perceive the distance between vehicles.
What is the fine for tailgating in NJ?
The base fine for following too closely typically ranges from $85 to $140, not including mandatory court costs. The total amount you pay can be higher. A conviction also carries the 2-point penalty.
Should I just plead guilty and pay the ticket?
It depends. Paying the ticket is an admission of guilt, which will add points to your license and likely increase your insurance premiums. Consulting with a following too closely lawyer Bergen County first can help you understand if you have a defensible case to avoid these penalties.
Can the charge be reduced to a non-points offense?
Often, yes. A common negotiation in Bergen County municipal courts is to reduce a 2-point following too closely charge to “Unsafe Operation” (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97.2), which carries a fine but no license points. An attorney can advocate for this result.
Do I need a lawyer for a traffic ticket?
While not required, a lawyer significantly improves your chance of a better outcome. They know the local court procedures, can negotiate with the prosecutor, and present legal defenses you may not be aware of, all without you needing to miss work for multiple court dates.
Related Legal Information
If you are dealing with other traffic matters, you may find our pages on Bergen County DUI defense useful. For a broader view of our New Jersey traffic practice, visit our New Jersey traffic lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Atlantic County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current guidance regarding your following too closely charge in Bergen County.