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This article is about driving too close. For other uses, see Tailgate.

Tailgating is the act of driving on a road too close to the vehicle in front, such that the distance between the two vehicles does not guarantee that stopping to avoid collision is possible.

The safe distance for following another vehicle varies depending on various factors including vehicle speed, weather, visibility and other road conditions. Some jurisdictions may require a minimal gap of a specified distance or time interval. When following heavy vehicles or in less than ideal conditions (e.g. low light or rain), a longer distance is recommended.


There can be several reasons for tailgating.

Preventing Cut Ins[edit]

Tailgating can occur when a vehicle attempts to prevent another vehicle on the right or left from cutting in front of them. The tail-gating (or preventing) vehicle will drive as close as possible to another leading vehicle to prevent the side vehicle from cutting in. Like all forms, this practice of tailgating is illegal and attempts to force the side vehicle to slow down and get into the line of traffic behind the tailgating vehicle. This practice is very likely to evoke road rage where one vehicle is blocking and another attempts to defy the block.




In its most uncivic form, it can be a case of road rage and/or intimidation. An example would be where the tailgating driver (the driver in the following vehicle) threatens damage to the leading vehicle and its occupants by driving aggressively — perhaps also with use of headlights and horn — to bully the leading vehicle's driver to get out of the way. The driver being tailgated might not wish to comply, especially if doing so would involve breaking the law, such as by increasing speed beyond the speed limit or changing lanes without due regard for safety. Note, however, that in some jurisdictions flashing high beams is a normal and polite method used to signal the intention to overtake.[1] Tailgating can also be dangerous to the tailgater, especially if they are driving closely behind a large vehicle (such as a tractor-trailer, or gas tanker). If the leading vehicle decelerates suddenly (such as when encountering a traffic jam, traffic lights, avoiding pedestrians, etc.), the tailgater has a high risk of causing a rear-end collision.



Trailing and columns[edit]

Another instance whereby the practice of driving on a road very close to a frontward vehicle or at a close distance may occur is during an occasion whereby the drivers of the two cars are acquainted to one another. This may be due to it being a procession of motor vehicles, typically carrying or escorting a prominent person that wants to avoid interlopers. Another instance may occur where the leading vehicle is showing directions to the trailing vehicle and the trailing vehicle attempts to avoid allowing an interloping vehicle to come in between them.[4] Another sphere wherein tailgating has been observed is among drivers who are in a hurry, or other public road activity whose prerequisite is urgency or agitation.[5]

Fighting against tailgating[edit]

Tailgating causes most rear-end crashes in South Australia.[6] Some motorways in the United Kingdom and Australia feature certain road markings which can help resolve this problem. Consisting of an arrangement of chevrons, these remind the driver not to tailgate, and assist in the two second rule.[7]

In Germany tailgating is punishable with a fine of up to €400. In case of gross negligence one or more penalty points are given and the driver's license may additionally be immediately suspended for up to 3 months.[8]


  1. ^ rms.nsw.gov.au
  2. ^ motherjones.com
  3. ^ motherjones.com, King of the hypermilers-2]
  4. ^ McManus, John (2008). Tactical Emergency Medicine. p. 223. 
  5. ^ Hennessy, Dwight (2005). Contemporary Issues in Road User Behavior and Traffic Safety. p. 74. 
  6. ^ transport.sa.gov.au - Tailgating campaign[dead link]
  7. ^ au.news.yahoo.com
  8. ^ "Abstand und Abstandsvergehen" [Distance and Distance Offense] (in German). 2015. Retrieved 4 February 2015. 

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