Being stuck behind an unreasonably slow driver can be
frustrating, especially if you are blocked in by traffic or
travelling on a one-lane road.
But it's important to know that 'tailgating' –
the act of driving too closely to the vehicle in front of you
– can amount to a traffic
offence in New South Wales and indeed across Australia.
The offence of
tailgating
In that regard,
regulation 126 of the Road Rules provides as follows:
'126 Keeping a safe distance behind vehicles
A driver must drive a sufficient distance behind a vehicle
travelling in front of the driver so the driver can, if necessary,
stop safely to avoid a collision with the vehicle.'
The offence carries a fine of $448 at the time of writing plus
three demerit points, or a maximum fine of 20 penalty units if
the matter is brought before a court; for example, if you elect to
have the matter dealt with in court and plead guilty or are found
guilty.
