What Are the Rules on Driving Too Close in Texas ?
A driver must, if following another vehicle, maintain an assured clear distance between the two vehicles so, considering the speed of the vehicles, traffic, and the conditions of the highway, the operator can safely stop without colliding with the vehicle in front or veering into another vehicle, object, or person on or near the highway. Driving too close to the vehicle in front of you so that there is no such clear distance is a Class C misdemeanor.
Example:
Joe Public is always in a hurry and gets very frustrated with drivers who go slowly in the fast last. Joe is traveling in the left lane when he has to slow down because an old lady is driving five miles below the speed limit. Joe gets right on her bumper and flashes his lights and honks his horn to try to get her to move over. A police officer sees Joe tailgating the lady and pulls Joe over and gives him a traffic ticket for Driving Too Close and for Honking His Horn (Section 547.501 Transportation Code). Honking Your Horn is a traffic violation if it is not for the purpose of insuring safe operation.
