Most drivers in Missouri have had someone ride too close behind them at some point. It’s not just annoying—it’s dangerous. In Missouri, it can also get you into legal trouble.
Yes, tailgating is illegal in Missouri. Missouri law specifically prohibits drivers from following another vehicle closer than a distance which is defined as “what is reasonably safe and prudent”.
The law behind this is explained in RSMo Section 304.017. It doesn’t name a specific number of feet to follow behind someone, but it does make it clear that drivers have to judge what’s safe based on traffic and road conditions. That includes giving others room to change lanes or safely pass when needed.
If you’re caught tailgating, it’s considered a class C misdemeanor. That could mean a fine up to $750 and as much as 15 days in jail. If a crash happens because you were following too closely, it could lead to more serious consequences—both legal and financial. You might also be held responsible if someone was injured.
Tailgating might not seem like a big deal, but it can carry real consequences.
Determining “What is Reasonably Safe and Prudent”
Missouri law doesn’t give an exact distance that qualifies as safe. Instead, it leaves that decision up to the driver based on how fast traffic is moving and what’s happening on the road around them. That’s why it’s important to use good judgment and keep a reasonable cushion between you and the vehicle in front of you.
How the Three-Second Rule Works
One of the easiest ways to check your following distance is the three-second rule. Pick a fixed object ahead—like a sign, tree, or overpass. When the car in front of you passes it, start counting: “One thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three.” If you pass the same spot before you hit three, you’re too close. In poor weather or heavy traffic, giving even more space is a smart idea.
Tips for Managing Space Behind You
Safe driving also means managing the space behind your vehicle. If someone is following you too closely, stay calm and avoid hitting the brakes suddenly. Slow down gradually to encourage them to pass or, if there’s a right lane, move over when it’s safe.
Other tips include keeping a steady pace, signaling early before turns or stops, and pulling over if you’re slowing down traffic. Making these small adjustments helps reduce the chance of a rear-end collision—whether you’re the one following or being followed.
Good spacing protects everyone, not just you. It gives people time to react and prevents sudden stops from turning into collisions.
Reasons Why Drivers Tailgate
There’s no good excuse for following too closely, but it happens every day. Understanding why people tailgate can help you spot it early and avoid getting caught in a dangerous situation.
Impatience or Being in a Hurry
A lot of tailgating starts with impatience. Someone might be running late or frustrated with the pace of traffic. Instead of staying calm, they move in too close hoping to pressure the driver ahead into speeding up or switching lanes.
Aggressive Driving Habits
Some people just drive that way. They’re used to pushing the limits and riding too close doesn’t seem unusual to them. This kind of habit usually comes with other risky behaviors, like weaving between lanes or speeding in heavy traffic.
Road Rage or Retaliation
If someone feels cut off or boxed in, they might tailgate to “get back” at the other driver. This isn’t just aggressive—it’s dangerous. Tailgating out of anger increases the risk of a rear-end crash, especially if traffic slows suddenly.
Distracted Driving
Not all tailgating is intentional. Some drivers get distracted by phones, conversations, or other tasks. When they’re not paying attention, they may drift too close without noticing until it’s too late to react safely.
Heavy Traffic and Stop-and-Go Conditions
In congested traffic, spacing can shrink quickly. Some drivers stop watching their distance because the movement is slow or unpredictable. But even at low speeds, tailgating in stop-and-go conditions can still lead to fender benders and whiplash injuries.
Poor Judgment or Lack of Experience
New drivers or those unfamiliar with road conditions may not realize how much space they should leave. Without using tools like the three-second rule, they end up following too closely without meaning to be aggressive.
Tailgating happens for a mix of reasons, but every situation puts people at risk. Knowing the warning signs can help you stay alert and avoid being part of someone else’s poor decision.
What Makes Tailgating Dangerous
Tailgating is more than just an annoyance—it’s a serious hazard on Missouri roads. When a driver follows another car too closely, there’s very little time or space to react if traffic slows or stops. Even a split-second delay can lead to a collision. In high-speed traffic or on busy streets in places like St. Louis, this kind of aggressive driving often ends with someone getting hurt.
Rear-end accidents are one of the most common outcomes of tailgating. According to the National Safety Council, nearly 29% of all car crashes in the U.S. involve one vehicle hitting the back of another. These crashes might sound minor, but the injuries can be severe. Whiplash, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries are all common. In Missouri, these types of crashes also make up roughly 17% of all fatal accidents. That’s not a small number—it’s a major safety issue.
Tailgating also creates a chain reaction risk. If one car hits another from behind, that impact can push the first vehicle into the one ahead of it, setting off a domino effect. This is especially dangerous in heavy traffic or during poor weather when stopping distances are already reduced. One driver’s impatience can easily cause a pileup involving multiple vehicles and injuries.
It’s important to note that while the rear driver is usually presumed at fault, that’s not always how liability works. Missouri uses a comparative fault system, and if the front driver stopped suddenly without warning, they might also share some blame. Still, in most rear-end crashes, tailgating is the root problem.
Following too closely doesn’t save time—it increases the odds of injury, property damage, and complicated insurance battles. Keeping a safe distance is one of the simplest ways to prevent a serious crash.
What to Do If Someone Is Tailgating You
When another driver is following too closely, it’s natural to feel annoyed—or even threatened. But your reaction can either reduce the risk of a crash or make things worse. The key is to stay focused on your own safety, not the other driver’s behavior. Here’s what to do if someone is tailgating you:
Steps You Can Take to Protect Yourself:
- Stay calm. Getting angry or worked up will only distract you from the road. Keep your focus on driving safely.
- Don’t take it personally. Tailgating often has more to do with the other driver’s impatience than anything you’ve done.
- Maintain a steady speed. Resist the urge to speed up or slow down. Driving at a consistent pace makes your actions more predictable.
- Give them room. If it’s safe, change lanes and let them go around you. This simple step can instantly de-escalate the situation.
- Brake gently. If you need to slow down or stop, do it smoothly. Sudden braking can lead to a rear-end collision.
- Be extra cautious. Stay alert and watch traffic ahead so you’re not forced into sudden maneuvers.
- Report unsafe behavior. If the tailgater seems intoxicated, aggressive, or threatening, pull over to a safe spot and call the police.
Things You Should Avoid Doing:
- Don’t “brake check.” Tapping your brakes to send a message can cause a crash and may even be considered road rage.
- Don’t engage. Avoid eye contact, shouting, or making hand gestures. Interacting usually adds fuel to the fire.
- Don’t try to “teach them a lesson.” Blocking their path or purposely slowing down won’t help—and could lead to a dangerous confrontation.
- Don’t drive unpredictably. Making sudden lane changes or turning without signaling increases the risk of an accident.
It’s hard to stay patient when someone is riding your bumper, but reacting aggressively only increases the danger. The safest thing you can do is stay calm, create space, and avoid doing anything that escalates the situation. If you’re ever worried about your safety, don’t hesitate to get help.
Skilled Auto Accident Law Firm in Missouri
Tailgating is a serious problem on Missouri roads. When drivers follow too closely, it doesn’t take much for a rear-end collision to happen—especially in stop-and-go traffic or bad weather. If you’ve been hit by a tailgater, you’re likely dealing with more than just vehicle damage. Pain, stress, and lost time from work often follow.
At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we know how to handle claims involving aggressive or careless drivers, including those caused by tailgating. Our team of award-winning St. Louis auto accident attorneys work directly with you to make sure the process is clear and your questions are answered. You won’t get passed off to someone else.
If you were rear-ended by someone following too closely, we’ll fight to get you the compensation you deserve. We handle the legal side so you can focus on healing. Contact us to speak with an experienced Missouri car accident lawyer.
