Legal Question in Traffic Law in California

I was driving on a two lane highway.I was in the slow lane, speed about 69MPH (65MPH LIMIT). Behind me (approx 10 Feet) was a big truck (two trailers attached). In front was a car (approx 10 feet). The CHP Car was attempting to merge in front of me (he was going about 45-50MPH). I speed up and he successfully merged behind me. If i were to let him merge in front of me, I would have hit the big truck (and died, i'm sure). He pulled me over (didn't tell me why he pulled me over) and gave me a very hostile speech and then let me go. Was this officer justified? Should I file a complaint? I feel his actions could have caused my death.

Below is the freeway, he was merging from 32. I was on 99.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=highway+32,+chico,+ca&sll=38.097989,-122.188011&sspn=0.009473,0.022724&ie=UTF8&ll=39.737282,-121.819453&spn=0.002314,0.005681&z=18&iwloc=A


Asked on 9/23/09, 7:14 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Joe Dane Law Office of Joe Dane

If what you wrote is correct, then everybody in this situation was tailgating and in violation of the California Vehicle Code.

You were 10 feet behind another car going 69 miles per hour? Definitely too close for that speed. There's no way you could possibly stop in time if the driver in front of you were to hit their brakes. Same thing for the truck behind you. If they were pulling two trailers at that speed and only 10 feet behind you, they were way too close for that speed.

You didn't get a citation, so you're not out any money or additional time to go to court and deal with this. My suggestion? Let this go.

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Answered on 9/24/09, 9:13 am


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