CVC 21706Eligible for written declaration

Following Emergency Vehicle Too Closely

Following within 300 feet of an authorized emergency vehicle being operated under Vehicle Code 21055, unless your vehicle is also an authorized emergency vehicle.

Reviewed by the TicketClear teamLast reviewed October 10, 2026

Fine: $234DMV Points: 1🏫 Traffic School Eligible

Insurance: insurers must weigh your driving safety record first (Insurance Code 1861.02(a)), and more than one point in the previous three years ends Good Driver Discount eligibility (Insurance Code 1861.025(b)(1)).

This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. TicketClear is a self-help document preparation service — we are not attorneys and do not represent clients. Review all prepared documents carefully before submitting. Fine amounts are estimates and vary by county and surcharge schedule.

What is a Following Emergency Vehicle Too Closely ticket?

CVC 21706 says no motor vehicle, except an authorized emergency vehicle, shall follow within 300 feet of any authorized emergency vehicle being operated under the provisions of Section 21055. It does not apply to a police or traffic officer serving as an escort within the purview of Section 21057.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

No motor vehicle, except an authorized emergency vehicle, shall follow within 300 feet of any authorized emergency vehicle being operated under the provisions of Section 21055. This section shall not apply to a police or traffic officer when serving as an escort within the purview of Section 21057.

What the Officer Must Prove

1You were driving a motor vehicle that was not an authorized emergency vehicle
2You followed within 300 feet of an authorized emergency vehicle
3The emergency vehicle was being operated under the provisions of Section 21055

Arguments Commonly Raised for Following Emergency Vehicle Too Closely

General information: arguments drivers commonly raise for this code section. Whether any applies depends on your own facts.

Distance

CVC 21706 applies to following within 300 feet. Describe the distance and how you know it.

How the emergency vehicle was operated

The section applies to an authorized emergency vehicle being operated under Section 21055. Describe what you saw and heard from it.

Following

The section applies to following the emergency vehicle. Describe your route and theirs.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Leaving out what you saw and heard from the emergency vehicle
✗Not describing the traffic around you

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 21706 — Following Emergency Vehicle Too Closely. Following within 300 feet of an authorized emergency vehicle being operated under Vehicle Code 21055, unless your vehicle is also an authorized emergency vehicle.

Eligible for Trial by Written Declaration: generally yes.

This is general information about CVC 21706. It is not advice about your citation, and TicketClear does not evaluate anyone's facts. Whether any of it applies depends on your own facts. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed California attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions About Following Emergency Vehicle Too Closely

How far back must I stay from an emergency vehicle?▼

CVC 21706 says no motor vehicle, except an authorized emergency vehicle, shall follow within 300 feet of an authorized emergency vehicle being operated under Section 21055.

🏫

Traffic School Option

A conviction adds 1 DMV point. Traffic school may be available to keep the point off your public record, but not for a violation in a commercial motor vehicle (Vehicle Code 42005(c)(1)). Check your notice or your court's website for your options.

Ready to prepare your documents?

Upload your citation and TicketClear prepares your Trial by Written Declaration documents from the details you provide. Just $49.99 for any eligible California ticket.

Check if my ticket qualifies

Takes 2 minutes. No payment required to check.

Related Violations

CVC 21806(a)CVC 21703