Seems like a bit of an excuse to pull you over in my opinion, although driving up close behind someone is not smart so I guess it depends how far behind you were. A 1/4 mile away though? 400 metres? Sounds like a lot! I'd say several car lengths would be legit. I think he was being a little over-cautious with that recommendation.

Anyway, who knows with cops. They do a pretty hard job though I think and see really only just looking out for us I guess. Mostly.