TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A new Florida bill is putting extreme speedsters right in its crosshairs.
The bill (SB 1782) was filed late last month, and it seeks to amend state statutes regarding the crime of reckless driving.
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Under this bill, the following scenarios could result in charges of reckless driving:
- If a driver is going at least 50 mph over the speed limit
- If a driver is going over 100 mph while passing another car or changing lanes
- If a driver operates a car on any roadway other than a limited-access highway (i.e. interstates, freeways) and goes at least 35 mph over the speed limit
SB 1782 also pushes for harsher penalties for people convicted of reckless driving, imposing fines of at least $1,000 for a first conviction, and at least $2,500 for any subsequent convictions. Current law also imposes prison time for convictions.
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In addition, the bill would allow law enforcement to impound a person’s car if a criminal citation is issued for reckless driving.
“Such motor vehicle may be impounded for a period of 30 days,” the bill reads. “If the law enforcement officer finds that the criteria of this subsection are met, the law enforcement officer may immediately impound the motor vehicle.”
Furthermore, drivers cited for going 50 mph or faster over the speed limit could have their driver’s license revoked for six months under this proposal.
The bill is set to go before a committee hearing on April 1. A similar bill in the state Senate was approved during its first committee meeting on Tuesday.
If approved, both bills would take effect on July 1.