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Breaking Motorcycle News on Clutch and Chrome!
Florida motorcycle bill
moves to next stage
By the Staff of Clutch and
Chrome
Updated
March 19th, 2008
A law which many consider
discriminatory towards motorcycle riders has been voted onto
the next stage to becoming Florida
law.
The bill in the House has been amended from its original version by the bills House sponsor Rep. Lopez-Cantera. The speeding focus of the bill will be increased to anyone that is speeding 50 mph or greater over the posted speed limit. This applies to both motorcycles and all other motor vehicles. The bill will also be amended to include staggered penalties for first, second and third time offenders. First time offenders will face a $1,000 fine. On the second offense a rider will face $2,500 fine and a one year license suspension. A third time offender will lose their license for 10 years and have to forfeit their vehicle. Additionally language has now been incorporated into the bill that will account for “wheelies” that are beyond the rider’s control.
State Rep. Carlos Lopez-Cantera introduced the bill last
November after witnessing speeding sport bikes weaving in
and out of traffic as well as some riders performing stunts
on Miami's highways.
Although few action
groups attended the House infrastructure committee
discussing the bill, those that did were allowed short
statements and asked no questions by any members of the
panel. The lobbyist
appearing for ABATE of Florida stated his organization opposed the bill and made a
request for stiffer
penalties for those who violate motorcycle right of way causing injury
and/or death to the motorcyclists. The
issue was not addressed.
The bill has one more committee stop before being voted on by the full body of the Florida House of Representatives
as well as the Senate before its presented to the Governor
for his signature. |
