Controversial motorcycle bill sent to Florida Governor
The Staff of Clutch and Chrome
April 30th 2008
Both the
Florida House
and Senate have passed a bill that would bump up the fines
for motorcycle riders who speed or perform tricks on public roads.
If the governor signs the bill, riders who perform illegal
tricks or break the speed limit by more than 50 miles per
hour would face a fine of $1,000. Currently, the fine is
only $250.
The bill is
the brainchild of State Rep. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, a Miami
Republican after a series of ride-alongs with Florida
Highway Patrol officers along Miami-Dade highways.
Initially he
wanted the bill to give police the right to seize and sell
the motorcycle of repeat offenders who exceed speed limits
by more than 50 miles per hour, but was modified after
motorcycle advocacy groups protested.
The bill was
amended to include all motorists, who face a $1000 fine if
they exceed a posted speed limit by more than 50 miles per
hour. Motorists cited three times for breaking the speed
limit by 50 miles per hour or more could face up to five
years in prison, up to $5,000 in fines and revocation of
their license for up to 10 years.
If the
measure is signed by the Governor, it will go into effect Oct. 1. |
