Florida has a new traffic law that will go into effect on July 1. It’s the “super speed” law and it means you won’t be allowed to drive more than 50 mph over the speed limit on the road you’re on. Go over? That’s a $500 fine, a mandatory court appearance, and up to 30 days in jail.
Doesn’t sound so fun now, right? Well, wait, because if you don’t learn the first time, you’ll learn the hard way: $1,000, 90 days behind bars, and you could even lose your license for a full year.
In a state like Florida, where around 11% of road deaths are due to speeding, this new rule aims to drastically lower that number. Want to know more?
A new super speed rule in Florida
The new legislation was born under pressure from victims’ families and road safety organizations. The turning point was the death of 11-year-old Anthony Reznick, hit by a driver with a history of violations who never set foot in jail…
So, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) doesn’t want this horrific incident to happen again, and that’s why they’ve launched this new rule.
What makes it different from other laws?
Well, nothing less than the fact that the cited driver must appear in person before a judge. At the first hearing it will be decided whether a $500 fine is enough or if 30 days in jail should be applied.
This new measure aims to “break the psychological impunity” of paying and walking away.
And repeat offenders?
If the driver is stopped a second time within 5 years, the fine goes up to $1,000 and 90 days in prison. In addition, the judge has the power to suspend the license for twelve months.
The young factor
The DHSMV points out that drivers between 16 and 25 are the most frequent offenders. So, it is expected that this new rule will create a culture of respect behind the wheel from an early age. The road belongs to everyone!
Revenue or prevention?
Of course, criticism came quickly and many residents call the law a “money-making machine”, saying that the fines will fill the state’s coffers without solving the real problem. But the truth is that, even if the state’s coffers fill up, the main goal is to raise awareness and create “fear” in drivers so they think twice before speeding.
What about other states?
Laws like this are already being applied in other states. Georgia and Virginia, for example, have similar measures. In Georgia, they managed to reduce speed-related deaths by 14%.
What needs to be done before July 1?
Absolutely nothing, just pay attention to the road signs wherever you’re driving. You don’t need an extra policy or to prepare in any special way –just be a good driver.
And be careful –this also applies to truckers and platform drivers (professionals) because a penalty like this could mean not just a fine, but temporary job disqualification due to license suspension.
Driving in Florida will change radically starting July 1. $500 fines, jail risk, and your license on the line are now things you’ll need to consider if you’re planning to get to your destination faster.
The priority is clear: saving lives. So start thinking about easing off the gas pedal –the road is for everyone and we all deserve to get home safe!
