As been put forward by a new “super speeder” law in one state, there will be between $500 to $1,000 fines and the possibility of jail time for all drivers who resort to speeding.
This measure will be put in place in this state from July 1 so as to prevent reckless motorists from ruining the safety on American roads. By reducing speeding, it is the hope that lives in this state may be saved. Many critics feel that this law is yet another law to get criminals to collect penalties and won’t lead to real results or promote further road safety in the state.
An ongoing debate pertaining to enforcement of new laws
Many supporters are in favor of this new law that will be implemented in the state as they believe the law is well overdue. The law is said to be motivated by the death of 11-year-old Anthony Reznick in 2022. Reznick had been killed by a driver driving at quite a speed and carrying an entire history of road violations as well. With Reznick’s death, the main upset was that the driver got away without facing any criminal charges.
The law has been proposed to make road users more accountable for their actions on the road and has given road users the chance to slow down and avoid causing accidents due to reckless speeding.
According to critics, this measure may not be quite enough to make roads in this state safer. Many critics state that there is no concrete evidence that points towards penalties resulting in a reduction of crime rates. The question is, will this new rule make roads look slightly different for fast drivers?
Understanding the “super speeder” law from the eyes of drivers
While the highway signs changed in the state of Minnesota and citizens next drive may feel unrecognizable, the new speeding law signed in by Governor Ron DeSantis, in Florida may lead to certain fast drivers having a new driving experience on the road too.
House Bill 351 in the Florida senate is one created to punish the drivers who drive 50 miles per hour above the stipulated speed limit as well as those drivers driving 100 mph or more in a dangerous or reckless manner.
As per this new law:
- First-time offenders too will have to face a mandatory court appearance.
- First-time offenders may even incur a $500 fine or face the risk of being jailed for 30 days.
- First time offenders could face both-jail time and the $500 fine.
- Repeat offenders will receive a fine of $1,000 and face 90 days of jailtime.
- Repeat offenders could face jailtime and a fine.
Being caught speeding for the second time within a 5-year period could mean having your driver’s license taken away for a year. As opposed to previous law, this law expects perpetrators to appear in court and Infront of a judge. Each judge will be able to decide upon the punishment based on the said circumstances and may even choose to give perpetrators jail time and fines.
As of July 1, Florida will stop reckless driving
The law passed in Florida is a measure to enforce traffic laws more strictly. The state has also made other advances towards road safety in recent years by preventing street takeovers and drag racing. However, Florida has also decided to go down this route due to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles stating that about 10% of traffic-related fatalities from 2019 to 2023, was caused due to speeding. Younger male drivers between the ages of 16 to 25 were mainly responsible for this.
This “super speeder” law will take effect from July 1, in Florida, but there are many states also reassessing road rules. New York placed a massive ban on certain types of vehicles. Virginia will follow in Florida’s footsteps with somewhat of a similar measure to Florida in 2026.
Drivers on Florida roads are urged to take this law and the penalties attached to breaking the law more seriously. Defying this driving law could result in fines, jail time, or even the suspension of driver’s licenses.
