Excessive Speed, Stunts, Could Mean Prison Time for Florida Motorcyclists

May 1, 2008

Florida motorcycle riders would face increased fines and could end up in prison for excessive speeding and stunt riding under a bill that will now head to the governor's desk.

The purpose of the bill is to stop the riders of high-performance bikes from endangering other motorists by speeding and performing tricks on public roads, according to Florida lawmakers who sponsored the bill.

Riders charged with reckless driving for performing tricks or breaking the speed limit by more than 50 mph would face a $1,000 fine under the proposed legislation. Currently, going that speed would bring a $250 fine.

A second offense would bring a fine of $2,500, and a third offense would lead to a fine of up to $5,000 and up to five years in prison. Riders convicted of a third offense also would lose their motorcycle licenses for 10 years.

Earlier versions of the legislation (HB 137) called for offenders' motorcycles to be confiscated, but that was dropped from the final version. Motorcycle groups argued that the state could run into legal problems in trying to seize a person's bike.

The Senate passed the bill April 29, and it passed the House last
week.