Florida Traffic Violators To Face Harsher Penalties As New Laws Take Effect

Florida traffic laws are becoming more strict in an effort to reduce crashes and bring safety back to the roadways, according to the Tampa Bay Online website. Among the changes in traffic laws is are the new consequences for running red lights, failing to stop for school buses, and other offenses. Effective October 1, 2009, first-time offenders of red light running, failing to stop for a school bus, reckless driving, or racing on the highway will be required to take a state-approved “driver improvement course.” Under current law, the course is not required until the second offense of red light running in one year. According to the new law, if violators fail to take the required course within 90 days of receipt of the notice, they will lose their driver’s licenses until they complete the course.

In addition to the course requirement, the new laws will add $65 more to existing fines for the above-listed traffic violations. According to the site, the extra money will be spent on state trauma centers so that the traffic offenders who are most likely to cause serious injury to innocent drivers are, in effect, paying for some of the costs of medical care.

Joining these harsher penalties is a new law beginning January 1, 2010, which targets drivers who have caused three auto accidents within three years. For more information about the new law for reckless drivers, click here.

If you have questions about any of these changes or Flordia traffic law in general, contact David Benenfeld for free resources and answers to your most pressing questions.