Florida motorcycle bill changed last minute
By the Staff of Clutch and Chrome
March 17th, 2008

A law which many consider discriminatory towards motorcycle riders has been voted into Florida law.

The bill, HB 137 which was born from Miami politician State Rep. Carlos Lopez-Cantera's ride along with local police, takes effect on October 1st, 2008. It allows police to confiscate a motor vehicle if the rider is caught speeding 30 mph over the posted limit and further penalties of jail sentences of 5 to 10 years as well as suspended motorcycle endorsement for 10 years, all depending on the number and severity of the offenses.

The bill was originally introduced to target motorcycles but a last minute amendment was made altering the law to apply to all vehicles. However, the language regarding the loss of motorcycle endorsement wasn't altered and has many motorcycle action groups concerned.

State Rep. Carlos Lopez-Cantera introduced the bill last November after witnessing speeding sport bikes weaving in and out of traffic as well as some riders performing stunts on Miami's highways.

Although few action groups attended the House infrastructure committee discussing the bill, those that did were allowed short statements and asked no questions by any members of the panel.

The lobbyist appearing for ABATE of Florida stated his organization opposed the bill and made a request for stiffer penalties for those who violate motorcycle right of way causing injury and/or death to the motorcyclists.

The issue was not addressed.

here's the specific law information:
HB 137 - Offenses Committed While Operating a Motorcycle

 

seems like the madness begins!

 

Ya I bet deaths go up alot now.

Lets see.....pull over for 30 over go to jail.
run from cops go to jail.

think I will take my chances in running.
You know it as well as I do cops lie and you just put more innocent people in jail.

 

i will only be stopping for reds, not red and blues.

i usually respect the limit, and wont speed much, but sometimes on the interstate ill go a bit faster, especially passing big rigs.

if it happens that im passin a big truck and a cop scans me doing over 100, im just gonna keep going thats for sure.

 

lol nobody is going to stop

 

What other laws exist were they are authorized to "take" your vehicle?
Which instances do they impound, vice confiscate?

• Racing
• DUI / DWI
• Invalid Drivers License
• Speeding over 30mph
  

I know there has got to be more....

 

What a stupid law. Just another tool for police harassment and ample motivation for people to run from the cops.

Where is the new text that applies the law to all vehicles? I only see the text that references motorcycles.

I think back to all the times I was out on a back road doing passes over 100 and sometimes as much as 140+ in my old car. If I saw red and blues flashing in my rear view mirror as I shot past at 100+ there's no way in hell I'd stop under this new law.

 

good thing i'm moving to NC in 2 months

 

damn..


i'm going to be pissed off when they take my car or bike.


anyone want to buy a 10 before the cops get it?

 

ill always run coz they aint ever gonna catch me.