5/28/03 - Truckers and others traveling through Florida are safe from higher traffic fines – at least for this year.
The Legislature failed to pass HB189, which would have increased moving violation fines $25 and increased nonmoving violation fines by $10. The bill also contained even harsher financial penalties for more serious violations, adding $500 to any fine paid by a person convicted of drunken driving, reckless driving or leaving the scene of an accident.
The bill failed to pass by the end of the regular session and was not added to the special session that followed.

4/24/03 - Drivers in Florida could soon face higher fines for traffic violations.
Four committees in the House of Representatives have given their approval to HB189, which would increase moving violation fines $25 and increase nonmoving violation fines by $10.
The bill contains even harsher financial penalties for more serious violations, adding $500 to any fine paid by a person convicted of drunken driving, reckless driving or leaving the scene of an accident. Those who lose their licenses because of driving offenses would pay $50 to get reinstated.
Although a sizable chunk of the new fine revenue will go to the state, much of it would be directed at organizations such as MADD – Mothers Against Drunk Driving – as well as several medical research organizations.
So far, the bill has received favorable votes from the Subcommittee on Highway Safety, the Transportation, the Public Safety and Crime Prevention and the Finance and Tax committees.
The bill is now before the House Appropriations Committee. If it passes that panel, it will then move to the full House for a vote.
For bill status, call (850) 488-4371.