2/15/05-A bill to create stiffer penalties for lead-footed drivers has died.
Sponsored by Sen. Tom Baker of Trenton, the measure sought to increase speeding fines and penalty “points” assessed against a driver’s license for each violation.
Under LB156, three tickets for traveling 10 mph above the posted speed would be enough to cost a driver their licenses.
The penalty for driving 1-5 mph over the speed limit would net violators a $25 fine, up from $10. Driving 6-10 mph over the limit would cost speeders $50, up from $25. Violations of 11-15 mph over the limit would be $100, up from $75. Driving in excess of 16-20 mph over the limit would net offenders a $150 fine, up from $125. Speeding in excess of 21 mph over the limit would still cost drivers $200.
LB156 assesses penalty points as such: 2 points for driving 1-5 mph over the limit, up from 1 point; 3 points for driving 6-10 mph over the limit, up from 2 points; and 4 points for driving 10 mph or more over the limit, up from 3 points.
Additionally, three citations for speeding at a rate significantly above the speed limit within a two-year period would have been cause for license suspension.
Several members of the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee, however, felt the bill was too harsh.

1/11/05-Sen. Tom Baker of Lincoln introduced a measure Jan. 7 to increase speeding fines and penalty “points” assessed against a driver’s license for each violation.
Under the bill, three tickets for traveling 10 mph above the posted speed would be enough to cost a driver their license
The penalty for driving 1-5 mph over the speed limit would net violators a $25 fine, up from $10. Driving 6-10 mph over the limit would cost speeders $50, up from $25. Violations of 11-15 mph over the limit would be $100, up from $75. Driving in excess of 16-20 mph over the limit would net offenders a $150 fine, up from $125. Speeding in excess of 21 mph over the limit would still cost drivers $200.
The bill – LB156 – assesses penalty points as such: 2 points for driving 1-5 mph over the limit, up from 1 point; 3 points for driving 6-10 mph over the limit, up from 2 points; and 4 points for driving 10 mph or more over the limit, up from 3 points.
It is in the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee.
For bill status, call (402) 471-0769. In Nebraska, call 1-800-742-7456.