Downloads
CS/SB 1764 — Car Racing Penalties
by Transportation Committee and Senators Pizzo and Garcia
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Transportation Committee (TR)
The bill makes numerous changes to penalties related to racing on highways, street takeovers, and stunt driving. Specifically, the bill:
- Defines the term “coordinated street takeover” to mean 10 or more vehicles operated in an organized manner to effect a street takeover.
- Increases the fine for a first violation of prohibited racing activities from $500 up to $1,000, to $500 up to $2,000.
- Decreases the time period during which a second violation will result in an enhanced penalty, from within five years after the date of a prior violation that resulted in conviction, to within one year of such violation. It increases the penalty for such a violation from a first degree misdemeanor to a third degree felony. It also increases the fine for such a violation from $1,000 up to $3,000, to $2,500 up to $4,000.
- Creates a third degree felony for any person who, in the course of committing the offense, knowingly impedes, obstructs, or interferes with an authorized emergency vehicle which is on call and responding to an emergency other than the violation of prohibited racing activities. A second or subsequent violation of this provision is punishable as a second degree felony with a four year driver license revocation. Pursuant to the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act, the arresting law enforcement agency may move to seize any vehicle used in violation of this provision.
- Increases the penalty for a third or subsequent violation within five years after the date of a prior violation that resulted in a conviction, from a first degree misdemeanor to a second degree felony and increases the fine from $2,000 up to $5,000, to $3,500 up to $7,500.
- The bill provides that any person who violates specified provisions while engaged in a coordinated street takeover commits a third degree felony, must pay a fine of $2,500 up to $4,000, and is subject to a two year license revocation.
- Increases the spectator fine from $60 to $400.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions take effect July 1, 2024.
Vote: Senate 34-0; House 106-2