Starting July 1, Florida has already implemented a law that promises to change the way people drive on its roads. The new "super speed" regulation establishes much harsher penalties for those who exceed the permitted speed limit by more than 50 mph (80 km/h).
The infraction? It's not just about paying a fine and moving on. This time, if you get caught, you could face a $500 fine, a mandatory court appearance, and up to 30 days in jail.
If you think this is a lot, wait until you reoffend in the next five years. The fine rises to $1,000, you could spend 90 days in jail, and even lose your license for a year.
A law with its own name: Anthony
Behind this measure is a story that left a mark on the state, Anthony Reznick, an 11-year-old boy, was run over by a driver with multiple prior infractions. He was never jailed. The pain of his family and the pressure from civil associations were key to pushing this law forward.
The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) made it clear that they don't want any more preventable tragedies. That's why this time the penalty is not just financial, but judicial. The goal is for the driver to feel the real weight of their decision to speed up.
Fair measure or a way to raise money?
As expected, not everyone is happy. Many citizens believe this regulation doesn't aim to prevent, but to fill the state's coffers. They think the fines are excessive and that what is truly needed is better driver education.
However, the numbers don't lie: 11% of road deaths in Florida are related to speeding. The state isn't alone, Georgia and Virginia already apply similar measures and, in Georgia, they managed to reduce road deaths by 14%. Is it controversial? Yes. Is it effective? The data seem to say yes.
How will this affect drivers?
The law will especially impact young drivers. Statistics indicate that people between 16 and 25 are the ones who most often commit these infractions. That's why authorities hope that the fear of losing their license or going to jail will serve as a mental deterrent.
It will also be a significant change for truck drivers and platform workers. A penalty of this kind could temporarily put them out of work, due to license suspension.