New Florida Laws Alter Penalties for Car Racing, Driving Without a License
Every July 1, a number of new Florida state laws take effect, reflecting bills enacted into law during the last session of the state legislature. Among this year’s new laws are several amendments governing the penalties for driving without a valid driver’s license, as well as participating in illegal car racing. Here is a brief rundown of the new laws and how they could affect your rights if you are charged with a violation.
Driving Without a License
As you probably already know, it is against the law in Florida (or any state) to operate a motor vehicle on public streets without first possessing a valid driver license. Generally speaking, to receive a Florida driver license you need to be at least 16 years old; complete a drug, alcohol, and traffic awareness course; and pass a driving knowledge exam and driving skills test. If you are under the age of 18, you must also first hold a learner’s permit for a specified period of time, acquire a certain amount of driving experience, and avoid conviction for any traffic-related infractions.
Florida House Bill (HB) 1589, which the governor signed into law on March 24, amends state law to provide a series of criminal penalties for anyone who drives with “no valid driver license.” The new penalties are as follows:
- A first offense is a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
- A second offense is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- A third or subsequent offense is a first-degree misdemeanor, subject to the same penalties as a second offense, except the defendant must serve at least 10 days in jail.
Under the previous law, it was always a second-degree misdemeanor to drive with no valid driver license. The charge and penalties did not increase for second or subsequent offenses.
Street Racing
Street racing–also known as “drag racing”–was already illegal in Florida prior to July 1, 2024. Under the law, a person cannot participate in, coordinate, or participate in any such race. Following a July 2023 incident in Miami where street racers orchestrated a “takeover” of several local streets and highways, Florida legislators passed Senate Bill (SB) 1764, which significantly increases the penalties for those convicted of engaging in or promoting street racing.
Among the new penalties:
- A first offense is a first-degree misdemeanor subject to a penalty of up to $2,000 and a 1-year suspension of the offender’s driver license. This quadruples the previous maximum fine of $500.
- A second violation of the street racing statute within 1 year is a third-degree felony subject to a fine of between $2,500 and $4,000, as well as a 2-year license suspension. Previously, a second offense within 5 years was considered a first-degree misdemeanor, with a maximum fine of $3,000.
- There is a new penalty providing that any street racer who “interferes with an emergency vehicle” commits a third-degree felony. A person also commits a third-degree felony if they participate in a “coordinated takeover,” which the law defines as 10 or more vehicles operating in an “organized manner” to conduct street racing activities.
Contact Joshi Law Firm Today
If you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony in connection with the use of a motor vehicle, it is important that you receive timely legal advice from a qualified Orlando traffic violations lawyer, call the Joshi Law Firm, PA, today at 844-GO-JOSHI or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.
Sources:
flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2024/1589/BillText/er/PDF
flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2024/1764/BillText/er/PDF
nbcmiami.com/news/local/chaos-on-south-florida-roadways-as-street-racers-take-over-wynwood-i-95-miami-gardens/3076223/
