Florida law targets bikers

Photo: Klumkr

A new law has been proposed in the Florida state legislature after a state representative witnessed riders in Miami pulling wheelies and speeding. If passed, the law would carry a maximum sentence of mandatory prison time, motorcycle confiscation and a 10-year license suspension for anyone caught doing anything that could be defined as a stunt, excessively speeding or hiding their license plate. The law could be in effect as early as next year.

While we don’t condone dangerous driving, it’s alarming to see such draconian penalties targeted solely at motorcyclists. By leaving the definition of stunting loose, it will be up to the arresting officer’s discretion to charge bikers with this penalty, opening it up for abuse. The problem of dangerous behavior on our roads is something that needs to be addressed across all forms of transportation, at a national level, through education rather than enforcement. After all, isn’t anyone with only one week of driver’s ed and little idea of how to control their vehicle in an emergency driving dangerously?

Local police officers noted to the state representative how reluctant riders are to stop for them. If this law passes, we can only see that problem getting worse.

Visordown