It might be time to retire your inner Earnhardt.
Starting July 1, drivers clocked in the triple digits — or 50 mph over posted speed limits — face up to 30 days in the clink, thanks to a new Florida law.
Extreme speeding used to result in a mere speeding ticket. But the state has gone full throttle on leadfoots by making the offense criminal.
In addition to jail time, offenders face up to a $500 fine and license suspensions of up to six months.
If caught again, the penalties jump to 90 days behind bars and a $1,000 fine. Repeat offenders within five years can lose their driving privileges for six months to a year.
Plus, you won’t be able to settle the ticket by mailing in a payment — appearing in court is mandatory.
Minutes after the law took effect, deputies in Orange County pulled over a driver going 104 mph, as Sheriff John Mina warned on social media that his deputies aren’t playing around.
“Do not go over 100 mph or we will take you to jail,” he wrote.
The law was inspired by high profile accidents caused by reckless drivers drivers, including the death of 11-year-old Anthony Reznick of Sunny Isles.
The boy was killed by a driver with a history of reckless speeding.
Legislators stressed this law isn’t about minor speeding infractions. It targets the real dangers — drivers racing through traffic at unsafe speeds, putting lives at risk.
Not everyone is on board. Some lawmakers worry the law could overload courts and jails. But supporters argue the risk is worth it to make Florida’s roads a little less chaotic.
