The bill amends Florida Statutes to establish stricter penalties for noncriminal traffic infractions that result in vehicle crashes. Specifically, it modifies section 318.14 to include new penalties for individuals found guilty of certain infractions after a hearing. If a person is required to appear before a designated official and is found to have committed an infraction, they may face civil penalties ranging from $500 to $5,000, depending on the nature of the infraction and whether it involved a vulnerable road user. Additionally, the bill introduces mandatory driver license suspensions for varying durations based on the severity of the infraction.

Furthermore, the bill amends section 318.19 to require a hearing for specific infractions that result in crashes, including those that violate traffic laws related to vulnerable road users. It adds a new category of infractions that necessitate a mandatory hearing, specifically targeting violations that lead to crashes. The bill also stipulates that the civil penalties collected will be directed to the Department of Health Emergency Medical Services Trust Fund to support trauma centers across the state. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 699 Filed: 318.14