New crackdown law means cops can fine drivers $1,000 and revoke licenses without even witnessing any wrongdoing

A NEW law, introduced just a few months ago, allows law enforcement to crack down on street racers without officers being present.

Florida House Bill 399 was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis last year and went into effect on October 1st.

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According to the law, law enforcement agencies can use photos and videos posted on social media as evidence to pursue racers.

Lili Trujillo-Puckett, who lost her 16-year-old daughter Valentina in a California road race in 2013, called the bill “life-saving.”

The teenager was a passenger in a car returning from her friend’s house when the driver of the blue Ford Mustang was challenged to a street race in which she was killed.

Trujillo-Puckett told Fox 13, “Once you lose the fun of it, it’s going to help a lot.”

“That’s the way they catch her through social media. However, social media has also made it so bad that I believe this is actually a life-saving bill.”

The Highway Code prohibits all forms of dangerous driving, from donuts on public roads to street takeovers and drag racing.

The police don’t need to see the incidents to track the perpetrators.

If instead they can track drivers by their license plates and cars, that’s sufficient evidence.

Violators can be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor and face a fine of between $500 and $1,000.

Drivers who are charged a fee also run the risk of losing their license for a period of time.

However, the new law also applies to spectators and willing passengers of road racing cars.

The bill states: “’Spectator’ means any person who knowingly is present at, and sees a race, drag race, contest, contest, test, stunt or trick, takeover ride or exhibition when that presence is the result of a positive Decision is.” to enter or participate in the event race.

“To determine whether or not an individual is a spectator, experts must consider the relationship between the racer and the individual, evidence of gambling or betting on the outcome of the race, filming or recording of the event, or posting the event on social media and any other factors indicating knowing presence or participation.”

According to the law, anyone who turns out to be a spectator of such an event commits a non-criminal traffic violation.

Persons who operate the vehicles or ride in such street races and thereby violate the law a second time within five years will be fined between $1,000 and $3,000 and have their driver’s license suspended for two years.

The bill adds: “Any person who commits a third or more offense.”
Violators within 5 years of the date of a prior violation that resulted in a conviction for violating paragraph (2) shall be fined a minimum of $2,000 and a maximum of $5,000.

“The ministry will also revoke that person’s driver’s license
for 4 years.”