Recently, FHP participated in a special press conference to announce the implementation of the Enhanced Penalty Zone Pilot. The pilot was developed through legislation (HB 1465) passed during the Legislative Session by Representative Thad Altman of District 30, Representative Gayle Harrell of District 81, and Representative Adam Hasner of District 87. The Representatives pushed to create the pilot through the Florida Department of Transportation to increase the penalties for speeding in select traffic areas or zones on certain state roads with higher than average crash rates that have been attributed to excessive speed.

This pilot program will:

1. Prohibit motorists from the operation of a vehicle at a speed greater than posted in the enhanced penalty zone;

2. Direct the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to tabulate citations issued within designated enhanced penalty zones and make available certain data for further study;

3. Direct FDOT, DHSMV, and the Department of Education to conduct a study and final report to the Governor and the Legislature listing methods that can be used to reduce fatalities; and

4. Provide an enhanced (increased) penalty for violation of posted speed in specific penalty zones.