Senate passes “superspeeder” legislation, sends to governor
Drivers traveling far above the speed limit on Georgia roads would be fined extra money and called “super-speeders,” under a bill that passed the Senate Wednesday.
The bill goes to Gov. Sonny Perdue for his signature. He is expected to sign it.
Perdue has supported the legislation previously and asked for it to be introduced again this year.
Motorists who speed at 85 miles per hour or more on a highway, and 75 miles or more on a two-lane road, would have to pay $200 to the state, above and beyond any local speeding ticket, according to the legislation.
“We want to try to change the driving habits in Georgia,” said Sen. Bill Heath (R-Bremen), the governor’s floor leader in the Senate.
“Georgia is known as a state you can make up lost time in when traveling,” Heath said.
The money collected is supposed to go towards the creation of a trauma care network in Georgia, according to the bill. In his state of the state address earlier this year, Perdue said the legislation would generate about $23 million for trauma care per year.
Sen. Emanuel Jones (D-Decatur) introduced an amendment to require that the money go to trauma care, but his amendment was voted down.
“I feel very, very strongly that these funds should be earmarked, should be set aside, for trauma care,” Jones said.
Those opposed to the amendment said the Legislature cannot earmark the funds in this case, and such an amendment would make the bill unconstitutional. The bill can only place the money in the state’s general fund, they said. It would be up to the Legislature each year to spend that pot of money on trauma care.
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141 comments Add your comment
EddieKang
March 25th, 2009
1:17 pm
Enter your comments here
Realistic
March 25th, 2009
1:18 pm
If they would repeal the law that says local law enforcement using any type of detection device must allow 10 mph over the posted speed limit before they can pull you over, that would take care of the speeding issue. This is just a money generator. Just make sure you are not going more than 10 mph over the posted limit and you will not get pulled over. You can still go 80 mph (in a 70 mph zone) with no problems. You can’t do that in other states.
Rule .303
March 25th, 2009
1:24 pm
Realistic, the 10mph rule only applies to local law enforcement and not to GA State Patrol. Anyone who thinks theis money will go directly to Trauma Funding must have suffered a Trauma injury.
Bob
March 25th, 2009
1:24 pm
Why am I still living in this state. I’m glad my silly congressmen have found another way to tax ordinary citizens. I’ve never heard of anyone getting pulled over for going less than 85mph on GA highways. What a joke.
Thanks for raising my taxes republicans, see if you can ever garner my vote again.
ck
March 25th, 2009
1:26 pm
“Georgia is known as a state you can make up time in?” That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard, Georgia is the worst state for making up time because of the construction and congestion. Sen. Heath must be thinking of the making up time on the back roads of Bremen.
Rick
March 25th, 2009
1:28 pm
As I recall when they argued for intersection cameras, it was about safety. Now they want to add money to speeding tickets. Sounds like the state wants to get their hands on speeding ticket money.
aspeeder
March 25th, 2009
1:31 pm
the OCGA states…40-14-8.
(a) No county, city, or campus officer shall be allowed to make a case based on the use of any speed detection device, unless the speed of the vehicle exceeds the posted speed limit by more than ten miles per hour
(b) The limitations contained in subsection (a) of this Code section shall not apply in properly marked school zones one hour before, during, and one hour after the normal hours of school operation,
Also don’t forget that cities MUST have their city limis clearly marked & a “speed detection” device used sign within so many feet of the city limit sign BEFORE they can issue you a ticket. Two cities that are in violation of that right now are Emerson on I75 & Kingston on 411.
Nate
March 25th, 2009
1:32 pm
I agree with ck.. Georgia is one of the worst states for commutes and congestion..somebody please tell me when and where could I ever make up for lost time in this city when you have so much construction and congestion??? I think GA legislation reps are the laughing stock of America with their outdated @ssbackwards mindsets….
count_schemula
March 25th, 2009
1:32 pm
Stupid. And yeah, I’m sure the money will go to a good use… like a pig roast at the D.O.T. xmas party.
BA
March 25th, 2009
1:35 pm
Why of why do I not move. No alcohol on Sundays, “Super-Speeding” (most people would say a super-speeder is doing at least 100, taxing groceries (but allowing a person to save their receipts for a tax-deduction), the new car-tax, no seatbelts in pickups (the F-150 is the number #1 selling vehicle in America). It’s time every one of these clowns goes back to where they belong. Our legislature is full of rednecks and race-baiters.
This is the worst legislature and governor of any state that I have ever lived in.
At least Sonny did one thing for me, he made me a libertarian!
RandyBogartGA
March 25th, 2009
1:36 pm
Why don’t they pass a “Super Idiot” bill for the morons who pull out in front of you and then drive 10 MPH under the speed limit. Then again why not pass an “Idiot City” bill for towns like Winder Ga whose traffic is the pits and refuse to do anything about it, as well as the “Lawrenceville Stupidity” bill for the Highway 20 and Hgwy 316 intersection? Maybe we could fine the state for creating these intersections in the first place. Better yet how about the “Friendship Rd, Thompson Mill and Spout Springs intersection at the Gwinnett, Hall and Jackson County junction. That intersection tops the list of anywhere in the country for being the single most “Blatant Jackass of the Century” bill. You would think one of these mindless, irresponsible counties would put a police officer there to speed traffic thru it but they are too busy worrying about speeders to do anything realistic. Winder, Braselton, Arcade and Jefferson all support their towns by one means and that is traffic violations or supposed traffic violations. Braselton is the worst, they stop you and make up tickets so they can get a new addition to their “Mayberry” police department.
Gary
March 25th, 2009
1:38 pm
What is crazy is most local law enforcement and some state patrol will let you drive 85MPH on the interstates where the speed limit is 70mph. They usually don’t pull you over until 90 or above. The law states that you cannot issue a ticket until the clocked speed is 10mph above the posted speed limit. Most local enforcement will push that to 15. This is just another money grabbing scheme by our great Legislature.
'ol sport
March 25th, 2009
1:39 pm
I would also like to see the Governore push for legislation for those elected officials who have failed to pay their taxes. If we can go after the “ordinary man” with big fines, why can’t we go after the “priviledged” that already owe us money! That amount, collectively, would generate enough to make a dent in the “trauma” needs of this state. Garnishment of all state income should be implemented once the proper channels are followed. Liens, liens and more liens!
Kathy
March 25th, 2009
1:45 pm
This is going to put a huge burden on local court systems with everyone going to court trying to get their speed reduced. The state might make more money but it will cost local governments more and clog the system. Another brilliant piece of legislation!
Gary
March 25th, 2009
1:47 pm
Hey Randy, I got another one for you. How about that “Really Stupid Idiot” bill for those drivers that: stop in the middle of the road or highway to let someone out from a side street while the car in front is at least 500 ft or more in front of them, those who eat on the road way, those who slow down to text or check their blackberrys, and finally those who cannot spend the extra few minutes at home to comb their hair or fix their makeup and instead do it in their cars while driving 10 miles under the posted 55 mph speed limit. And while we are at it, lets take away licenses for those who think it is ok to read and drive at the same time; and yes I am talking about a book and newspaper, not a map. On top of this bill, lets enforce the one that has been on the book for years and make these cars who just sit and ride in the left lane of a four lane highway move over or give them a hefty fine because that is just as dangerous as speeding and causes major traffic tie ups. I love my state, but the idiots on the road and the yahoos at the gold dome, both Repub and Democrat, make my blood pressure go up.
RandyBogartGA
March 25th, 2009
1:48 pm
“‘ol sport ”
I am with you, if you are currently in a government position or are running for office and your taxes aren’t paid up, you should be subject to an “I’m above the Law” bill and should immediately be sent to jail for having the nerve to even attempt such an act.
jb
March 25th, 2009
1:49 pm
this is only going to hurt local, state budgets more. due to the fact that a good portion of people probably can’t afford to pay a $350+ ticket. The court system and jail system now will feel the bulk of the pressure. That means a $350= ticket might cost the state,local governments thousands to prosecute offenders.
Gary
March 25th, 2009
1:50 pm
Kathy’s right. Our state judicial system is already clogged and local municipalities are strained trying to take care of that problem and here comes our state with another bozo law that will make it even worse. Here’s an idea for Trauma care…..make the people who receive the care pay up. Its that simple. If they don’t pay, take their rears to court and force them to pay something. Burden them with the shortfall in the trauma care budget.
MIke
March 25th, 2009
1:51 pm
The idiots who support this bill are only hoping more people will speed. It’s not about safety, just like the cameras that were installed throughout different parts of Atlanta. Once people slowed down, the cameras were removed because they were generating revenue.
Mr. Perdue won’t support gambling in Georgia, but yet he is gambling that this tactic will provide revenue for a state that can’t get it’s budget in order.
RandyBogartGA
March 25th, 2009
1:53 pm
“Gary”
How about Braselton Ga bus drivers who stop their buses in the street in front of the school and then open the door so their “Stop Traffic” lights come on and then proceed to let all the cars and buses out of the parking lot while holding up traffic. Where are the Braselton police when this goes on and why are they not issuing tickets for impeding traffic.
While we are at it how about the gorilla at the school located at the Friendship Road and I985 area who holds up traffic all the way thru the traffic light to the gravel pit to let “!” “One” “One” stinking car out at a time? This guy is the worlds most incompetent school crossing guard in the entire world. I think they found him in the Guinness book of world records under “Utter Stupidity”
keepin it real
March 25th, 2009
1:58 pm
“Georgia is known as a state you can make up lost time in when traveling,” Heath said.
This must apply to government vehicles or people traveling on backroads. Since when can you make up lost time anywhere near Atlanta, Savannah, or on 1-75?
RandyBogartGA
March 25th, 2009
2:03 pm
You people want the real reason for all this? It’s nothing but Socialism plain and simple. The government wants in every single aspect of your life and soon they will have it. It’s not just Obama anymore, the Republicans are falling right in line with the Socialist Democratic party. I think the Republican party has the mindset that America will soon get tired of the Democrats but how they seem to think we can’t see that they are nothing but the same is beyond me.
RandyBogartGA
March 25th, 2009
2:04 pm
Has anyone figured out why it’s OK for police officers to speed while their lights are not on? What’s good for the goose should be good for the gander.
KenM
March 25th, 2009
2:04 pm
What a moronic state I moved to. Lets fine super speeders $200 extra, but lets not make you wear a seat belt if you drive a truck. God forbid I would want to buy a beer on Sunday cause I may kill someone driving home, but that someone I would kill would be ME cause in this state I don’t have to wear seat belts if I drive a truck.. CRAZY Is there such a thing as a RECALL bill in this state, if so lets recall Gov Sonny PerdueNOTHING.
USMC DAWG
March 25th, 2009
2:16 pm
I can hear Sonny now. Mo’ Money, Mo’ Money, Mo’ Money!
crackbaby
March 25th, 2009
2:16 pm
A government money grab. Revenues are down due to the economy, so hit the citizens up for the shortfall. City Police Departments are giving out traffic violations like they are Halloween candy. Johns Creek, Alpharetta and Milton are prime offenders. This just breeds disrespect for the law among the general citizenry.
$200 extra for 85 MPH? That’s only slightly above the average speed in the left lane of Atlanta interstates during non-rush hour traffic. Perdue and the lawmakers should at least look at some DATA before passing crap like this.
Speedygrl
March 25th, 2009
2:19 pm
This SUPERSPEEDER will be a cash cow! Watch out for Gwinnett County. You will get pulled over if the police are sitting in the dark on I85. Mrs. Officer didnt know that the posted speed limit she quoted…she quoted it WRONG!!!! But no mercy, still had to plead NOLO and pay the $200 fine, because I was speeding.
Roy Barnes
March 25th, 2009
2:24 pm
The money is “supposed” to go to fund trauma care. Let see in 1 year how much actually does. My guess is none.
Back in the 80’s the state of Taxachusetts passed a law that charged 10 extra dollars for motorcycle tags, but ONLY motorcycle tags. The money was suppose to fund motorcycle safety training. Not a single dollar of it ever did as Taxachusetts was suffering hard revenue times and transfered the money to the General revenue fund. Now how was that fair???
Same thing will happen here. What a bunch of T#rds Porkey Perdue and the Republicans are!
Barney Fife
March 25th, 2009
2:26 pm
Try this, the Georgia Speeding Ticket Killer!!!
http://www.ticketkiller.net and just for Georgia. Ha Ha Ha
MIke
March 25th, 2009
2:29 pm
What’s next charging a service call fee if you need a police officer to come to your house if your the victim of a crime…
Chipper Jonestown Massacre
March 25th, 2009
2:30 pm
Speeding tickets are nothing but a driving tax.
At least it’s a voluntary tax (and I’ve “volunteered” quite a lot…)
Speed in and of itself does not cause accidents.
The real cause of accidents is following too closely, illegal lane change, reckless driving, etc…
But then, you can’t detect those actions from 500 yds. away with whizbang radar/laser gun, so they get a pass.
Tony
March 25th, 2009
2:30 pm
What a crock of $HIT, maybe 95 to 100 but 85mph is hardly what I would call a “SUPER SPEEDER” but why would the laws our congressmen pass make any sense, just dollars “crooks”
Gary
March 25th, 2009
2:32 pm
You’re right Randy, it is socialism and Republicans are following along with the Democrats. I also wonder if this rule will apply to State Patrol cars??? Every time I pass one of them on an interstate or four lane road, they are easily exceeding the limit and I can tell you the 85+ window that would constitute “Super Speeder” status. And no they are not going to an emergency because the lights aren’t on and I have seen many of them pull into a store, restaurant, or their own station.
SpeedRacerX
March 25th, 2009
2:32 pm
Seriously?! In this stupid state, we have people driving 60 and below creating traffic jams and then we have the people who know what they are doing. (people with better reflexes, smarts, and experience)
I hate republicans. oh don’t get me wrong I’m not a democrat either.
I just hate the conservative crap that makes this state such a joke.
GOP Lost in space between there ears
March 25th, 2009
2:33 pm
When they leave the state training complex in forsyth GA the same should apply to the law they speeding like hell. The same law should apply to the police, county and state as to every day Joe . This all they have to do is tax people what about bringing JOB to a over 9% unemployment in this state.
These clowns don’t know what the people of georgia. The GOP likes BIG government they show you with Bill like this. The people of Georgia need help not bondage from the Law makers of this Backward state body.
Blackberry
March 25th, 2009
2:34 pm
They can’t even enforce the speed limits NOW, what makes you think they can stop people from doing 100 on I-85……I drive up and down 85 every day, and I very rarely see a cop on the side of the road with laser.
Lisa
March 25th, 2009
2:34 pm
I realize the state has to raise money from SOMEWHERE, and I don’t have a problem with this bill — it won’t affect me one iota since I don’t drive that fast. 75 mph on a two lane road? I’m lucky if I get to go 45 once I get off the interstate, what will all the grandpa grunt slow pokers and cell phoners in la-la land I seem to get stuck behind every stinkin day.
And if you can’t afford to pay the $200 extra fine – here’s an idea: Don’t go that fast. Duh.
Ole Sport – I’m with you. Those who are entrusted to make the laws or to uphold the laws should be held to AT LEAST the same standard as the rest of us. It infuriates me that they are so often not punished at all.
Doc 54
March 25th, 2009
2:47 pm
Agree with the one about the Training Center in Forsyth. The Georgia State Patrol and Cobb County Police are the worst offenders. State Troopers routinely travel in excess of 100 mph while going for one location to another (I know, I have actually clocked them) and nothing is done about it. I wonder why our “good ole boys” won’t address these issues.
Hmmmmm
March 25th, 2009
2:51 pm
Do these “idiot” politicians have anything to do…… Good Grief!
Bob
March 25th, 2009
2:54 pm
I dream of the day I can get up to 85mph reliably on I-75 when I really need to, or up to 75 on Tara Boulevard. The DOT seems to have gone out of their way to ignore the most obvious problems with the downtown interstate system (the 85/400 merge, the way the connector magically clears up after I-20, the merge of I75 and I285 on the south end…). It would be nice of the DOT had any form of accountability or service level agreements, but accountability to the taxpayers? Sweet Zombie Jesus, not happening.
Speed Racer's in GA
March 25th, 2009
2:55 pm
What is the problem here? Really –just obey the speed limit rules. This has nothing to do with slow drivers in the left lane, seat belts and trucks or anything else. Obey the speed limit. If you do not obey the speed limit you are ticketed. If you exceed the speed limit to dangerous proportions that you will pay an additional $200.00.
Gary
March 25th, 2009
2:59 pm
Speed Racer, not being able to do 85MPH is not the problem. The problem is this is a nanny state law just put into place to generate more money from average citizens without calling it a tax. It will not fund Trauma care and if that is all they were after, then go after the Trauma care patients who do not pay up. I don’t agree with a law like this because it is intrusive. Just my libertarian view taking over here.
safety first
March 25th, 2009
3:00 pm
Wow, I’m amazed that the majority of the bloggers here are against this. Now I know why I get blown off the road in a 65 mph zone when I myself am going 5 mph over the speed limit. Or when i go 75 mph in the left lane some impatient road-hog flashes his lights or rides my bumper. If my 75 mph is not fast enough for you then simply pass me in the right lane, get ahead of me and go on about your business. The left lane is NOT for going 80 mph plus. Granted you don’t need to go 65 mph in the left either –75 mph is suffice.
reg373
March 25th, 2009
3:01 pm
85 MPH+ speeds are dangerous, and can often be a kid or an intoxicated person behind the wheel. But if fines go up for that, they should get reduced for things like 45 and 55 zones.
– found a cool site; Balkingpoints ; global talk / incredible satellite view of earth
sedimenjerry
March 25th, 2009
3:02 pm
No guys, expand your vision. You don’t make up for lost time in Atlanta. It’s everywhere in Georgia. Yes, there are actually roads out there with little traffic. Maybe if you ventured beyond the suburbs you’d find them.
And if you want to beat the law, just go 84.
Hmmmmm
March 25th, 2009
3:02 pm
Thanks for the info Speed Racer……. aaaahhhhh…. I will bet that Speed Racer is one of those politicians…
rlp-ga
March 25th, 2009
3:03 pm
the rednecks need more money for the pockets…
Gary
March 25th, 2009
3:07 pm
No safety first, the left lane is for passing. If I can pass you in the right lane, then there is no need for you to be in the left lane to begin with. 75MPH is only 5 mph over the speed limit on the interstates. So if you are doing 75 and I am doing say 80 (which is still legal) then GA law states that if you can move over into the right lane safely, then you are obligated to do it. My beef is not necessarily with left lane riders on the interstate as it is with left lane riders on four lane state highways. Most of these are 50-55 MPH, but most left lane riders are doing 40-45mph and this in turn ties up traffic. If you are doing this slow, then move over as it too is the law and impeding the flow of traffic.
ED
March 25th, 2009
3:09 pm
Wait until this gets out. More people are going to start running from the police because they can’t afford yet another fine. They will cause more car crashes and fatalities on the road. As another poster stated, the government cares more about your money than your safety.
Crazy GA Drivers
March 25th, 2009
3:09 pm
They don’t enforce the speed limit as it is! I have seen people doing 75 in a 55 zone just to keep up with traffic – in the slow lane – and other drivers speed up on their butts flashing their lights telling them to speed up!
Wil
March 25th, 2009
3:16 pm
Of course it is just about the monet, like Gwinette County is going to take down its red light cameras because they are losing money on them now, everyone needs to read this law closely, it is not an above the posted limit law, it is set at 85 mph or above on a highway, “anything with 4 lanes” and 75 or above on any 2 lane road, so if you are in Atlanta where the speed limit is 55mph, you could run 29mph over the limit and would be safe from law,the same would apply for a 2 lane road, if the speed limit is 45, you would run 74 and the law would not apply, it would have made a lot more sense to say, Any Sppeding ticket 20mph+ over the posted limit would incure the extra fine, and let me tell you $350.00 will not touch this ticket, most places a ticket for 15-19 over will set you back $400-$500, add $200 on top of that.
Name (required)
March 25th, 2009
3:18 pm
Folks….this won’t stay. Virginia tried it and it was deemed unconstitutional. It will be gone within a year.
Bob
March 25th, 2009
3:34 pm
If someone ever passes you in the right hand lane you’re both breaking the law. You’re supposed to yield the left lane to faster drivers regardless of what you think an ok speed is. It’s not your job to regulate the speed of others, that’s what we pay police for. Move out of your lane if someone wishes to pass you.
Bob
March 25th, 2009
3:35 pm
Here’s the state law on left lane drivers:
“40-6-184.
(a)(1) No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation.
(2) On roads, streets, or highways with two or more lanes allowing for movement in the same direction, no person shall continue to operate a motor vehicle in the most left-hand lane at less than the maximum lawful speed limit once such person knows or should reasonably know that he is being overtaken in such lane from the rear by a motor vehicle traveling at a higher rate of speed, except when such motor vehicle is preparing for a left turn.
(b) Whenever the commissioner of public safety or the commissioner of transportation or local authorities determine on the basis of any engineering and traffic investigation that slow speeds on any part of a road under their respective jurisdictions impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, such commissioners jointly, or such local authorities, may determine and declare a minimum speed limit below which no person shall drive a vehicle except when necessary for safe operation, and that limit shall be effective when posted upon fixed or variable signs.
40-6-40.
(a) Upon all roadways of sufficient width, a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows:
(1) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing such movement;
(2) When an obstruction exists making it necessary to drive to the left of the center of the highway, provided that any person so doing shall yield the right of way to all vehicles traveling in the proper direction upon the unobstructed portion of the highway within such a distance as to constitute an immediate hazard;
(3) Upon a roadway divided into three marked lanes for traffic under the rules applicable thereon; or
(4) Upon a roadway restricted to one-way traffic.
(b) Upon all roadways, any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
(c) Upon any roadway having four or more lanes for moving traffic and providing for two-way movement of traffic, no vehicle shall be driven to the left of the center of the roadway except when authorized by official traffic-control devices designating certain lanes to the left of the center of the roadway for use by traffic not otherwise permitted to use such lanes or except as permitted under paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of this Code section. However, this subsection shall not be construed as prohibiting the crossing of the center of the roadway in making a left turn into or from an alley, private road, or driveway.
(d) No two vehicles shall impede the normal flow of traffic by traveling side by side at the same time while in adjacent lanes, provided that this Code section shall not be construed to prevent vehicles traveling side by side in adjacent lanes because of congested traffic conditions. “
Gary
March 25th, 2009
3:42 pm
Thanks Bob, beat me to the punch, but thanks nonetheless. One thing that always gets me is people driving side by side….another thing is the state nor local law enforcement actually enforce this code. If they did, our traffic and accident situation would be a little better.
Speed Tax
March 25th, 2009
3:43 pm
Traffic Tickets Are Big Business
http://www.motorists.org/blog/traffic-tickets-are-big-business/
October 12th, 2007 Posted in Insurance Companies, James Baxter, Speed Limits, Traffic Tickets
Traffic tickets are a multi-billion industry. They have virtually nothing to do with highway safety, but they have everything to do with money.
When you begin to grasp the full magnitude of the public and private interests that depend on ripping off motorists through traffic tickets, you begin to understand why this unethical system continues to expand every year.
Report speeding traps at: http://www.speedtrap.org/, http://www.copspy.com/
Thieving Sons of Dog Waste!
March 25th, 2009
3:46 pm
Until I read this article, I thought Massachusetts had THE Dumbest State Legislature in the nation.
Now, I know you better.
left laners
March 25th, 2009
3:53 pm
Even if I am going way over the limit in the left lane I ALWAYS move to the right if people want to go faster. Maybe they have an emergency or something or just late. Why piss people off especially since many have guns now?
DB
March 25th, 2009
4:12 pm
This legislation is plainly an unconstitutional tax, created to generate additional revenue for the state general fund. The governor and state legislators obviously came up with this idiotic legislation to make up for their waste and mismanagement of taxpayer dollars. The next election vote every legislator out who voted for it.
HCW
March 25th, 2009
4:21 pm
I love it when the Georgia Legislature re-criminalizes activities that are already illegal. What a waste of time! How is that water problem going? Anybody wanna take a crack at that one?
This is meerly an unconstitutional tax and doesn’t take into account that cops should be used for law enforcement, not revenue generation. Another tax on people who are probably just trying to get to work, so they can pay a new one-cent sales tax to fix roads that should have been fixed with the money for those useless traffic signals at the on-ramps. GUESS WHAT – unless I “speed” up that ramp, I can’t safely merge into interstate traffic.
Gary
March 25th, 2009
4:26 pm
Maybe if people would slow down we would not have the some of the traffic we have. Less accidents. Less people racing into conjested areas just add to the inch worm traffic stop and go. How about a limiter on a car that does not allow reckless speeds. Traffic cameras on 75 and 285. Sure it is fun to drive 85 in a 55 until you smash into the stopped car in front of you and get sued for injuries. Just slow down and stop bitching. If you need to get somewhere fast leave earlier. You are taking other people and their childrens lives into your hands when you choose to ignore the law.
Richard Swinger
March 25th, 2009
4:30 pm
It AIN’T AT ALL about “changing driving habits” or safety. It’s about REVENUE just as it always is. I’m sure everyone still has in their memories a couple of weeks ago how all these towns are now shutting down their red light camera operations. Why??? Because since people are not running red lights the cameras are not cost effective anymore.
Well the argument was that the government cares about “safety”. If that were truly the case, then why stop operating the cameras?? Aren’t lives more important than the little overhead?? No, the truth is.. now that people are wise to them they just try harder to not run the lights. After all, long before the light cameras the majority of people you saw blatantly run red lights on a regular basis were law enforcement officers. They only wanted the money people!! Just like now.
Super Speeder
March 25th, 2009
4:52 pm
Just make a list of all the stupid stuff your representatives vote for and against and when it comes your turn to pull the lever, vote them out of office.
nik
March 25th, 2009
4:57 pm
once you’ve worked an accident involving dead teens as a result of speeding, then shut up. imagine trying to explain to another parent their child is dead because they were speeding or to a wife and children that dad is dead because he was speeding and lost control of his car. it doesn’t matter where the extra money goes’ the ides is to make people slow down and to save lives
campnbare
March 25th, 2009
5:17 pm
ho hum – sin tax alcohol, sin tax tobacco… add extra fine to speeding, create micromanaged laws (seatbelts) to drain citizens of their hardearned wages… all to add money to selfrighteous psuedo christian coffers to supplement their inane programs. How about shifting some of these nuisence taxes/fines to religious organizations for their properties and income and increase the fines for preachers that get caught up in the devils deeds or better yet any state official caught out of their moral bounds add 25% to their fine and put it toward revamping the Georgia legislature or to fund programs on how to write unbiased, fair and balanced laws.
nd
March 25th, 2009
5:26 pm
too bad it could not be directed to trauma care. at least we do not have criminal speeding in GA as they do in NC and in VA. seriously considering laser jamming equipment now…
kool$kat
March 25th, 2009
5:28 pm
Dang it! My son is gonna come to me to borrow money for the fines, because his truck won’t go less than 90 on a highway…
aaron humes
March 25th, 2009
5:30 pm
THIS BAD JOKE IS FOR REVENUE ONLY!
Tick up another one for a stupid Sonny bill!
Razzle
March 25th, 2009
5:44 pm
A note to Realistic: State Patrol can and will ticket you for less than 10 mph, my wife has papers to prove it.
Dixie
March 25th, 2009
5:51 pm
When I was a bartender the bars with higher cover charges had less riff raff. If people speed they have worse accidents and run up higher emergency bills. Either for themselves or for they people they hit. If they can’t pay thier own bill – then it’s dumped on the taxpayers. I say if you’re “too important” to follow the speed limit then you should pay the extra fine. If you don’t like where the money goes then slow your a$$ down!
lolwut
March 25th, 2009
6:07 pm
Gee republicans making new taxes? What a surprise!!!!!!!!!!!
Bubblebuster
March 25th, 2009
6:22 pm
I did not see 1 comment supporting this law. Here is 1. I am all for it. I have done 55, I have done 70, and I have done 85 mph. I still do 70, sometimes 75, but I do not see a need for going faster than that and I see that as someone who does not think of ever dying in a car accident or killing others. Even 70 or 75 may be a little too fast for driving on shared road. Amen for the law, and if you’re willing to drive 85 mph or more, have the money in the bank to pay for the ticket.
steve
March 25th, 2009
6:27 pm
ok, i will remember this on election day and will remind other folks. its fairly common knowledge that the state is not doing well financially, but this is not the way to handle it. i only hope that since the money wont go to local municipalities that the cops will reduce the speeding at the site of the violation so that the state wont get any of it. of course the state patrol, also know as Gods special people. in law enforcement. wont have any part of that.
Bubblebuster
March 25th, 2009
6:37 pm
I feel sorry for any “out-of-towner” who does not know of the extra $200 for going 85 mph or more, but I never go through any part of Georgia or any other state driving at that kind of speed. Most people who will be ticketed are those who think of themselves as car racers or owning the road when they’re just road kill (or making someone else road kill)waiting to happen. Reasonable speed is not 85 mph or more, that’s CRAZY speed. I wish they had added automatic jail time and loss of license to the $200 extra for those who drive 85 mph or more.
Sander
March 25th, 2009
6:48 pm
Nothing more annoying then a person holding everybody up driving slow in the left passing lane. It is not their job to regulate other people’s speed.
If someone is coming up behind me that appears to be moving at a faster speed I move over to the right with no problem. My philosophy is, if they are going faster then me, the cop will get them first. It would be nice if the idiots in the morning on Hgwy 92 in Cherokee and Cobb would get a clue. Always some putz in the left lane, nobody needs that stress before work.
GOP lost in space
March 25th, 2009
8:00 pm
The job lost rate is now over 9% in 87 county in Georgia. a speeding bill, call this less Government GOP.
What have each member done to get Georgia jobs? Work for the people and if the people voted on this bill it would lose bank on it. We have law on the book now for this . This help big business to raise you insurance rate.
you guy are clowns. WE did not sent you to Atlanta to break us. What about rail service so we don’t have to drive backward @ss law makers. we need Jobs not more law to break people!!!!! Thank @ss holes
steve
March 25th, 2009
9:15 pm
let me say this much, im not a big fan of speed, i dont generally drive all that fast, however, it is so obvious that this is only a money making thing for the cash strapped state. perhaps if they spent less money beautifying the grounds of all their universities and colleges they wouldnt be broke. i speak from experience as a former state employee.
Gunluvr
March 25th, 2009
9:16 pm
This bill is okay with me. I don’t drive much over 75 MPH anyway and then add another 5 MPH before a ticket is written; that’s about as fair as it can get.
three jack
March 25th, 2009
9:21 pm
how about a law for under speed limit drivers, they cause more problems than those doing 85 and above. republicans really need to stop with their moral bs.
Chipper Jonestown Massacre
March 25th, 2009
9:37 pm
You know what would happen if everyone woke up tomorrow and all of a sudden started strictly obeying the speed limit?
The city, county and state governments would lower the speed limits as quickly as they could and they would keep lowering them until they caught a sufficient number of speeders. The reason is because theses governments desperately need revenue generated by speeding tickets, their budgets are based on that revenue and they simply cannot do without it.
That is why you see proposals like this one to generate EVEN MORE revenue….
It’s a scam.
Glenn
March 25th, 2009
10:03 pm
The only super speeders I see on the expressways are not in the HOV lanes, they are the ones you see in your rear view mirror flying upon you at 85 0r more mph and then very fast cut out and go around you, barely missing your front bumper when they cut back in front of you , and you are doing the speed limit. Those are the ones I want caught and fined to the max.
C
March 25th, 2009
10:54 pm
Revenue-generator? YES! YES! AND……YES!! Let’s review….”Perdue said the legislation would generate about $23 million for trauma care per year”……..how does he know? He expects for officers to pull over enough speeders to reach this goal. Seat beat fines are revenue generators as well…..I asked one state trooper during a safe driving class why people were fined for not wearing seat belts……he said …..for safety………LIAR!! Since when did the government care so much about my safety that they would fine me for not protecting myself??!!! Get ready to get pulled over for going 82 mph and over, since your speedometer reading is irrelevant! “Ma’am, I clocked you going 85, but officer, my speedometer indicated that I was going just over 80.” “I don’t care, my fancy radar detector is all that matters”………CHA-CHING!!! NEXT!!!
John
March 25th, 2009
11:08 pm
I didn’t know about the 10 extra MPH rule, I was wondering why when I drive the speed limit I sometimes feel like I am standing still and everyone is passing me…including most of the police cars!
Michael
March 26th, 2009
3:14 am
I got halfway through the comments and couldn’t take it anymore. Some of you are easily justifying breaking the law because local law enforcement can’t pull you over until you are driving 10 mph over the posted limit. Some of you are talking about how it’s going to mess up the judicial system. And still some of you are complaining about drivers who stay under the limit. Here’s a thought…OBEY THE SPEED LIMIT! Each and every one of you who puts it in your head that it’s ok to drive whatever speed you want are why the roads are so dangerous in metro Atlanta. YOU are the problem, and NOTHING you say will change that. If you have a problem with my comments you’ll find me in the right hand lane of I-285 driving the speed limit! Come have a chat with me.
Michael
March 26th, 2009
3:21 am
Three Jack, just scrolled up and saw your post. I hope you meant it when you said change the law, and didn’t mean for it to imply ticketing those who drive below the speed limit. See, that’s exactly what it is, a limit. Except for roads with an actual posted minimum speed, I can choose whatever number I want to show up on my speedometer. So if you want to change the law itself, that is fine, but I’ll continue to lawfully pick whatever speed I want, and if someone decides I’m not going fast enough for them, that speed goes wayyyyy down! But then again, I’m still driving legal.
RegularJoeSpeeder
March 26th, 2009
5:34 am
Gary, the issue I have with this is the rural areas of Georgia. Having driven in Atlanta there are many times reaching 85 is impossible because of the traffic. However, there are many parts of the state that are barren and going 85-90 still is not fast enough. I can understand this law in congested areas, but not on I75 south of Locust Grove to Macon, and Warner Robins/Perry to Valdosta. Same thing on I16 from Macon to Savannah, there is nothing out there. Why does it matter if I do 85-90 if I am in the left lane and there is no one around?
This is just another way for the legislature to bring in more money. This was not a straight Republican vote so you can’t blame it on the Party, but you can blame Sonny because he is going to sign it.
ek
March 26th, 2009
6:27 am
Operating laser the violator must be observed traveling at 11 mph over posted limit. Is not reqired in school zone.
Tigger
March 26th, 2009
6:32 am
Too bad all you folks whining about this don’t have the self-discipline to simply obey the law.
Waaaah!
Dixie
March 26th, 2009
6:47 am
YOU PEOPLE doing 15+ miles over the speed limit DESERVE an extra fine! If you don’t like where the money goes then don’t give them a reason to collect it from you. . . . DUH
RegularJoeSpeeder
March 26th, 2009
7:14 am
Actually Michael, if you are purposefully impeeding traffic by going a slower speed, then you ARE breaking the law and are the reason most accidents happen. Accidents happen when people like you don’t keep up with the flow of traffic. If you can’t keep up, stay off the Interstates and stay on your dirt road.
Getaway
March 26th, 2009
7:31 am
“Georgia is known as a state you can make up lost time in when traveling.” LIE! Liar, liar pants on fire. Georgia is known has the speed trap state.
I drive between GA and Durham, NC EVERY week. Only in GA have I been pulled over for doing 5 miles over the limit. Didn’t get a ticket, but still annoying. I have to say, South Carolina is a little worse, because not all limit changes are clearly marked. If you stay under 10 mph over the limit you are fine in just about any state, unless you’re exhibiting signs of road rage.
Question: What happens to the Trauma Center funding, if no one gets caught speeding at 85+ MPH? You know pols aren’t going to wait until they have the money before they start spending it.
Harold
March 26th, 2009
7:31 am
So if I go to trauma care, it will be free, right? Right? Sonny is paying now, right? Right? This is really incredible. Since when is 15 over considered super speeding? The speed limit on most of I-75 is 70 MPH, so 85 is only 15 over. Normally you would have to go 30 over before The Man starts cracking your skull, but not anymore! Sonny will bash your skull for 15 over. Thanks, Sonny, you dyslexic sack of this. Does your fishing hole need more money or something? IMPEACH SONNY!
Rob
March 26th, 2009
8:11 am
They say that this will raise 23 million a year, that equals to 115,000 tickets a year. I don’t believe that they will write that many. The law should be for anyone who drives 15 miles over the speed limit no matter what. they could make a 100 million a year just by enforcing the 50 mile an hour posted on the westside I-20 between Atlanta and 285. I avoid this part off Atlanta because the speeding is really out of control with no enforcement.
Harold
March 26th, 2009
8:14 am
Why don’t they just make all roads into toll roads and get rid of the police and their silly speeding tickets?
Harold
March 26th, 2009
8:15 am
Superseeder.. Is that a babydaddy with more than six children? Good idea. If you have more than two kids you should start PAYING EXTRA instead of getting additional tax breaks for your little snow flakes.
Elle
March 26th, 2009
8:36 am
Well in Dublin Georgia (Lowndes County) they already have a super speeder law and have for years apparently. . I was traveling through the county to visit a friend and I was pulled over by the State Patrol for going 95 in a 75mph speed zone. Now my 60 year old mom was in the car with me so although I was going about 87 or so I was no where near 95. So I took the ticket (my first ever in over 20 years as a licensed driver) and I am thinking oh boy this is going to cost me at least $200. So imagine my horror when I called a couple of weeks later and found out that the ticket was $800 because the County has a law the anyone going 20 mph and above over the speed limit incurs this super fine (hence why I needed to be at least at 95mph). I was able to get an attorney to make a deal with the prosecutor that allowed me to have the speed reduced to 84 if I agreed to pay the money. When I went to court they were at least 100+ people there to pay this $800 fine. Most like me said they were not going 20mph over the speed limit but were told they were.
DawgBite
March 26th, 2009
8:43 am
Finally a common sense law is passed in Georgia. Now if they will just get the insane use of electronic devices while driving under control it just might be safe to go back on the autobahns of this state.
DawgBite
March 26th, 2009
8:47 am
RegularJoeSpeeder
March 26th, 2009
7:14 am
Actually Michael, if you are purposefully impeeding traffic by going a slower speed, then you ARE breaking the law and are the reason most accidents happen. Accidents happen when people like you don’t keep up with the flow of traffic. If you can’t keep up, stay off the Interstates and stay on your dirt road.
Arrogant azzholes like you Joe think you are way more important than you really are. If you need to get somewhere in that big a hurry leave earlier dumbazz.
Nic
March 26th, 2009
9:06 am
Arrogant and hardheaded republicans… I see a bunch of rednecks – republicans makng laws more strict and censervative.
It’s all about money and that’s all people. Oh yeah, all those who voted republiican (redneck), hope you all get 3 -4 tickets a year so you can support your GOP / DOT members for a bix fat XMAS bonus.
I hated this state anyway and can’t wait until I’, out of here. GA stinks
Brandon
March 26th, 2009
9:14 am
Why worry about speeders when there are POS out robbing, raping, and killing people. Take the police off the highways and put them in the neighborhoods patroling.