Florida’s New Law to Protect Motorcyclists & Vulnerable Road Users

Starting July 1, 2024, Florida will enforce a new law called CS/CS/HB 1133 to make roads safer for everyone, especially people who are more at risk in traffic from cars, trucks and other larger vehicles. This law is designed to protect “vulnerable road users”. Florida law defines vulnerable road users as road users who don’t have the same level of protection as people in cars.

Who is Affected? Who is Considered a Vulnerable Road User?

Vulnerable road users include:

• • Motorcyclists

• • Bicyclists

• • Scooter riders

• • Skateboarders

• • Roller skaters

• • Pedestrians

• • Road workers

• • First responders

• • People in wheelchairs

These people are considered vulnerable because, unlike those in cars, trucks, or buses, they don’t have any metal or other protections, such as seat belts or airbags, to keep them safe in case of an accident. Therefore, they are more at risk of serious personal injury and bodily harm when they get into an accident with a larger, more protected vehicle.

What Does the Law Do?

The new law introduces tougher penalties for drivers who harm, injure or kill vulnerable road users. Serious bodily injury is defined as “an injury to a person, including the driver, which consists of a physical condition that creates a substantial risk of death, serious personal disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member or organ. Here’s how it works:

1. Higher Fines: If a driver seriously injures a defined vulnerable road user in Florida while driving, they will face a civil penalty of at least $1500 if a court finds them guilty or they plead no contest. Further, If the driver is found guilty or pleads no contest to causing the death of a vulnerable roadway user, the court shall impose a fine of at least $5,000. This is intended to make drivers more cautious and think twice before demonstrating careless driving.
2. Driver’s License Suspensions: Drivers who are convicted of harming or injuring vulnerable road users will lose their driver’s license for three months. If the driver is found guilty or pleads no contest to an infraction that causes the death of a vulnerable road user, their license shall be suspended for one year.
3. Mandatory Safety Classes: If a driver is found guilty or pleads no contest to causing an accident that harms or injures a vulnerable road user, they must take a special safety course. This course will teach them how to share the road safely with others
4. Funding for Trauma Care: The financial penalty collected from the fines will be used to support hospitals that treat people who are severely injured in accidents. This means better care for victims of traffic accidents. 

One key element not listed above is financial compensation to the injured person or persons. The financial penalties given to the driver are directed toward hospitals, not the victims themselves. That’s why it’s critical to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer after you’ve been injured in a crash.

When and Where Does This Law Take Effect?

This law took effect on July 1, 2024, across the entire state of Florida. Whether you’re in a big city like Miami or a smaller town, the rules will be the same. It will also apply to drivers in Florida, even if they reside in another state, compensating for all the tourist and non-resident drivers.

Why Was This Law Passed?

Florida passed this law because there have been too many accidents involving motorcyclists, bicyclists, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. Too frequently, these accidents end up resulting in serious injuries, trauma, or even death. The state wants to reduce these accidents by making drivers more aware of the consequences of reckless driving. Ideally this law will lead to less accidents, less injuries, and less physical, mental and financial burden to those harmed.

How Will This Law Help Motorcyclists?

By raising the penalties for dangerous driving, Florida hopes that drivers will slow down, pay more attention to their surroundings and environment, obey all road signs, road signals, and be more considerate of others on the road. Additionally, by providing more funding for trauma and hospital care, the state is applying penalties to the problem instead of borrowing funding from an unrelated source. This protects the financial penalties from being reallocated away from the problem.

Fran Haasch Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers Stands Up For Vulnerable Users

Our motorcycle accident attorneys at Fran Haasch Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers understand the unique dangers and challenges faced by vulnerable road users. If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle accident, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. Let us fight for your rights and provide you with the legal support and guidance you need during this difficult time. Remember, you are not alone – we are here to help.