In a startling traffic incident in Florida, a 21-year-old woman was pulled over for driving at an astonishing 107 mph in a 55 mph zone as she rushed to get her pizza order just before the restaurant closed. The event highlights the serious penalties tied to the state’s recently enacted extreme-speeding law.
Rush For Pizza Leads To Reckless Speeding
According to law enforcement, deputies in Pinellas County stopped the driver on U.S. Highway 19 in Palm Harbor after radar showed her driving almost double the posted speed limit. When questioned, she admitted that her urgency stemmed from trying to reach the pizza shop before it shut its door. Under Florida’s new statute targeting egregious speeds, she has been cited with a criminal offence rather than a simple traffic citation.
New Law Brings Tougher Consequences
The statute in question, effective from July 1, declares it a criminal offence to exceed 100 mph or to go more than 50 mph over the posted speed limit in a manner endangering public safety. First-time offenders face up to 30 days behind bars, a fine up to $500, or both. Repeat offenders can be jailed for up to 90 days, fined up to $1,000, and may suffer licence revocation for 180 days to a year. Because this is a criminal charge, convictions can appear on background checks, potentially affecting employment and housing opportunities.
