South Florida leadfoots beware: your speeding, tailgating and red light running will now come with even heftier fines, as new laws go into effect today to try to curb aggressive drivers.
Penalties for aggressive driving will be increasing by $65, with fines for offenses such as drag racing going up to $565 and passing a school bus going up to as much as $265.
Running a red light will cost you $190.
Violating the new laws won't just hurt your pocketbook. First offenders will have to sit through drivers safety classes.
“Now if someone runs a red light, instead of getting their second offense before they have to go to a school, it’s going to happen on their first offense,” said Capt. Mark Welch, with the Florida Highway Patrol.
South Florida residents said they hope the new laws will help put the brakes on aggressive driving.
"I think it'll be a great thing, I really do," said Katie Bowers. "Maybe it will have an impact, [make people] stop and slow down."
Local
In 2007 red-light runners were responsible for more than a 100 deaths and 10,000 injuries on Florida’s roadways.
With precious cargo on board, mothers and fathers, everyone wants to see those numbers go down.
"I'm definitely more cautious and much more aware now that I'm buckling these babies in the car all the time," said Amanda Enfield, mother of two.
