DE HB134

Removes incarceration as a possible penalty for less serious motor vehicle offenses including Following Too Closely (§4123), Unlawful Use of Controlled-Access Highway (§4126), Speeding (§4169), Careless or Inattentive Driving (§4176), and Failure to Stop at Stop Sign (§4205)

Reduces maximum fines for multiple offenses: lowers fines from $230 to $75 and from $575 to $95 under §4123; reduces fines from $115 to $75 and from $200 to $95 under §4126; reduces fines from $115 to $75 and from $230 to $95 under §4176 and §4205

Eliminates imprisonment of 10-60 days for violations under §4123 and removes 10-30 day incarceration options for violations under §4126, §4169(c)(1), §4176, §4205(a)

Preserves incarceration as a sentencing option for more serious traffic offenses such as school bus passing violations, reckless driving, aggressive driving, operation of vehicle causing death, and driving under the influence

Based on 2008 data, nearly 6,000 convictions occurred for the affected offenses with no fines exceeding $50 imposed in any case