DE HB134

Removes incarceration as a possible sentence for less serious motor vehicle offenses including Following Too Closely, Unlawful Use of a Controlled-Access Highway, Speeding, Careless or Inattentive Driving, and Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign.

Reduces maximum monetary penalties for most offenses: Following Too Closely penalty reduced from $230 to $75 (second offense from $575 to $95); Unlawful Use of Controlled-Access Highway reduced from $115 to $75 (second offense from $200 to $95); Careless or Inattentive Driving reduced from $115 to $75 (second offense from $230 to $95).

Preserves incarceration as a sentencing option for more serious traffic offenses including Overtaking and Passing a School Bus, Reckless Driving, Aggressive Driving, Operation of a Vehicle Causing Death, and Driving Under the Influence.

Based on 2008 data, approximately 6,000 convictions were issued for the affected offenses with no fine greater than $50 imposed in any case.