CS/CS/CS/HB 231 Summary

• Defines "vulnerable user of a public roadway" as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, scooter/moped operators, animal riders, and operators of farm tractors, horse-drawn carriages, electric mobility devices, or wheelchairs.

• Requires motor vehicles passing bicycles or vulnerable users to maintain a minimum safe distance of 3 feet and mandates law enforcement officers note violations contributing to bodily injury on citations.

• Creates criminal penalties converting noncriminal traffic infractions to first-degree misdemeanors when a second violation causing serious bodily injury or death occurs within 5 years, with 3-month driver license suspension.

• Imposes additional fines up to $2,000 for violations of passing or careless driving infractions that contribute to bodily injury of vulnerable road users.

• Requires mandatory hearings for infractions under s. 316.083 or s. 316.1925 contributing to bodily injury of vulnerable users; effective July 1, 2015.