To amend section 4511.21 of the Revised Code to impose an additional fine on drivers who exceed the speed limit by 30 miles per hour.
Summary
HB111 would amend Ohio’s general speed-limit statute, section 4511.21 of the Revised Code, to create an extra monetary penalty for drivers who exceed the statutory or posted speed limit by more than 30 miles per hour. The bill keeps the existing structure of Ohio’s speed-limit law intact, including the current misdemeanor classifications for speeding, but adds a new surcharge-style fine on top of the usual penalty for the most extreme speeding offenses. The additional fine would not apply if the offender files an indigency affidavit and the court finds the person unable to pay.
The bill also preserves other existing enhanced penalties in the speed statute, including doubled fines for speeding in construction zones and penalties tied to distracted driving. In practical terms, HB111 is aimed at the most dangerous speeding behavior and would give courts another tool to punish and deter very high-speed violations. Because the bill is introduced only and has not advanced beyond the House Public Safety Committee, it does not yet change current law unless enacted.
Impact
If enacted, HB111 would amend R.C. 4511.21, Ohio’s core speeding statute, by adding a mandatory additional $200 fine for motorists who drive more than 30 miles per hour over the posted or statutory limit. The bill would affect drivers cited for the most serious speeding violations, while preserving the existing misdemeanor framework and the court’s ability to waive the added fine for indigent defendants. It would not alter the underlying speed limits themselves, but it would increase the financial consequences for extreme speeding and likely affect traffic enforcement, court sentencing, and fine collection practices statewide.
Sentiment
The available context suggests generally supportive, safety-oriented sentiment around the bill, though no committee transcript or vote record is available to show detailed debate. The bill’s sponsors and cosponsors indicate a coalition willing to back a tougher penalty for dangerous speeding. Because the bill is still at the introductory stage and has no recorded votes, there is no formal evidence of opposition or amendment activity in the provided materials.
Contention
The main policy question raised by the bill is whether an added fine is an effective deterrent for extreme speeding or simply another financial penalty layered onto existing sanctions. Potential concerns would likely center on fairness and ability to pay, which the bill addresses by exempting indigent offenders from the added fine. Another possible point of contention is whether a flat $200 surcharge is appropriately calibrated for all cases of speeding more than 30 mph over the limit, given differences in road type, traffic conditions, and driver conduct. No specific objections or supporters are identified in the provided committee record.
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