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- Pedestrian safety: SB 460 — Drivers who fail to stop for pedestrians will face a maximum fine of $1,000, up from $500. The fines will contribute to a Pedestrian Safety Fund, which will be used for traffic calming, enforcement and education.
- Driving under the influence: HB
707 — The penalties for drunk and drugged driving offenses are becoming
more severe. If you have prior convictions for operating either a vehicle or
vessel under the influence, or if you commit a homicide in the process, there
are now longer sentences and more costly fines.
The bill increases the maximum penalties for a person convicted of driving while under the influence of alcohol or under the influence of alcohol per se, while impaired by alcohol, while impaired by drugs or drugs and alcohol, or while impaired by a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) when that person has certain prior convictions. A person who has two prior convictions for any of the above-mentioned offenses is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to five years imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine. The penalties are more stringent when that person (1) has three or more prior convictions for any of those offenses or (2) was previously convicted of a single specified homicide or life-threatening injury by motor vehicle or vessel offense. Such a violator is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to 10 years imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine.