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Vehicles that zoom by with little or no regard for others on the road have always been high on the annoyance scale for truckers and other drivers. Gov. Sonny Perdue signed a bill into law addressing the safety issue in the Peach State.

The new Georgia law increases maximum speeding penalties in the state. Revenue from the fines is expected to be routed to the state’s general fund to aid the emergency trauma network.

Previously HB160, the new law tacks $200 fines onto traffic tickets for “super speeders.” Penalties could be applied to those caught driving more than 85 mph on interstates and four-lane roads, or more than 75 mph on two-lane roads. It takes effect Jan. 1.

Repeat offenders would face escalating fees to reinstate suspended licenses. In addition to the $200 fine, they would pay an extra $100 after a second offense and an extra $200 after a third offense. The fees for repeat offenses take effect July 1, 2010.

It is estimated the changes will raise $31 million annually. Perdue will recommend putting the additional revenue toward helping hospitals maintain emergency rooms and improve trauma care in rural areas of the state.

Supporters say tapping super speeders to help pay for trauma care is a good source of revenue until a long-term solution can be found for funding. Others say the penalties should help keep motorists mindful of their speeds. In return, it would help cut down on wrecks.

Opponents say the law is more about raising money than it is punishing super speeders.

By Keith Goble, state legislative editor Land Line Magazine