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By Michael Dapper
VRA Page Webmaster
In the most recent Victory Blog, we reported that we had heard Florida laws were giving law enforcement officials broader ability to stop and ticket motorcyclists. We had heard – and asked for real info about these supposed new laws:
• Motorcycles had to keep their tires on the ground (no wheelies or stoppies)
• License plates had to be in practically the stock location and in a horizontal position (not vertical and on the side by the axle, for instance)
We had been told that a first-time offense reportedly carries a $1,141 fine, a second-timer costs $2,500, and the three-strikes offender must pay $5,000 and will lose his/her motorcycle license endorsement for 10 years.
Florida Victory Riders have come through with some cold, hard facts, and we appreciate the feedback.
Jimi Mikel wrote to the Victory Mailbag to report: “Here is the lowdown on Florida anti-biker law. Yes, it is illegal to have a license plate vertical. Horizontal is OK, location not specified in law. And yes, you must keep both wheels on the pavement. The other one not mentioned is if you exceed the speed limit by 50 mph, [it’s a violation calling for a stiff fine]. All three offences get the same penalty. B.S., yes, but why do you think we call it ‘Floridah.’ Have a safe and rocking bike week.”
Thanks for the info, Jimi. We’ll see you in Daytona.
Jose V. Perez of Valrico, Florida, also verified the existence of the new laws and reported “I was at Biketoberfest ‘08 and saw several riders pulled over and noticed that they had vertical license plates. I'm not quite sure of the details of the law in regard of how high [the plate] has to be.”
Ray Humphries reported: “It is true, sadly enough, that if ANY biker gets caught ‘popping a wheelie’ ON ANY Florida street, you can get a citation of a $1,000+ fine for the first offense! Also, adding to the $1,000 first-time offenses is that you cannot have your license plate placed ‘vertically’ on your bike, but you can still have it fit on the side if it is ‘horizontal.’ Also, if you like to light up your bike with LEDs, that is okay unless they are blue or red.”
Ray, the lucky dog, is riding on a nice, new Victory. “I just took my [rider’s safety] course in December before I accepted delivery on my new 2009 Vegas Jackpot, and the course was being taught by off-duty Sheriff’s Deputy.”
Nice bike, Ray. Hope to see you in Daytona.
And finally, we received a very useful report from Jason P. Like a legal eagle, he supplied some official language of the laws. Jason wrote:
“Hello, after reading the blog on the outrageous fines listed for improper license display and wheelies, I had to find out what was really going on. I have attached the actual Florida law on what those fines are for. They are not for license plates being misplaced or wheelies. The fines are for exceeding the speed limit by 50 mph. I hope this information is helpful. Happy Riding!”
The legal copy Jason provided noted the following:
• A person who exceeds the speed limit in excess of 50 mph or more shall be cited for a moving violation, punishable as provided in chapter 318.
• A person riding a motorcycle shall keep both wheels on the ground at all times, unless there is a circumstance beyond their control.
• A person cited for a violation of s. 316.1926 shall pay a fine of $1,000 for the first offense and $2,500 for the second offense in lieu of the fines required in 318.18(3)(b). In addition, for a second offense, the court shall revoke the driving privilege for a period of 1 year. A third offense will be a felony of the 3rd degree, a fine of $5,000 and a 10 year revocation.
Bike Week Riding Opportunities
If you’re headed to Daytona Beach for Bike Week, be sure to get registered for the VRA Party on Friday, March 6. For details and to get registered, check out this VRA Party Info & Registration Link.
If you’re looking for things to do in and around Daytona during Bike Week, check out the list of the Victory Top 10. These are 10 activities that will get you out and about, let you see and experience the Daytona area and put you in touch with many of your fellow Victory Riders.
If you’re looking for some suggestions for day trips that take you out of Daytona, check out the Daytona Bike Week Trips posted in the News section of the VRA Page. A tip of the helmet to Florida Victory Rider Wayne Sarosi for offering these ride itineraries.
Looking for a good Victory group ride?
The Hurricane Alley Victory Riders have teamed up with the folks at Volusia Motorsports (1701 St. Rd. 44, New Smyrna Beach), for a group ride to the Kennedy Space Center on Thursday, March 5.
The plan calls for kickstands up at 11 a.m., but you can come to the dealership early for pre-ride coffee. For those who are interested post-Space Center, riders will come back to Pub 44 (by the dealership) for wind-down session.
The dealership’s phone number is 386-428-2212.
Treat Your Bike to a World Class Detail
The Victory demo bikes will look sharp during the rally because they’ll have received World Class Details from the Pure Victory Polishes team in Daytona.
If your bike could use a good cleaning and some TLC to get the year off to a great start, contact the Pure Victory Polishes team to schedule a detail while you’re in Daytona. There are different levels of details, so choose the one that meets your standards for a spick and span bike.
Visit the Pure Victory Polishes website for full contact info or to schedule a detail.
Daily Profiles Keep on Rolling
We don’t know if the daily profiles of Victory Riders will continue as we get into the spring riding season. When the roads are finally open for riding here in the Great White North, we will have a tough time deciding to post profiles instead of heading out for a ride.
But there are already nearly 200 profiles online in the special 10th Anniversary Victory Riders’ Rides section of the website.
Check it out to see if you or your friends are featured there. If not, send a photo(s) and some info to the Victory Mailbag so we can feature you online.
Demo Tour is Headed Your Way
The Victory Challenge Demo Tour is rolling again this spring and summer. Check out the schedule to see when and where there’s a Demo Tour stop at a Victory dealer near you. Bring a friend and take a ride on a 2009 Victory.
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