Speeding Could Soon Become a Felony in Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, La. (KMDL-FM) - If State Rep. Dixon McMakin from Baton Rouge has his way, speeding could soon become a felony in the state of Louisiana if House Bill 100 passes.

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Louisiana Bill To Classify Excessive Speeding As A Felony

State Rep. McMakin has introduced new legislation that would increase certain extreme speeding violations to felony offenses under Louisiana law. The proposal is part of a bigger effort to enhance road safety and curb reckless driving.

House Bill 100 Targets Severe Speeding Over The Limit

House Bill 100 specifically seeks to designate driving 30 miles per hour above the speed limit as a felony crime in Louisiana. Under the current proposal, this classification would apply statewide if the bill becomes law during the upcoming legislative session in Baton Rouge.

McMakin tells KPLCTV.com -

"Whether speed limits at 15 or speed limits at 75, going 30 over not only puts you at risk but also pedestrians at risk around you, drivers of other cars around you at risk. We are trying to reduce that risk and make it safer for the people of Baton Rouge and the capital region."

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In addition to the felony speeding proposal, McMakin is sponsoring House Bill 96, which would strengthen penalties for drag racing. This legislation would increase vehicle impoundment periods from two weeks to a full month for offenders, aiming to discourage illegal racing activities.

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Why This Matters For Louisiana Roads

If passed, House Bill 100 would represent a huge shift in how Louisiana handles traffic violations like speeding. Currently, excessive speeding alone does not constitute a felony unless it's paired with other criminal behavior. House Bill 100 would introduce standalone felony charges for high-speed violations, potentially leading to more serious consequences for offenders.

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