Florida Police Trouble
 

I understand several dirt track racers were really hit by the police in Florida recently. Stiff fines and did not make the race. I am trying to get the details. If anyone knows anything, please post it. It seems to be the same trouble that arose just before the Gators which did not pan out at that time probably because of too much contact from racers about it. More as I hear it.

Re: Florida Police Trouble
 

Jeff,
The only thing I have heard is that many of the moving violation ticket fines have increased by a HUGE amount! Someone (a police officer friend) sent me a list about 2 weeks ago. I will try and find it and send it to you or post it. I saw a bumper sticker recently that said: "Welcome To Florida...Now Go Home!" Jim

Re: Florida Police Trouble
 

Jeff, I have heard alot about this as well. I live about 25 minutes from the AL/FL line on I-10. Most of what I have heard is second hand information, and I am not sure the EXACT details of the rigs invloved. I do know that they are basically trying to find a loophole to classify these guys as commercial with motor/toterhomes. Even going so far as to ask " Does the race you are going to pay money as a prize" Form what I have been told, they have made the weigh stations in Pensacola on I-10 a training center. I travel that road very frequently (in a pesonal vehicle), and can vouch for the fact that there at least 2 DOT cars in the median every time i have been through there in the last 6 months.

Figures....
 

State or local? Wonder if the track will announce it in the roundy round rags. If local, I'm sure there will be noise about this during the next election. I swear, Floridia gestapos were born with HSIA syndrome (head-stuck-in-***).

BTW, Jeff, you owe me a phone call about Wes, in case you forgot (must be that swamp beer again LOL!!!)

Re: Florida Police Trouble
 

Jeff: Slow that stacker down to about 70 mph. and I really do not think you will have a problem. Remember, when stopped by ANY Officer, a little yes sir and no sir will go a long way. If you give the officer a hard time, it will only come back to haunt you! This is how the county/city/state supplements their income, which is the real reason for the traffic stop.

Re: Florida Police Trouble
 

Yeah! Slow down and enjoy our state! LOL Jim

Re: Florida Police Trouble
 

Some organizers are even cancelling their race rather than having the race teams driving through Florida. This should really help the tracks in Florida build up their revenues !!!!!

http://www.karnac.com/FLAnews2007/118680253958733.shtml

Re: Florida Police Trouble
 

From what I understand there is a permit that you can apply for that cost about $5 for you out of state boys to drive on the roads because they are not being taxed. I am not sure on the exact details of it, but that is my understanding.... Just let me know if anyone knows anymore on this.


Jeremy Waibel

Re: Florida Police Trouble
 

There is indeed a permit for over length and it's real cheap. Can be purchased over the internet. Again there is a specific exclusion in DOT law that allows non commercial racers to go and come. I am trying to get in touch with one of the dirt racers and get the first hand info. Last time I contacted the FLDOT, Tourism people, the Governor's office. Did get replys. And once again, I have the exemption that is one paragraph long in a 500 page book if anyone needs it. email me jefft@southlanddodge.com I need a fax no. I'm too stupid to get it into the email.

Re: Florida Police Trouble
 

Do you even have to take a toter through a weigh station?

Re: Florida Police Trouble
 

I never have as motor homes do not have a weight spec unless some state passed one recently. There are definitions that can help determine if you are truly a CMV (Commercial Motor Vehicle). If you fit, you get it all; log books, scales, regs. If you are not a CMV, you don't have to stop at the scales. DOT starts @ 10,000 lbs combined weight (truck/trailer). I wrote a document a few years ago about this for National Dragster and they published it once since then. If you want a copy, send me a fax #. The real problem is we are not the problem. But it only takes one policeman who I can assure you probably does not have any idea there is specific exemption for us, that also doesn't like racers to make your life miserable. The length deal in Florida is a Florida thing. email me if you need more info. jefft@southlanddodge.com or call 888-876-1817 and tell the receptionist it is about racing. Get's you right through.

Re: Florida Police Trouble
 

I just spoke to one of the dirt racers involved in this stop. Seems it was an overlength problem without a permit, but the officer also told them you can't pull a trailer with a motor home and not be a commercial motor vehicle. This racer's motor home was in his personal name. The fine is over $7000 just for the overlength. The racer is sending me all the information to file a protest with Florida. I will probably send them a copy of the exemption. Naturally the first thing asked is "Is someone paying you to race?" More as it developes.

Re: Florida Police Trouble
 

Jeff,
Thanks for staying on top of this.

On the other thread, a Florida rep was quoted as saying, 'non-commercial vehicle traffic has increased over the years.' That said, it appears these permits/traffic stops are about making this increase a financial gain to the state.

Everybody should keep a copy of that Federal DOT reg in their rigs.