A bill up for a vote in the South Carolina House of Representatives would increase the penalties for truckers caught over the speed limit.

Under the bill, truckers convicted of driving 10 mph or less over the speed limit would be fined an extra $20 to $35. For 11-14 mph over the speed limit, extra fines would be $35 to $75; for 15-20, $75 to $125 extra. Truckers speeding by 21 mph or more face an extra $125 to $300 fine or 30 days in jail, plus a six-month license suspension.
The South Carolina Trucking Assn. endorses the legislation. In 1999, the association promoted a similar amendment to speed limit legislation, but it died on a voice vote in the House of Representatives. Last year an identical bill passed in the House late in the session and was not considered by the Senate before the session ended.
"Our industry has consistently promoted this legislation as a means to promote compliance with speed limits," says J. Richards Todd, president of the SCTA. "We support higher fines for excessive speeding across the board, both cars and trucks, but if the Legislature won't support that, then we will support a higher standard for commercial vehicle drivers."
The bill could be considered by the full House as early as next week. Although the legislation has been moving for some time, a truck crash last week that critically injured a House member could give the bill more momentum.