Collier County Commission passes anti-harassment ordinance

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NAPLES, Fla.- Yelling or honking your horn at cyclists or runners in Collier County could soon cost you.

Tuesday, county leaders took the next step towards fining drivers or even charging them with a misdemeanor for threatening others on the road.

The County Commission passed an ordinance that would make it a misdemeanor to harass those who share the road, like bicyclists, pedestrians and people in wheelchairs.

Commissioners voted unanimously to move the law forward.

Officials say the proposal came about after an October workshop on bike safety when they realized there’s a big problem in the county with safety on the roadways.

According to the new law, if you are found guilty of honking at a cyclist, throwing things at them, or threatening their safety, you could face a $500 fine or 60 days in jail.

“Everyone really sees the need. We’ve had so many accidents against these users. This type of law gives law enforcement the ability to charge someone,” said commissioner Georgia Hiller.

This ordinance would be the first of its kind in the state, so there are still questions about how the Collier County Sheriff’s Office would enforce it.

Commissioners will bring the ordinance back for a second look in January before it goes on the books.

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