(a) The General Assembly has determined that the operation of trucks, as defined in subsection (b) of this section, at high speeds creates a unique threat to the public safety of Arkansas motorists and causes substantial damage to Arkansas highways. Through enacting this section, it is the intent of the General Assembly to deter such unsafe and damaging driving practices by providing severe penalties against those persons who are determined to be guilty of violating this section.
(b) For purposes of this section, the term “truck” means any vehicle with a registered gross weight of at least twenty thousand pounds (20,000 lbs.).
(c) When the operator of any truck as defined in subsection (b) of this section pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or forfeits bond for or is found guilty of operating such vehicle at a speed in excess of five miles per hour (5 m.p.h.) over the posted or legal speed limit, the operator shall be fined fifty dollars ($50.00) for each mile per hour in excess of five miles per hour (5 m.p.h.) over the posted or legal speed limit.
(d) The fine provided for in this section is in addition to all other fines and court costs levied for the violation.
(e)
(1) The circuit, district, and city courts levying and collecting the fines prescribed by this section may retain two percent (2%) of the fines as a collection fee. Any collection fee retained, pursuant to state accounting laws, shall be deposited by the tenth day of each month in the court automation fund as established by § 16-13-704 of the city or county to be used solely for court-related technology.
(2) After deducting the collection fee provided in subdivision (e)(1) of this section, the court shall remit the balance of the fines levied and collected under this section by the tenth day of each month to the Administration of Justice Fund Section of the Office of Administrative Services of the Department of Finance and Administration, on a form provided by that office, for deposit as general revenues of the state.
(f) The provisions of this section shall only apply to the operation of trucks on interstate highways or state highways that have a posted speed limit for trucks different from the posted speed limit for other motor vehicles.