New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-05-04
AUTO BILLS NOW LAWS.
SIGNED By, GOVERNOR.
Elaborate Regulations for Speed,
Registration and Drivers Ability.
IBr TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE. ]

Albany. May Ex-Governor OdeI to-day signed
two automobile bills drawn by Senator Hill, pro-
viding a uniform system of rules and regula-
lions for the operation OF automobiles in the
State. The more important Of the automobile
bills provides many new regulations for the
registration and Identification Of motor vehicles
and for the of these vehicles on public
highways.
The new law is voluminous. It defines motor
vehicles plainly. and imposes strict speed imita-
lions on automobiles. The law compels every
owner OF an automobile to file with the Secre-
tary or state a statement OF his name and adj
dress and brief description OF his machine 1t
fixes n 81 fee. The Secretary Of State on filing
the application gives the applicant a number
which is to be displayed on the rear Of the We
hicle, and within thirty days after the act takes
effect all automobiles must display their num-
bers thus, save only in the case OF machines be-
longing 10 nonresident owners
Extensive regulations OF speed are contained IN
the new act, which fixes the maximum rat. IN
closely built sections at ten miles an hour and
elsewhere Mt twenty. with additional special
provisions for reducing the speed TO four miles
an hour Mt crossings, curves and other danger
Gus places Full regulations are made for stop
ping machines on signal. for giving names In
case OF accident and for various other details.
Drivers will. under the terms of the new act,
iIio ii statement with the Secretary OF State OF
their ability IN operating automobiles pay a
y Zee and receive = badge. Unregistered driv-
ers VIII not be allowed to operate machines on
the public highways after thirty days
Fines not exceeding 500 for the first offence
and not less than 500 more than 500. or i'm
pTisonment not exceeding thirty days. or both.
for second offences. and a fine OF not less than
500 nor more than $3.50. and imprisonment not
exceeding thirty days. for subsequent offences
Violations OF all other provisions are punishable
by fine not exceeding S25 for first offences. $50
for second and 500. or ten days Imprisonment.
or both. for subsequent offences
The Hill act. despite its strict provisions for
regulating speed. permits local authorities 10 set
aside certain highways at specified times for
speed tests. 1t lays down strict rules of the
road. prescribes a bell. horn or other method OF
signal for day time. and for night two lamps
showing white lights and the number OF the ma
chimes and red light.
The new law provides for the fixing OF a speed
limit Of not less than ten miles an hour in VII
lagos, cities or towns, and the erection OF posts
announcing the local rate of speed wherever It
changes. Specific rules laid down for the
release OF persons arrested for the violation OF
this law. SO the offender is conceded the right
of an immediate hearing. and If the hearing can
not be had he may be released on deposit OF n
sum equal to the maximum fine fixed for his Of
fence, by leaving his automobile as security
with the police.
This act took effect when the Governor signed
1t, but thirty days OF grace are allowed before
the fines and penalties prescribed are exacted