The Morris County chronicle., 1906-04-17
THE NEW N. ].
AUTO LAW
The Provisions Of the Law to
Regulate the Running Of
Automobiles.
THE PUBLIC SAFETY ASSURED.

New Jersey roads should obtain copy
Of the Frelinghuysen bill, which has
been signed by Governor Stokes, to go
into effect On July1. There is trouble
in store for automobilists who do not
acquaint themselves with the provis-
ions and penalties of the new act.
For violations they will be liable to
arrest without warrant and on the
highways between cities the State in
spectors, who are to be appointed by a
Commissioner of Motor Vehicles "a
new officer may be expected to keep a
sharp lookout for the lawbreakers. 1t
should be understood that not only
the State inspectors, Of whom there
will be seven, but any constable or
police officerv may arrest without
warrant for violation committed in
his presence. Furthermore, arrests
shall be made at the instance of any
person upon whose written complaint
a Magistrate has issued warrant,
provided the complainant files bond
to pay costs. The term Magistrate
includes Justices of the peace and all
officers having power to commit.
How fast may go? is the first ques-
tion which the automobilist will ask
when he hears that he is ''up against
law in Jersey which was not framed
to tolerate speeding, but severely to
inhibit. Under the present law, so
loosely was it drawn, the chauffeur
may let out as many links of speed as
he pleases without fear Of consequent
ces, unless he runs over somebody.
But twenty miles is to be the limit of
flight in any part of the State, high
way or back road under the new law.
Upon sharp curves or turning a corner
anywhere the rate of only one mile in
seven minutes is permitted, and one
mile in four minutes at the intersec~
tion of roads in the open country In
built-up parts Of city, township or
borough the speed must not be more
than twelve miles an hour nor more
than fifteen miles an hour anywhere
when the automobile is within 200
feet of any horse "or other beast of
draught or burden Physicians re-
sponding to an emergency call, or
soldiers using motors on service may
disregard the speed limit. Upon the
request of person approaching in
opotl1or uoHiola ne opxy lx{v,d .. Ir;,ro,. se,
required to come to a full stop.
No intoxicated person and no person
under sixteen is allowed to operate an
automobile, and the use of one with
sout the consent of an owner is forbid
den. We quote subdivision 4 of Sec
tion %, because the offense it is aimed
at has not been uncommon Every
driver of motor vehicle, after know
ingly causing an accident by collision,
or otherwise knowingly injuring any
person, horse or vehicle, shall forth
with bring his motor vehicle to full
stop, return to the scene of accident
and give to any person demanding the
same, his name, the number of his
drivers license and the registration
number of the motor vehicle, and the
names and residences of each and
every male occupant of said motor ve-
hicle." For failing to do so, the driver
may be fined $3.50 or imprisoned for
thirty days. For driving motor We
hicle fictitiously numbered, or operat-
ing one without license. or while in
toxicated, or without the consent of
an owner, the offender may be- fined
$500 or imprisoned sixty days. For
not registering an automobile with
the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles
the fine may be s1OO. Exceeding the
speed limit punishable by fine Of not
more than S1O0. or, in default Of pay
ment, by imprisonment for not more
than ten days for the first offence, and
double the fine and imprisonment for
second offence. There are lesser
fines for not carrying a trumpet or
lights, refusing to exhibit license, and
wearing chains on tires on macada-
mized roads. Drivers must prove their
competence to the satisfaction of the
Commissioner before receiving IL
cense. He may revoke the permit. or
refuse to register a motor for cause.
An appeal lies in all casses TO a Court
of Common Pleas on filing bond for
costs. Moneys received for fines are
to go into fund to improve the State
roads,
The Frelinghuysen law, If enforced,
win put an end to scorching'' in New
Jersey, and it win therefore promote
speedways for automobile racing, a
consummation which is specifically
recognized by the act. The new law
viii be considered drastic and punitive
by some Of the automobilistS but for
the first time the rights of pedestrians
and horsemen have received careful
consideration. Twenty miles an hour,
OF course, will be exceeded In lonely
places, but certain risk will always
attend the performances. The alter
native for the sports Is racing on
speedways from which other vehicles
can be excluded,
The telephone company is putting
up pole limo on Soaring avenue 10 re-
move the lines from the electric light
A..