Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-05-06
AUTO LAWS
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR
DISTRICT AUTOISTS.


special Correspondence OF Inc star
NORFOLK. Va. May 5, 1906.
Washingtonians owning automobiles and
operating them on the roads and highways
of Virginia will be highly interested in the
following extracts from the acts of the
general assembly governing the operation of
automobiles. locomobiles and other vehicles
and conveyances whose motive power is
other than animals. which acts are just
from the public printer. The provisions are
what many autoists will call drastic and
some will be greatly surprised at the far
reaching effects of the law.
The act starts out by making provision
that every owner of an automobile or the
like shall register the same with the secre-
tary of commonwealth and from that official
must secure certificate of registration
which shall be attached to the machine in
IAN easily accessible place" and number
which shall always be in evidence upon the
rear of the machine. which at all time
within one hour after sun set and one hour
before sunrise shall have at least one white
light throwing a bright light at least 100
feet in the direction in which the machine
is going The machine must also have
red light in rear. which will show the ma
chine number. When the owner of the ma
chine sells IN the year following the date of
his original certificate the new purchaser
must secure a new license. The machine
owner must pay 81 for each certificate.
An auto operator shall not drive in the
corporate limits OF any city or town at a
greater speed than twelve miles an hour.
Outside of the corporate limits of any city
or town the speed of fifteen miles an hour
is permissible. except in going around
curves. down sharp inclnes or at the inter-
section of any cross road or over the crest
of hills. Or in passing other vehicles or
riders on roadways when a rate of speed
that will tend to avoid danger must be
observed.
1t shall be the duty of the owner or the
driver OF every machine run upon any turn
pike upon passing tollgate to exhibit his
certificate to the tollgate keeper, and it
shall be the duty of the owner of any ma
chine to exhibit his certificate for inspection
when so requested by the sheriff or any
constable policeman or peace officer.
Rates of Speed.
The following rate of speed may be
maintained:
First. A speed of eight miles hour
around curves or bends or where the road
way is not plainly visible for a distance OF
200 feet ahead. and at the intersection OF
prominent cross roads. when such road OF
highway passes through the open country.
Second. A speed OF eight miles an hour
at points any public highway when
there is gathering Of horses or persons.
Otherwise the rate of speed may be hIteen
miles per hour. but not more. and this rate
Is subject to the conditions set forth IN
succeeding provisions
Third. A speed of eight miles per hour
where a street or highway passes the built
up portions of a city. town Or village.
The owner operator. conductor, driver or
occupant of any automobile shall Keep a
careful look ahead for the approach OF
horseback riders or vehicles drawn by
horses or other animals. and upon the APP
proach of such riders or vehicles shall
slow up, keep his machine under thorough
and careful control. give ample roadway
to such rider or vehicle. and II signaled by
such rider or occupant OF such vehicle, or
be otherwise requested thereto. shall inn
mediately bring his vehicle to a full stop
and allow ample room and time to allow
such rider or vehicle to pass. And II re-
occupant OF said vehicle, the owner. opera
tor conductor or occupant, II q male, OF
any such machine shall lead the horse or
horse ridden OF driven In an Opposite direc-