The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1916-09-21
COMMISSIONER
and SPEEDING
Colonel E. Austin Baughman
Explains Thoroughly the
1916 Law.

takes up the operation of motor vehi-
cles," SAYS Commissioner of Motor
Vehicles E. Austin Baughman in the
fifth of a series dealing with the law
governing auto traffic passed by the
last Legislature. 1T sets out in the
beginning the necessary equipment for
operation.
Before car can be operated on the
highway it must have displayed the
tags or license plates furnished by the
Commissioner of Motor Vehicles These
tags must be displayed entirely unob-
structed-one on the front and the
other on the rear. They must be kept
clean and securely fastened so as not
to swing. In the event that one of
these tags is lost the owner may secure
a duplicate tag upon the payment of 81,
and while the tag is being made at the
factory he may use his car by display
ing one of the yellow pasteboard tags
furnished at the Office at the time of
application for a new tag.
Every motor vehicle before being
operated must also be provided with
adequate brakes, and in addition horn
or signaling device sufficiently loud to
serveas a warning ofdanger and mustbe
sounded on approaching curves, tops of
hills. interesting highways in the open
country and any place where the opera
tors view is Instructed.
Automobiles must carry two white
lights on the front of not more than 80
candle power and one light on the rear,
showing red behind and white on the
side, so arranged as to illuminate the
rear license plate. In Baltimore city
certain restrictions are placed on the
use of strong headlights by the Board
of Headlight Inspection. This does not
apply to the counties, but a very com
mendable habit is invogue on the State
roads by operators dimming their lights
upon meeting another vehicle. Lights
must be carried between the periods
from ore.half hour after sunset and
one-h half hour before sunrise while be-
ing operated. Every motor vehicle
must also be equipped with muller in
order to reduce the noise of the engine.
Cut-outs are not allowed to be used at
any time within the limits of cities,
towns and villages in the State.
Section I49 of this law takes up the
speed of motor vehicles. believe this
section is understood by the public, but
for those who are ignorant of the speed
provision will quote from the law;
No person shall operate a motor
cycle or motor-yehicle over any public
highway Of the State recklessly. or at
rate of speed greater than is reasonable
and proper, having regard to width,
traffic and use of the highways, or so
as to endanger the property and life or
limb of any person, or without due re-
gard to wear upon said highway so as
not unnecessarily or unreasonably to
damage the same.
mo speed contest or contests shall
under any circumstances be allowed to
take place upon any highway of this
State. If the rate of speed Of d motor
cycle or motor-vehicle operated upon
any public highway of this State ex-
ceeds Y miles an hour in the thickly
settled or business parts of cities, towns
or villages, or IS miles per hour in the
outlying or not thickly settled parts OF
cities, towns or villages, such rate of
speed shall be prima facie evidence
that the person operating such vehicle
is operating the same at a rate of speed
greater than is reasonable and proper
and in violation of the provisions of
this section, and the burden of proof
shall be upon him, to show that such
rate of speed was not greater than was
reasonable and proper.
The above does not apply to solidtire
vehicles that weigh in excess of four
tons, as they cannot be operated at a
rate of speed greater than Is miles an
hour. In addition to the above law
regulating speed, the Legislature has
fixed a maximum speed limit above
which no motor vehicle can be operated
under any circumstances or condition,
and has set minimum fine for viola
lions of this character. This maximum
rate is 35 miles an hour, and the maxi
mum fine in case this speed is exceeded
is S25 and costs, the justice of the peace
having no power to impose smaller
fine in these cases. Numerous convic-
tons and in some cases the violators
operating licenses have been revoked.
Speed must also be reduced in rounding
curves, across bridges and passing
j.. other vehicles.
' Section ISL has to do with acct
dents. 1t provides that in case of col
lision the operator of the motor vehi-
Gle involved must stop. give his name,
number of license, and render such
assistance as may be reasonable and
within his power. If the accident re-
suits in a fatality or serious injury,