Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1918-01-18
Explains The New Auto Bill.

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Motor Vehicle Bill. framed at his request
and in accordance with his views, by the
office of Attorney General Richie. This
bill is designed to strengthen various pro-
visions of the existing law, for the protec-
ton of the public and to clarity other pro-
visions. 1t also provides for Traffic Court
in Baltimore city, to insure prompt action
upon arrests for violations of the Motor
Vehicle laws.
Mr.. Bauehman's synopsis, in part, is as
follows:
THE speed limit of solid tired vehicles
is reduced as follows; A maximum rate
Of speed for vehicles including the load
thereon weighing two tons or less, twenty
five (25) miles per hour. Those weighing
in excess of two tons and not in excess of
six tons. fifteen miles. Over six tons. twelve
miles. The existing law allows vehicles
over four tons and not in excess of eight
tons limit of fifteen miles. and those over
eight tons. limit of IL miles.
THE provision in the existing law max
ing the rate of speed exceeding IL miles
an hour in thickly settled parts of cities
and IL miles an hour in the outlying sec
ton prima facia evidence of reckless driv-
ing is changed to provide a maximum of
is miles in thickly settled parts Of cities
and Is miles in outlying sections.
"A penalty for exceeding go miles an
hour of from 500 to $1,000. or imprison-
ment for not less than 80 days nor more
than one year, is contained in the new
section. Those convicted of a second or
additional offense of driving more than go
miles an hour, are subject to imprison-
ment for not less than go days nor more
two years. The penalties are made to
apply to the operator and to the owner.
who causes or permits his motor vehicle
to be operated in violation of the section.
Amy person failing to stop, give his
name and render assistance upon the &C.
currence Of an accident resulting in fatality
or serious injury to any person is subject
to fine Of not less than 500 nor more than
$1,000, or to Imprisonment for not less
than 80 days nor more than one year for
the first offense. This provision is made
to apply to the owner of any motor vehicle
who is present when such accident occurs.
Those operating motor vehicles when
intoxicated or under the influence of liquor
or drug are made subject to fine of not less
than 500 nor more than $1,000, or to i'm
prisonment for not less than 80 days nor
more than one year for the first offense.
Conviction Of subsequent offense carries
with 1t penalty of Imprisonment for not
less than six months nor more than two
years. Those operating or attempting to
operate a motor vehicle in race or speed
contest. or on bet or wager. are made sub
ject to fine of not less than $25 nor more
than 500 for the first offense."
As to registration fees Mr. Bauehman
says:
Glass A-The minimum charge for pneu-
matte tired vehicles IL fixed at $40 instead
of SIS.
Glass B-The charge for solid tired We
hicles is raised from So to $12 for vehicles
having a rated carrying capacity of not
more than one ton, and from SO to SO for
each additional ton.
Glass C-Charee for motorcycles changed
from So to SIS. A charge Of SO is made
for each side car attached to motorcycle.
A charge Of So is made for each bicycle
with motor attachment
Glass D-The charge to dealers is changed
from $40 to $25 for the first two sets OF
registration tags. and from $40 to $l2 for
each additional set
Glass E-The charge to motorcycle deal
ers is changed from So to $40 for the first
four registration tags. and from So to SIS
for each additional tag
Glass G-This is new class, recon-
mended for the purpose Of including vehi-
cles which are trailed or propelled; the
charge is SIS for each vehicle with carry
ing capacity Of one ton. and SIS additional
for each additional ton or fraction thereof.
Vehicles having no rated carrying capacity
are charged SIS for one ton of weight. and
SIS additional for each additional ton or
fraction thereof.
Glass H-This is also a new class, rec
commended for the purpose of including
tractors and traction engines. A fiat charge
of S25 per annum is provided"
Explaining the proposed traffic court. Mr..
Baughman says:
This section $50 creates traffic court
with exclusive Jurisdiction in Baltimore city
over all violations of the Motor Vehicle
Jaws Of the State and traffic ordinances Of
the city, and concurrent Jurisdiction with
other justices Of the peace outside Baltimore
city over violations Of the Motor Vehicle
laws Of the State in those cases where it
is convenient for the accused to have COM
plants tried in Baltimore city. It is pro-
vided that any person so accused shall
have the right before trial to order the case
removed for trial before justice Of the
peace Of the county in which the alleged
offense occurred.
THE traffic court is to be located in the
Central Police Station in Baltimore city,
and is to be presided over by justice Of
the peace appointed by the Governor. The
justice of the peace Of the traffic court is
to receive a salary Of twenty-five hundred
(S2.500) dollars year, and is to have
substitute who is to receive salary Of
five hundred ($50O dollars year. Other
officials and clerks Of the court are to be
furnished by the Board of Police Commits
soners of Baltimore city. Provision is
made for the keeping Of records. dockets.
etc. The justice Of the traffic court is
given power to punish for contempt. and is
required to furnish bond in the sum Of ten
thousand (Sl0,000) dollars All salaries
and other expenses Of the court are to be