Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1918-04-12

Stern laws and regulations, drawn up by
Automobile Commissioner E. Austin Baueh-
man, with the purpose of keeping motor
lists of the city and State "in the straight
and narrow" are now in force.
They show radical changes over the old
automobile laws and affect to a marked
degree practically all of the former regu-
lations.
One Of the most important changes and
at the same time one of the most strin-
gent is the penalty of a Jail sentence
which some of the laws carry. Some pro-
vide sentence for first offense while
others offer nothing but jail sentence for
the second violation.
Another important departure from the
old rules is the change in the speed limit
The new regulations allow a maximum
speed of Is miles an hour in the contested
centers of cities and towns, 20 miles an
hour in the outlying sections. and 35 miles
an hour in the open country. Any violation
OF these speeds is conclusive proof of reck-
lessness and leaves nothing for the mag
istrate to do but to impose the penalty
provided.
One of the big provisions, however. is
for traffic court, where all violations of
the traffic regulations will be tried and dis
posed Of This court will open on June in
the Central Police Station. Baltimore. After
that date the several police magistrates will
be relieved of all cases in which viola
tions of the automobile law are concerned.
A man to take charge of this court will
be appointed by Governor Harrington in
the near future. The sessions for the first
weeks at least will be held some time in
the afternoon.
Another change affects the charge for
licenses. Automobiles with pneumatic tires
will be assessed at rate of so cents per
horse power. Machines for hire will be
charged for at the rate of Sl.20 per horse
power. This increase applies only to cars
which do not operate according to a sched-
ule. These are regulated under a special
law.
The greatest change comes under the
solid tire classification. One-ton truck
licenses will costs $40; two-ton, $40 {:
directions. $50; four-tons. 500; fve-ton.
$780, six-tons. $500; and seven-tons,
$500. This regulation also declares that
licenses for 6 and 7-ton trucks will not be
issued in the State unless they have been
previously licensed here. Trailer cars will
be charged for at the rate of $40 for first
ton and $50 for each additional one until
the 7-ton limit has been reached.
Trailers with metal-tired wheels will be
charged for at double rates. Motorcycle
licenses will cost SIS. with tax of So for
a side car. Dealers have special in tram
sit license to be used to bring new cars
into the State. which costs So.
Commissioner Baughman lays great
stress on the regulation which provides an
examination for each applicant desiring
to operate an automobile. He said it Is
probable he will include an eyesieht test
in this examination.
The Jail sentences which the magistrates
are empowered to give under the new laws.
run from 80 days to two years. The vio-
lations which provide sentences are Driv-
ing while under the influence Of liquor
failing to stop and render assistance after
an accident excessive speeding. and using
cars without authority Of the owner.
Besides the sentences provided. mag
istrate can impose fine.