Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1919-10-03
UNIFORM LAWS AUTO
MOBILE REGISTRATION

secretary OIL state FRANK w. Ball
who has recently returned/ from
Washington. ID. c., where. he, attended
the annual sessions Of the National
Association of Secretaries of State.
says that one of the most important
subjects under discussion at the
meetings was that of registration OF
automobiles, with a view of securing
uniform laws in all the states and
law stringent enough to reduce if
not prevent the stealing of automo-
biles.
When it is considered" said Mr..
Ball, that the value of the automo-
biles stolen during 1918 and reported
to the authorities was s1S,000,000.
and that but small percentage were
recovered, the necessity for stringent
and uniform laws will readily be seen.
THE association two years ago ap-
pointed Il committee, consisting of
Secs. Botkin of Kansas, Fulton of
Ohio and Ball of Maine. to take the
matter under advisement and report
to the next session, which proved to
be this year, the 1918 session being
omitted on account of the war. This
report was made and a draft of an
act to be presented to Congress pre-
scented for consideration. A new
committee was appointed this year to
take up and carry along the work,
getting the states into line regarding
uniform laws and to report at the
next session.
The association, also by the way,
voted to- consolidate with the State
Auditors and Treasurers' Associa
ton; the work of the several Offices
being so closely connected"
The act spoken of, drafted as
starter in the campaign for uniform
automobile registration laws, con-
tains IS sections, but there is so
stition is not expected to affect it.
1t is entitled
IAN act relating to automobiles and
other motor vehicles, providing for
their registration and providing pen
alties for violations thereof"
Motor vehicles are defined for the
purposes OF the act to be all vehicles
propelled by other than muscular
power. excepting traction engines,
used exclusively In drawing or pro-
pelling farm machinery, road rollers,
any vehicle that runs on track or
any vehicle that travels through the
air. Highways shall Include public
streets, roads, turnpikes, parks, park
ways, drives. alleys and other public
ways used for the passage of road
vehicles.
Every owner Of a motor vehicle
shall make application for registra-
ton and license to operate it. The
application shall give detailed des-
cription of the vehicle. including
name and make OF saii,e. engine num-
Der, year of model, style and horse
power. name and P. o. address of
owner. Number plates must be dis
played, although receipt for the
fees will be accepted in lieu for Is
days.
sale or transfer Of a motor We
hicle must be Immediately reported
in writing to the secretary of State,
who will furnish a blank for record
ing the transference in his Office.
Every manufacturer and dealer
must make monthly, report to the
secretary of State Of all cars sold in
the previous month to persons other
than dealers. Penalty, not less than
SIS nor more than 500 for each Of
fence.
The secretary of State shall keep a
card index of the engines numbers of
I'LL registered vehicles, the entry be-
ing made on a white card. A theft
being reported. record of the case
shall he made on a card OF another
color and kept In same index and re-