New-York tribune., 1922-05-04
''Card System
For AutOists
Given Hearing
McAdoo Urges Adoption of
Plan Whereby Drivers Are
Identified by Pastcboard
Checked hy Policemen
Limit, Five Bad Marks
Would Relieve Congestion
and Keep Traffic Men
at Posts. He Declares

The card system for chauHcurs and
drivers of motor and horse drawn
vehicles. similar to the one proposed
some time ago by DR.. John a. Harriss,
Deputy Police Commissioner, was the
subject of public hearing held yes
terday by the special committee of the
Board of Aldermen which is suggest
ing amendments to the old traffic or
dinances. Chief Magistrate William
McAdoo appeared before the commit
tee yesterday and urged the adoption
OF tho system.
This amendment and others recon-
mendcd BY the special committee have
been worked out after consultations
with the legal department. magistrates
assigned to the traffic courts and the
Police Department. Certain amend
ments proposed by the committee al
ready have been adopted by the Board
OF Aldermen. and favorable action is
expected on the amendments considered
next Tuesday.
1t is provided N these that all drivers
shall carry a card known as a traffic
warning card, issued by the Police Dc
partmcnt. Each applicant for card
must fle two recent photographs Of
himself Of such a size that orc may
easily be attached to the card The
card is 10 contain complete descrip-
ton Of the applicant and his signature.
duplicate card is fled with the Police
Department. The driver. upon demand
of policeman, shall exhibit his card
for inspection.
Police to Check Cards
The policeman apprehcnding a driver
tor violation Of the traffic ordinances
may, in the discretion Of the officer.
note upon the card the circumstances
of the violation, in lieu Of q summons
or arrest, and shall Immediately re-
port all the facts to the Police Com
missioner, who in turn reports them
to the traffic courts. After five such
notations have been made on card
the policeman apprehcnding the Of
tender is bound 10 arrest him or issue
summons.
Another amendment provides that
every motor or horse drawn vehicle. of
whatever construction and not other
wise licensed, which is designed and
used chiefly for business purposes.
shall be deemed to be Il business We
hIcle and shall be duly licensed as
such. With each license issued the
Commissioner shall furnish two i0en-
tlfcation plates, which shall be af-
liked one on each side of the vehicle,
the design and color Of the plates to
be changed annually. Drivers of motor
vehicles shall not be less than cich-
teen years old and not less than six-
teen wears old in case Of horse drawn
Vehlcles The metal license badge
snail be displayed outside Of the driv-
er's clothing. Violations of this pro-
vision shall be punished by fine not
to exceed $25, or by imprisonment not
TO exceed ten days. or by both fine and
imprisonment
Another regulation proposed provides
that the Police Commissioner shall not
grant permit for a parade on any
street in the city which is ordinarily
subject TO congestion of traffic or
chiefly o. a business character, except
on certain designated streets in the
various boroughs. and such permits are
limited 10 Sundays, holidays and eve.
nlDgs.
In explaining the warning cards Dep
uty Police Commissioner Harriss, who
Is IN charge of traffic said that their
purpose was to keep on the streets
traffic policemen who now had to be in
court a good part Of the day on minor
infractions of the ordinances.
Traffic Congestion Growing
The traffic situation is getting 10
such q point" said Dr.. Harriss. Chat
If something is not done it Will be IN
possible to so from Fourteenth Street
TO Fifty-ninth Street, in the center Of
Manhattan, faster than walk. 1t is
essential that every traffic policeman
be kept on his post TO protect life and
limb. 1t will also give the magistrates
more time for consideration Of serious
offenses"
Deputy Commissioner Hsrriss said
he believed that if the ordinance was
passed there would be a reduction of
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