Milford chronicle., 1923-02-09
SEE LAxITY IN STATE AUTO LAW

In an article dealing with the mo-
tor laws of the various States, the
Philadelphia Bulletin last week print
ed the following concerning Della
wares auto laws:
New York and Delaware, respect
lively the largest and the smallest
States which border on Pennsylvania,
both seem to lack features in their
motor laws which motor experts of
this State feel should be incorporated
in Pennsylvania law.
Delaware, for its laxity in treating
intoxicated drivers, for whom the
maximum penalty is $100 fine and
80 days imprisonment, with possible
revocation of license, and New York,
for it's peculiar system which requires
residents of New York City to obtain
operators licenses but does not make
such requirement of residents of the
rest of the state, meet with severe
criticism from State and motor or
ganization officials here.
Delaware, where motor registration
and control come under the direction
of the Secretary of State, instead of a
separate department, seem most deep
ly concerned with stringent measures
to make difficult the disposal of stolen
cars. There are elaborate provisions
for Identification of cars when licenses
are granted, and heavy penalties for
failing to make proper reports on the
sale or change of ownership of car.
Operating a car without an owners
consent in Delaware is felony, pun
ishable by fine from $100 to $1,000,
or possible five years Imprisonment,
but alternatiVely by that famous Del
warean penalty, not more than forty
lashes at the whipping post.
Delaware goes to considerable pains
to protect its fine road system, for
bidding the use of chains on tires un-
lass weather conditions abolutely de-
mand it and directing that at certain
seasons, when the roads are under
mined by rain and melting snow, the |
weight limits for truck loads may be
cut in half.
Delaware's speed limitations, cover
ed generally by prohibition of driv-
ing "at any time at a greater rate
than is reasonable, having regard to
traffic, or so as to endanger the safety
of any person or injure property"
very specifically from possible thir-
ty miles in open country to fifteen
miles an hour where buildings are
closer than 100 feet apart, with the
that speed must be
slackened to seven and a half miles
an hour at curves and corners in such
sections. Penalties are: First violation
$40 to $25 fine; second within six
$25 to $100 fine.
When it comes to habitual speeders,
however, Delaware is more strict, snd
provides for third conviction with
in six months, fine of from $100 to
5000 or three months Imprisonment
or both. The license of a driver con-
victed three times in one year of
speeding may be revoked by the Sec
retary of State.
The Secretary is further empowered
to revoke the license of ANYONE who
by reasonable evidence shall be shown
to be not proper person to operate
a motor vehicle without endangering
the safety of Others" The license of
an owner who permits an unauthoriz-
ed person to drive his car may be re-
voked.
Delaware's licensing system is pecu-
liar in the provision of family liz
cense," the fee for which is So, and
which authorizes any member of a car
owners family to drive the car. To
obtain an ordinary drivers license the
owner must pay So and certify his
ability to drive. Delaware licenses
cars on basis of their weight, 50 for
every 500 pounds, and includes in
such weight that of capacity num-
Der of passengers, each estimated at
l25 pounds.