Smyrna times., 1923-04-18
SAFETY COUNCIL GIVES DIGEST
OF CHANGES IN MOTOR LAWS
AUTO DRIVERS WILL HAVE TO
TOW THE MARK IN THE FUTURE
Horse Drawn Vehicles Must Carry
Ldghts-Reckless Driving and In
tOxicatiOn Regulated By Law

leIely rewriting some SecLlOnS OF the
AVIS, and so changing others that
eavy penalties can be inflicted for
ertain Otfenses. Every owner and
river of a motor vehicle in the State
5 affected. Under the new law, driv-
rs employed for hire must under go
The former laws gov
rning speed have been wiped out and
lew enactments placed on the statute
looks which make reckless and not
peed, primarily, the basis for con-
-ictiOn. Other important changes in
he law provide for heavy penalties in
he interests of public safety.
The following digest giving the i'm
,ortant points but not the full text Of
he laws has been issued by the Della
ware Safety Council for the informa-
ion of all citizens:
Stopping after an accident-Op-
orator involved in accident caus-
ing injury or property damage
must stop and give name, address
and license number to injured par
ty, or to police officer, or report
same to nearest police station or
judicial officer. Fine not more
than $500 or Imprisonment not
exceeding two years, or both. Sec
ond offense-imprisOnment for at
least two years and not more than
five. License may be revoked and
if so cannot be re-issued.
Lights on hOrse-drawn We
hicles-Every vehicle drawn by
horse, mule or oxen must carry
at least one light visible 200 feet
in both directions, from one-half
hour after sunset until one-half
hour before sunrise. Failure to
do so is evidence of contribNtory
negligence in case of an accident.
Penalties: First offense $5, second
$40, and third $25. Case may be
dismissed if failure to show light
was due to unforeseen circumstan-
ces. Does not apply to farm or
log wagons.
Dealers registratiOn--MOtOr We
hicles operated by dealers and
manufacturers for testing, sell
ing or any purpose except for hire
are exempt from individual regis
tration. Said dealers must be
registered in dealers Class with
Secretary of State. For each car
registered-fee of $25. Tags is
sued must bear words Delaware
Dealer" Only one vehicle to be
operated at one time under one
register number. Such tags must
not be used for jitneys, taxicabs,
or other motor vehicles used for
hire.
Lights on parked vehicles-Any
incorporated city or town may es-
tablish zones in brightly lighted
sections where Outos may be
parked without lights.
Weights and speeds on State
Highways-No vehicle of gross
weight over $4,000 lbs. shall be
operated on State Highways. No
vehicle bearing load in excess of
700 lbs. per inch, width of tire,
or having axle load more than 49,,
600 lbs. shall be operated on State
Highways. Speed of 35 miles in
open country and Is miles in cit
les allowed for vehicles weighing
not over 5000 lbs. Lower speeds
for heavier vehicles.
Unregistered motor vehicles
No motor vehicle shall be Operat-
ed unless licensed nor operated un-
der another license. No motor We
hicle can be operated under any
number other than its own regist-
er number. Penalty under present
law: Fine not exceeding 5000 OF
80 days Imprisonment, or both.
Reckless driving-NO person
may operate a motor vehicle reck-
lessly or at a rate of speed great
er than is reasonable and proper
with regard to conditions such a;
width of streets, traffic, intersec
tions, weather, condition Of brakes
etc, nor shall any person operate
so as to have caused a collision Of
endanger the life or limb of an
other. Penalties-$25 to $100 fine
or Imprisonment of 30 days, o
both. Second offense-fne of $10I
to 5000 or Imprisonment for on
year, or both. Driving at a rat
in excess of 35 miles per hour il
the open for one-quarter mile o
25 miles in cities or towns 70
one-quarter mile is presumptiv
evidence of reckless driving. N
commercial vehicle not equippe
with pneumatic tires may excee
20 miles per hour or 8 miles pc
hour on a movable bridge.
J IntOxication-No person sha
operate a motor vehicle while III
der the influence of intoxicatin
liquor or any drug. On cOnvi'
tion shall be fined not less tina
500 or more than $500, or in