Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1925-05-02
RADICAL CHANGES
IN TRAFFIC RULES
EFFECTIVE TONIGHT
EIdridge Appeals for Public
Support for New Reg
ulationS.
MINOR VIOLATIONS NOW
TO BE SHOWN LENIENCY
Reckless Drivers to Feel Full
Weight of Law-Parking
Limits Are Specified.

With the new traffic code becoming
effective at midnight, Traffic Director
Fldridge today appealed to the public
to unite in bringing about compliance,
10 the end that street accidents may
be materially reduced.
For the first 10 days the police will
Pc lenient in dealing with motorists
sho break minor infractions or the
Jew regulations, but Acting Supt.
swans has instructed the police not
:, show any leniency in cases of reck-
:ss driving, driving while intoxicated
leaving the scene of an accident WITH
out making a report and similar serl-
Gus offenses.
While the entire code will be in
operation tomorrow, motorists VIII
encounter the new parking reStrlc-
tions for the first time when they
drive down town Monday morning.
New Permit System.
The new method of issuing opera
tors permits also will be put into
effect Monday morning. Here are the
principale new features to be remem-
bered:
a general speed limit of - miles
an hour. There is reckless driving
vehicle shall be driven % recklessly;
(2) at a rate of speed greater than is
reasonable and proper, having regard
to the width of the public highway,
the use thereof and the traffic thereon,
or 49, so as to endanger any property
or individual. or az so as unnecessarily
or unreasonably to damage the pub
lie highway.
The old speed limit of II miles an
,e- Oh, liShn
the new rule requires a machine ap-
preaching an intersection to SLOW
down and be kept under such control
as to avoid colliding with other We
hicleS.
Truck Speed Limits.
The new speed limits for trucks are:
With pneumatic tires, Is miles an
hour: solid tires, 15 miles an hour,
and tractors, Is miles an hour.
All vehicles will be restricted to Z
miles an hour in alleys and Shau not
emerge from an alley, garage or pace
of business faster than ) miles an
hour and must stop before crossing
the sidewalk.
Pedestrians have the right OF way
at all intersections, except Whefe
traffic officer is on duty.
Vehicles have the right of way be-
tween intersections.
The vehicle. approaching an inter
section from the right shall nave tne
right of way, as at present. Ihere Is
a new clause added, however, that We
hicles intending to turn at an inter
section shall give the right OF way TO
vehicles going straight.
Under the new code vehicles must
stop 8 feet behind a street car, except
where there are loading platforms
or Safatv zones The old rule was 10
feet.
One Signal to Be Given
Drivers shall extend the arm
straight out when they intend 70
stop. turn or pull out from curb.
Under the old code there were three
different signals for stopping anu
turning right or left.
Headlights must be of approximate
" 81 candIepower and must be ample
TO reveal Il substantial object zoo feet
ahead. Lights may be dimmed on
streets that are lighted sufficiently to
show an object 200 feet ahead, or in
going over the brow of a hill.
Headlights must not be dazzling,
and under this provision lamps must
be adjusted so that the beam shall
not rise above a line drawn horizontal
Is through the center of the lamp.
Motorists whose lights cannot be
adjusted to meet the requirements
will be allowed until August TO Duy
new equipment.
Foot brakes must be capable of
stopping a car within so feet going
at 20 miles an hour, and hand brakes
must stop the car within 10 feet at
the same speed
Beginning Monday morning park
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