Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1955-04-26
Traffic Violation
Point System
Gets Revision
D. c. Commissioners
Approve Shifts
In Schedules

Revision Of Washington's point
system for recording moving
traffic violafions was approved
today by the District Commits
sioners.
The action was taken on rec
concentrations by TRAFFIC Di-
rector George e. Keneipp and a
special Commissioners advisory
committee. The revision oc-
curs after slightly more than
two years experience with the
point system.
The point charge for unlisted
violations which do not con-
tribute to an accident was
boosted from one to two points.
This involves failure to give
right of way to pedestrians,
blocking intersections and pass
ing red lights or stop signs.
Under the old listing, viola
tons which contributed to ac-
cidents were assessed to between
four and seven points. depend
ing on the fine or amount Of
collateral. The new schedule
sets a fiat assessment Of three
points for all violations which
cause accidents.
Speeding Points Uniform
A uniform assessment Of three
points is levied for all speeding
charges. Under the old schedule
one point was charged for
speeds of one to nine miles an
hour over the legal limit, three
points for unreasonable speed"
four for speeds ten to 20 miles
over the limit. four points for
speeds Of 81 to 80 miles over
the limit. and eight points for
speeds more than 40 miles an
hour over the limit.
The point charge for leaving
the scene Of an accident in
which no personal injury Is in
volved was boosted from five
to eight points. Twelve points
are charged If there is personal
injury.
For reckless driving flat rate
Of IL points is to be charged.
Previously. where no personal
injury was involved. the assess
ment was five points.
Twelye-point assessments were
added to the schedule for all
offenses where acts of Congress
require revocation of permit,
These include homicides or as
saults committed with automo-
biles or any felony in which an
auto is involved.
Revocation Authority Given
The Commissioners also gave
the Traffic Director authority ITO
suspend or revoke a permit, after
notice and hearing. irrespective
OF points accumulated under the
point system"
The Traffic Director may sus.
pend or revoke permits "of any
individual who. in his opinion,
is not physically, mentally or
morally able to operate a motor
vehicle in such manner as not
to jeopardize the safety of per-
sons or Of property, or who in
his opinion has driven a motor
vehicle in such manner as to
show a fragrant disregard for
the safety of persons or prop
erty."
Examples of such cases." the
committee explained in a report
to the Commissioners, might be
speeds of 40 or more miles per
hour over the legal speed limit
(not contested in COURT, and
fatal accidents which arouse
public indignation because of
fragrant disregard for safety by
q driver"
The Commissioners also ex-
tended the period for which
initial permit suspensions may
be imposed from 2 to Is days
to from Q to 80 days.
In addition, review by the
traffic director was made the
last step before court appeal in
cases of suspension and revoca-
ton of permits Previously. the
District Commissioners were the
last stop before court appeal.