New York State Registers Automobiles, Sets Speed Limits



Cortland Evening Standard, Monday, May 18, 1903.

AUTOMOBILE SPEED LAW.

Every Owner Must File Name and Description of Machine With Secretary of State.

   Albany, May 18.—The bill of Senator Bailey, regulating the use of automobiles throughout this state, which was signed Friday by Governor Odell, goes into effect at once, and the secretary of state's office is preparing for the additional work imposed upon them by the new law, which, it is estimated, affects over 2,500 automobilists in this state.

   Under the law every owner of such a vehicle must within 30 days, and hereafter within 10 days after acquiring an automobile, file with the secretary of state a statement containing his name and address, the name of the maker of his machine and its factory number.

   The secretary of state thereupon will issue a registry certificate, with a proper serial number, which number must be displayed conspicuously upon the back of the vehicle.

   The bill authorizes local authorities to establish speed regulations, which are limited, at the minimum, however, as follows:

   Four miles an hour when crossing a dam or causeway less than 20 feet in width.

   Eight miles an hour within a radius of half a mile from a postoffice or a greater radius if local authorities so elect; when passing, in either direction, a person driving a horse or domestic animal, or passing a pedestrian in the roadway; when crossing an intersecting main highway and in the closely built portions of cities.

   Ten miles an hour when passing a public school during school hours (8 a.m. - 4 p.m.), or a church during the hours of service. Fifteen miles an hour in the suburbs of cities, where the houses are more than 100 feet apart. Twenty miles an hour in the open country, where postoffices, schoolhouses, churches, causeways, cross roads, drivers or pedestrians do not conflict. .

   A motor must be stopped on request of a rider or driver.

   The following penalties are provided for violations:

   First offense, not exceeding $50; second offense, not less than $50, nor exceeding $100, or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days, or both; for third offense, imprisonment not exceeding 30 days, and fine of not less than $100, nor exceeding $250.

   It was said at the secretary of state’s office that the department would not take the initiative in regard to the law, but would merely issue certificates to automobile owners upon their application. They will leave it to the local authorities to notify owners of the new law.