Executive Order 7242—Highways, Vehicles, and Vehicular Traffic in the Canal Zone

By virtue of and pursuant to the authority vested in me by law, I hereby prescribe the following regulations governing highways, vehicles, and vehicular traffic in the Canal Zone:

Art.                                                                                Sec.
1. Definition of terms--------------------------------------1
2. General provisions-------------------------------------11
3. Licensing of operators---------------------------------21
4. Licensing of motor vehicles----------------------------51
5. Operation of vehicles----------------------------------71
6. Transportation of passengers for hire------------171
7. Violations of Order---------------------------------------181
8. Revocation of prior Orders; effective date-----------191

Cross-References

Authority of President to make and enforce regulations, see Code, title 2, section 321.

Authority to agree with Panama for reciprocal regulations, see Code, title 2, section 322.

Punishment for violation of regulations, see Code, title 2, section 323.

Violation of duty by drivers of vehicles in collision, see Code, title 5, section 511.

Driving motor vehicle while intoxicated, see Code, title 5, sections 512, 513.

Taking vehicle for temporary use or operation, see Code, title 5, section 784.

Unauthorized use of automobile by custodian, see Code, title 5, section 785.

Throwing injurious substances on highways, see Code, title 5, section 824.

Injuries to highway guideposts, see Code, title 5, section 825.

ARTICLE 1.—DEFINITION OF TERMS

Section 1. Definitions. As used in this Order, except in those instances where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

(a) "Motor vehicle" shall mean and include every vehicle which may be drawn or propelled by means of steam, gas, naptha, fluid, electricity, or other similar motive power.

(b) "Vehicle" shall mean and include equestrians, horses led, and everything on wheels or runners, whether propelled by man, animals, or mechanical energy, except street cars, baby carriages, roller skates, and coasters.

(c) "Automobile" shall include every motor vehicle except a motorcycle.

(d) "Motorcycle" shall include every motor vehicle designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, except any such vehicle as may be included within the term "tractor".

(e) "Trailer" shall include every vehicle without motive power designed for carrying property or passengers wholly on its own structure and for being drawn by a motor vehicle.

(f) "Tractor" shall include every motor vehicle designed and used solely for drawing other vehicles.

(g) "Highway" shall include every way or place of whatever nature open to the use of the public, temporarily or permanently, for purposes of vehicular travel.

(h) "Driveway or alley" shall include every passage or way, for vehicular use, into or to a building or enclosure connecting with a highway.

(i) "Operator" shall include every person who drives, operates, or is in actual physical control of a motor vehicle on the highways.

(j) "Parking" shall mean permitting a vehicle to remain in the same position on a highway longer than the time necessary to allow passengers to embark or disembark, or the vehicle to be loaded or unloaded.

(k) "Public notice" shall mean and include every form of order issued by authority of the Governor, agreeably to the provisions of this Order, whether such order be printed and published in circular, bulletin, or poster, or indicated by signs or printing placed on highways.

(1) "Governor" shall mean the Governor of The Panama Canal.

(m) "Code" shall mean the Canal Zone Code approved June 19, 1934.

ARTICLE 2.—GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec.
11. Governor authorized to make regulations.
12. False statements in applications or examinations.

Section 11. Governor authorized to make regulations. The Governor is hereby authorized to make, alter, and amend, from time to time, rules and regulations for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Order.

Cross-Reference

Punishment for violation of regulations made hereunder, see section 181 of this Order.

12. False statements in applications or examinations. Any person who, in his application for an operator's license or motor-vehicle license, or in any preliminary application or examination contemplated by this Order, shall give a fictitious name or address or make any other false statements regarding a material matter, shall be guilty of a violation of this Order.

ARTICLE 3.—LICENSING OF OPERATORS

Sec.
21. Operators required to hold appropriate licenses; existing licenses.
22. Classes of licenses.
23. Term of licenses.
24. Fees for licenses.
25. Form of licenses.
26. Qualifications for licenses.
27. Applications for licenses.
28. Applications of minors; approval by parent or guardian.
29. Applications for official licenses; endorsement.
30. Examination of applicants.
31. Practical demonstration by applicants.
32. Time for acting upon application.
33. Application considered as instruction permit in certain cases.
34. Application by person licensed elsewhere.
35. Maintenance and exhibition of licenses.
36. Suspension or revocation of licenses.
37. Ninety-day permit granted to tourists or nonresidents.

Section 21. Operators required to hold appropriate licenses; existing licenses. It shall be unlawful, except as otherwise provided in this Order, for any person to operate a motor vehicle upon the highways of the Canal Zone unless he is the holder of a valid operator's license, issued as provided in this Order, which license is of an appropriate class with reference to the motor vehicle being operated: Provided, however, that licenses heretofore issued for the operation of motor vehicles shall continue, unless suspended or revoked, to be valid for the purpose for which issued until such date as may be fixed by the Governor for the replacement of all such licenses by operators' licenses issued under this Order. All licenses not replaced by the date so fixed shall be void.

Cross-Reference

Owner of motor vehicle forbidden to permit operation by unlicensed person, see section 121 of this Order.

22. Classes of licenses. Operators' licenses shall be classified as follows:

(a) Personal-Automobile: Which shall authorize the operation of automobiles licensed either for personal or for official use.

(b) Personal-Motorcycle: Which shall authorize the operation of motorcycles licensed either for personal or for official use.

(c) Official Automobile: Which shall authorize the operation of automobiles licensed solely for the official use of any department or division of the United States Government or the Panama Railroad Company.

(d) Official-Motorcycle: Which shall authorize the operation of motorcycles licensed solely for the official use of any department or division of the United States Government or the Panama Railroad Company.

(e) Commercial-Automobile: Which shall authorize the operation of any automobile regardless of the use for which it is licensed.

(f) Commercial-Motorcycle: Which shall authorize the operation of any motorcycle regardless of the use for which it is licensed.

(g) Industrial Truck: Which shall authorize only the operation of an industrial truck.

23. Term of licenses.-Operators' licenses when issued shall continue in force as follows:

(a) Personal licenses: Until revoked or suspended for cause, or lost or defaced.

(b) Official licenses: Until the official necessity therefor ceases, whereupon they shall be returned for cancelation, unless previously revoked or suspended for cause, or lost or defaced.

(c) Commercial licenses: For the calendar year for which issued or renewed, unless revoked or suspended for cause, or lost or defaced.

24. Fees for licenses. The following fees shall be charged for operators' licenses: for each personal license issued or renewed, $1; and for each commercial license, for issuance, $1, and for renewal, 25 cents. For official licenses issued no fee shall be charged.

25. Form of licenses.-Operators' licenses shall be in such form as the Governor may, from time to time, prescribe.

26. Qualifications for licenses.-No person shall be granted an operator's license unless he has reached the age of eighteen years, is of sober habits, good reputation and character, and is able to read either the English or Spanish language, and shall prove to the satisfaction of the examiners that he has the physical qualifications, knowledge, skill, and judgment necessary for the safe and skillful operation of motor vehicles of the class or type which he seeks to operate.

27. Applications for licenses.-Written applications for operators' licenses shall be made on the form prescribed, and to the officer designated, by the Governor.

28. Applications of minors; approval by parent or guardian.-No operator's license shall be granted to any person between the ages of eighteen and twenty-one years unless the application therefor is approved by the father of the applicant if the father is living and has custody of the applicant, otherwise by the mother or guardian having custody of such applicant, or, in the absence of parent or guardian, by a responsible adult resident of the Isthmus.

29. Applications for official licenses; endorsement.-Applications for official licenses shall be endorsed by the head of the department, division, or unit in which the applicant is employed.

30. Examination of applicants.-- Applicants for operators' licenses shall be examined touching their knowledge of the operation of motor vehicles as well as in respect to the traffic laws and regulations of the Canal Zone: Provided, however, that the officer designated to issue operators' licenses may in his discretion issue a license without examination to a person over the age of eighteen years who presents acceptable evidence that he is an experienced and competent operator.

31. Practical demonstration by applicants.-Applicants for operators' licenses may be required to make a practical demonstration of their ability to operate motor vehicles.

32. Time for acting upon application.-An application for an operator's license must be granted or denied within thirty days from the date made.

33. Application considered as instruction permit in certain cases. In cases where the applicant has never held an operator's license in any jurisdiction, the application shall be considered an instruction permit for the period during which the application is pending, and shall authorize the applicant, while having evidence of such application in his immediate possession, to operate a motor vehicle on the highways when accompanied by an operator who holds a license of the appropriate class and who is actually occupying a seat beside the applicant, there being no other persons in the vehicle.

34. Application by person licensed elsewhere. An applicant who holds an operator's license issued in any other country, state, or territory, or who can produce satisfactory evidence of such license having been issued, may, during the period in which the application is pending, operate a motor vehicle of the class covered by the license applied for, while having in his immediate possession evidence of such application.

35. Maintenance and exhibition of licenses.-Every person holding an operator's license shall maintain such license in a legible condition; and it shall be the duty of such person while in charge of any motor vehicle on the highways to exhibit such license upon the request of any police officer.

36. Suspension or revocation of licenses. The Governor and any officer designated by him are hereby authorized to suspend or revoke for cause any license whether heretofore or hereafter issued.

Cross-References

Breach of duty as to property left in public vehicle, as cause for revocation, see section 136 of this Order.

Suspension of licenses on failure to satisfy judgments for damages, see section 124 of this Order.

37. Ninety-day permit granted to tourists or nonresidents.-A bona fide tourist or nonresident of the Isthmus who holds an operator's license issued in any other country, state, or territory, or who can produce satisfactory evidence of such license having been issued, will be granted, without fee, a ninety-day permit to operate a motor vehicle for his personal use, after he has passed an oral examination on the rules of the road.

Cross-Reference

Ninety-day motor-vehicle license to tourists or nonresidents, see section 59 of this Order.

ARTICLE 4.—LICENSING OF MOTOR VEHICLES

Sec.
51. All motor vehicles must be licensed.
52. Annual license fees; on vehicles for personal use owned by residents of Canal Zone.
53. Same; on vehicles for personal use owned by residents of Panama.
54. Same; on vehicles for commercial use.
55. Same; exemption of vehicles operated in certain areas.
56. Same; payment for calendar year or proportion thereof remaining.
57. Same; proportionate rates authorized in special cases.
58. Official licenses.
59. Ninety-day vehicle licenses issued to tourists and nonresidents.
60. License tags; carrying, care, and illumination.
61. Transfer or renewal of license upon transfer of vehicle.

Section 51. All motor vehicles must be licensed.-No motor vehicle shall be used or operated upon the highways in the Canal Zone without first being licensed in accordance with the provisions of this Order, by the officer designated by the Governor.

Cross-Reference

Suspension of motor-vehicle license on failure of owner to satisfy judgment, see section 124 of this Order.

52. Annual license fees; on vehicles for personal use owned by residents of Canal Zone. There shall be collected on motor vehicles owned by residents of the Canal Zone and operated therein for personal use only, an annual license fee as follows:

     For each passenger automobile.....................................$5.
     For each motorcycle....................................................$2.
     For each trailer............................................................$1.

53. Same; on vehicles for personal use owned by residents of Panama. There shall be collected on motor vehicles for personal use which are owned by residents of the Republic of Panama and operated in the Canal Zone, the same annual license fee as is imposed by the Republic of Panama on like vehicles owned by residents of the Canal Zone and operated in the Republic of Panama: Provided, that the Governor may enter into arrangements with the authorities of the Republic of Panama by which vehicles for personal use owned by residents of the Canal Zone and operated in the Republic of Panama may be exempted from the payment of license fees in the Republic of Panama, or required to pay fees at a reduced rate, and vehicles for personal use owned by residents of the Republic of Panama and operated in the Canal Zone may be exempted from the payment of license fees in the Canal Zone, or required to pay fees at a reduced rate.

Cross-Reference

For authority of the President to make mutual agreements with Panama respecting license fees, see Code, title 2, section 322.

54. Same; on vehicles for commercial use.-There shall be collected on motor vehicles used for commercial purposes, without regard to the place of residence of the owner, an annual license fee as follows:

For each automobile used for carrying passengers
      for hire, other than an omnibus............................$13.50.
For each truck or omnibus........................................$16.00.
For each motorcycle used for hauling or
      delivery of merchandise......................................$13.50.
For each trailer......................................................... $5.00.

55. Same; exemption of vehicles operated in certain areas. The Governor is hereby authorized to exempt from payment of license fee under this article, vehicles operated exclusively within certain areas or districts of the Canal Zone to be defined by him.

56. Same; payment for calendar year or proportion thereof remaining. License fees for vehicles shall be paid for the calendar year, but if any part of the calendar year has expired when the license is taken out, then the license fee to be paid shall be proportioned, on a quarterly basis, to the part of the calendar year remaining, including the calendar quarter in which the license is issued.

57. Same; proportionate rates authorized in special cases.-The Governor shall have authority, in his discretion, to issue licenses for portions of a year at rates proportionate to the rates prescribed in this article.

58. Official licenses.-Official licenses shall be issued without payment of license fee for motor vehicles owned and operated by the United States Government, and by legally authorized instrumentalities thereof, such as post exchanges, company and recreational organizations of the Army, and ships' stores and commissary stores of the Navy, by the Panama Railroad Company, and by the Republic of Panama.

There may also be issued without charge such official licenses for passenger automobiles as the Governor may authorize in the case of legations located in or accredited to the Republic of Panama or the Canal Zone.

59. Ninety-day vehicle licenses issued to tourists and nonresidents.-A ninety-day motor-vehicle license may be issued without charge to a bona fide tourist or nonresident of the Isthmus who has brought his private vehicle to the Canal Zone, providing the vehicle carries a current license tag issued by a State of the United States, or by a foreign state or territory. In such cases the foreign tag will suffice and no Canal Zone tag need be issued.

Cross-Reference

Ninety-day operator's permit to tourist or nonresident, see section 37 of this Order.

60. License tags; carrying, care, and illumination. There shall be carried on each motor vehicle licensed to operate upon the highways, at a conspicuous place at the rear of such vehicle, a metal tag bearing in large numerals the number of the license for the vehicle, which tag shall be obtained from the officer acting under the authority of the Governor, at the time the license is issued. The letters and numerals of such license tag shall be kept at all times in a legible condition. During the period when vehicles are required to display lights, the license tag shall be illuminated so as to be visible plainly at a distance of at least sixty feet.

61. Transfer or renewal of license upon transfer of vehicle.-When a motor vehicle licensed in the Canal Zone is sold or transferred by the licensee before the expiration of the license period, to a person who desires to continue the use and operation of the motor vehicle in the Canal Zone, such transferee may, within ten days after such sale or transfer, have the license transferred to him, authorizing him to operate the vehicle under such license, upon application to the officer designated by the Governor, submission of satisfactory evidence of such purchase or transfer, payment of a transfer fee of $1, and the execution of the transfer on forms provided for that purpose in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed by the Governor. Unless the provisions of this section are complied with within ten days after the sale, the license to the seller shall be considered as suspended without notice either to the seller or to the buyer, and the operation thereafter of the motor vehicle under such license is hereby prohibited: Provided, however, that the license may be transferred from the seller to the buyer after such suspension upon compliance with the foregoing provisions.

When a motor vehicle licensed in the Canal Zone is sold or transferred after the expiration of the license period, to a person who desires to use and operate the motor vehicle in the Canal Zone, a new license shall be issued only upon satisfactory proof of the sale and upon registration of the transfer. The fee for such registration shall be $1, and shall be collected at the time of issuance of the new license.

Cross-Reference

Transfer of license after suspension thereof for failure of owner to satisfy judgment, see section 124 of this Order.

ARTICLE 5.—OPERATION OF VEHICLES

A. IN GENERAL

Sec.
71. Defining limits of towns and villages.
72. Prohibiting or restricting operation in designated areas.
73. Accident, duty of operator in case of.
74. Speed limits.
75. Reckless or negligent operation.
76. Precaution required in executing certain movements.
77. Meeting, passing, and being passed by other vehicles.
78. Passing on curves, grades, or intersections.
79. Following too closely.
80. Coasting on grade with gears disengaged.
81. Pedestrians' right of way at crosswalks.
82. Riding in improper place in or upon vehicle.
83. Carrying articles on outside of vehicle.
84. "Stop" signs, and obedience thereto.
85. Stopping motor and setting brake when leaving vehicle.
86. Stopping or parking, distance from curb.
87. Stopping or parking prohibited in specified places.
88. Parking prohibited in specified places.
89. Duties on approach of fire-fighting apparatus.
90. Obstructing or delaying fire-fighting apparatus.
91. Abandonment of vehicle; disposition of abandoned vehicle.

B. EQUIPMENT AND OPERATING CONDITION

101. Safe operating condition and proper loading.
102. Authority to inspect vehicle.
103. Lighting of motor vehicles.
104. Lighting of bicycles.
105. Lighting of animal-drawn vehicles.
106. Lighting of parked vehicles.
107. Glaring and dazzling lights.
108. Warning devices, and use thereof.
109. Rear-view mirrors.
110. Mufflers.

C. RESPONSIBILITY FOR OPERATION

121. Owner forbidden to permit operation by unlicensed person.
122. Owner jointly responsible with operator if riding in vehicle.
123. Owner liable for negligence of minor under eighteen.
124. Suspension of licenses on failure to satisfy judgments for damages.

D. REGULATIONS APPLICABLE SOLELY TO VEHICLES OPERATED FOR HIRE

131. Occupancy of seat beside bus operator.
132. Number of persons carried on bus.
133. Location of bus entrance.
134. Tires, extra equipment, and tools on vehicles operated for hire.
135. Operators leaving their public vehicles.
136. Articles left in public vehicles.

E. REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO TRUCKS AND OTHER HEAVY VEHICLES

141. Size restrictions.
142. Gross weight restrictions.
143. Definitions respecting tires.
144. Size of tires.
145. Speed restrictions.
146. Special permits.
147. Governor may prescribe exceptions.
148. Restrictions inapplicable to Government equipment in emergency.
149. Cleats or lugs on face of wheels.

F. REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO VEHICLES TRANSPORTING INFLAMMABLES

161. Equipment with safety devices.
162. Compliance by truck tanks already in service.

Cross-References

Violation of duty by drivers of vehicles in collision, see Code, title 5, section 511.

Driving motor vehicle while intoxicated, see Code, title 5, sections 512 and 513.

Taking vehicle for temporary use or operation, see Code, title 5, section 784.

Unauthorized use of automobile by custodian, sec Code, title 5, section 785.

Transporting explosives in Canal Zone, see Code, title 5, section 506.

A. IN GENERAL

Section 71. Defining limits of towns and villages. For the purposes of this Order the Governor is authorized to define by public notice the limits of towns and villages in the Canal Zone: Provided, however, that the authority herein granted shall not be construed to affect the designations and boundaries of towns in the Canal Zone as determined pursuant to section 4 of title 2 of the Code.

Cross-Reference

"Public notice" defined, see section 1 of this Order.

72. Prohibiting or restricting operation in designated areas. The Governor is authorized by public notice to prohibit the operation of vehicles of any or all kinds on such portions of the highways in the Canal Zone as he may designate, when in his judgment the public interest so requires; or to impose such conditions, upon the operation of said vehicles in any area or district designated by him as he may deem necessary or convenient in the public interest.

Cross-Reference

"Public notice" defined, see section 1 of this Order.

73. Accident, duty of operator in case of.-The operator of any vehicle involved in an accident on a highway or other place in the Canal Zone, involving injury either to person or to property, shall remain at the scene of the accident until the arrival of the police authorities, or shall communicate without delay to the nearest police authorities a full report of the accident. Any concealment of identity of person or property involved in an accident shall constitute a violation of this Order.

Cross-Reference

Duty of operator and occupants of vehicle striking person, or striking another vehicle containing person, see Code, title 5, section 511.

74. Speed limits. It shall be unlawful to drive or operate a vehicle over the highways outside of town or village limits at a speed exceeding thirty miles per hour, or at a speed exceeding twenty miles per hour when traveling over the highways of any town or village: Provided, that (a) on curves and intersections of highways, (b) when approaching any location or apparent situation which might create a hazard to the vehicle driven or operated or to any other vehicle or person, or (c) when passing other vehicles, the speed of a vehicle shall be so controlled as to avoid accident or injury. The intent of this section is to require, in addition to observance of the speed limits, the exercise in all situations of care and caution in guarding against accidents, and failure to exercise such care and caution shall constitute a violation of this section.

Cross-Reference

Speed limits on vehicles carrying freight and equipped with solid tires, see section 145 of this Order.

75. Reckless or negligent operation. The operation, management, driving, or riding of any vehicle on the highways in a reckless manner shall constitute a violation of this Order.

76. Precaution required in executing certain movements. The operator of a vehicle before starting, stopping, turning from a direct line, backing, passing another vehicle, entering a highway from an alley or driveway, or crossing railroad or street-railway tracks, must first satisfy himself that such movement can be made with safety.

77. Meeting, passing, and being passed by other vehicles.-All vehicles in meeting and passing other vehicles on the highways, or in being overtaken and passed by other vehicles, shall keep to the left of the road, and in overtaking and passing other vehicles, shall keep to the right: Provided, however, that if the Republic of Panama shall adopt for its highways a rule requiring all vehicles in meeting and passing other vehicles, or in being overtaken and passed by other vehicles, to keep to the right of the road, and in overtaking and passing other vehicles, to keep to the left, the Governor may by public notice establish such rule for the Canal Zone in lieu of the rule prescribed in this section.

78. Passing on curves, grades, or intersections.-A vehicle shall not pass another vehicle moving in the same direction, at a highway intersection, or when approaching the crest of a grade or upon a curve where the driver's view along the highway is obstructed within a distance of three hundred feet.

79. Following too closely. The operator of a vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard to the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon, and the condition of, the highway.

80. Coasting on grade with gears disengaged.-The operator of a motor vehicle shall not coast upon any grade with the gears of such vehicle disengaged or in neutral.

81. Pedestrians' right of way at crosswalks. The operator of any vehicle shall yield the right of way to a pedestrian crossing the highway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at the end of a block, except at intersections where the movement of traffic is being regulated by police officers or traffic control signals. The provisions of this section shall not relieve the pedestrian from the duty to exercise due care, or relieve the operator of a vehicle from exercising due care with respect to pedestrians in areas other than those specified herein.

82. Riding in improper place in or upon vehicle.-No person shall ride or stand upon the side or rear of, or with any part of his body protruding from, any passenger-carrying vehicle operated on the highways, or ride on a motorcycle or bicycle save on a seat provided for riders thereon.

83. Carrying articles on outside of vehicle.-Nothing shall be carried on the outside of a vehicle operated on the highways, except on running boards, or on trunk or baggage racks at the rear of the vehicle.

84. "Stop" signs, and obedience thereto.-The Governor is hereby authorized to place at any entrances to an intersection of two or more highways signs notifying operators of vehicles to come to a full stop before entering or crossing such intersection. Whenever such signs have been so placed it shall be unlawful for any operator to fail to make such stop unless traffic at such intersection is controlled by traffic signals or officers.

85. Stopping motor and setting brake when leaving vehicle.-Before leaving a motor vehicle not in motion on or adjacent to any highway, the operator shall stop the motor and set the handbrake thereof.

86. Stopping or parking: distance from curb.-No vehicle shall be stopped or parked on any highway more than six inches from the curb or shoulder thereof, except in an emergency or in obedience to lawful traffic regulations: Provided, that this section shall not prevent the designation by the Governor of portions of the streets and roads as parking spaces for vehicles.

Cross-Reference

Lights required on vehicles parked on certain highways, see section 106 of this Order.

87. Stopping or parking prohibited in specified places. It shall be unlawful for the operator of a vehicle to stop or park any vehicle, whether attended or unattended, except when necessary to avoid interference with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a police officer:

(a) Within fifteen feet of a fire hydrant.

(b) On a sidewalk.

(c) Within fifteen feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station.

(d) In front of a driveway or alley.

(e) On the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a highway.

(f) Within an intersection.

(g) On a crosswalk.

(h) Where prohibition is indicated by public notice.

Cross-Reference

For definitions of terms "parking" and "driveway or alley", see section 1 of this Order.

88. Parking prohibited in specified places.-The parking of any vehicle is prohibited:

(a) Within thirty feet of the front or rear line of any vehicle already parked or stopped on the opposite side of a highway, provided such highway is less than twenty-four feet in width.

(b) At any place where official signs have been erected prohibiting parking.

(c) On any curve marked with traffic lines.

(d) At the entrance to any public building.

89. Duties on approach of fire-fighting apparatus.-All vehicles in motion on the highways shall on notice of the approach of any fire-fighting apparatus or vehicle immediately draw up to the side of the highway and stop until such fire-fighting apparatus or vehicle has passed.

90. Obstructing or delaying fire-fighting apparatus.-No person shall:

(a) Propel or drive, or permit to be propelled or driven, any vehicle on, over, or across any fire hose wheresoever situated.

(b) Obstruct, delay, hinder, or impede any fire-fighting apparatus or vehicle while in public use.

(c) Obstruct, delay, hinder, or impede any fireman while engaged in the discharge of his duty along, over, on, or about any of the highways within the Canal Zone.

(d) Pass or ride in or on any vehicle in front of or at the side of any fire-fighting apparatus or vehicle while in public use.

(e) Interfere with, hinder, delay, or impede the driver or operator of any firefighting apparatus or vehicle while engaged at or about any fire, or at any other place while in the discharge of his duty.

Cross-References

Parking near entrance to fire station, see section 87 of this Order.

Interfering with efforts of fireman to extinguish fire, see Code, title 5, section 572.

Obstructing or injuring fire-protection apparatus, see Code, title 5, section 836.

91. Abandonment of vehicle; disposition of abandoned vehicle.-It shall be unlawful for any person willfully to abandon any motor vehicle within the limits of any highway, or upon property other than his own without the consent of the owner thereof.

Upon discovery of any motor vehicle, within or without any highway,which has apparently been abandoned or which has apparently been involved in an accident and is a menace to traffic, any police officer may take such vehicle into his custody and cause it to be taken to and stored in a suitable place. The charges incurred in such removal and storage shall constitute a lien upon the vehicle, and any such vehicle which remains unclaimed for 60 days may, upon reasonable notice, be sold, and the proceeds disposed of, as provided in regulations to be prescribed by the Governor.

B. EQUIPMENT AND OPERATING CONDITION

101. Safe operating condition and proper loading. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate any motor vehicle on a highway unless such vehicle is in such safe operating condition and so properly loaded that its operation will not endanger the life of the operator or the lives of occupants of the vehicle or of other persons upon the highway.

102. Authority to inspect vehicle. The Governor may require the inspection of any vehicle operating on the highways to determine whether it is unsafe or improperly equipped or otherwise unfit to be operated. Whenever any police officer has reasonable cause to believe that any motor vehicle is being operated upon the highway in violation of section 101 of this Order, he may require the operator of the vehicle to stop and submit such vehicle to an inspection.

103. Lighting of motor vehicles. All motor vehicles shall, when being used and operated on any highway between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., carry and prominently display lights as follows:

(a) Automobiles or motor vehicles of similar construction-two bright headlights placed one on each side, and one red light at the rear.

(b) Motorcycles without side car one bright headlight and one red light at the rear.

(c) Motorcycle with side car-two bright headlights placed one on front of motorcycle proper and one on front of side car, and one red light at rear.

Cross-References

Glaring or dazzling lights, see section 107 of this Order.

Illumination of license tags, see section 60 of this Order.

104. Lighting of bicycles. All bicycles shall, when being operated on any highway between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., carry and prominently display one bright headlight.

105. Lighting of animal-drawn vehicles. All animal-drawn vehicles shall, when being operated on the highways between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., carry and prominently display two bright headlights placed one on each side, and one red light at rear: Provided, that animal-drawn vehicles employed in the transportation of freight, merchandise, or other property, may, in lieu of headlights and red rear light, display one bright light suspended beneath the vehicle and visible from both front and rear.

106. Lighting of parked vehicles.-All vehicles, except bicycles, shall, when parked between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on such highways as may be designated by the Governor, except in such spaces as are specifically set apart for parking purposes by the Governor, display one red light in rear, and at least one bright front light on the road side of the vehicle; or, in the case of animal-drawn vehicles employed in the transportation of freight, merchandise, or other property, shall display a bright light suspended beneath the vehicle and visible from both front and rear.

107. Glaring and dazzling lights. The use of flare lights on vehicles is prohibited.

Headlights and auxiliary driving lights shall be so adjusted and so used upon approaching an oncoming vehicle that they do not project a glaring or dazzling light into the eyes of the approaching driver. Such lights shall be deemed to comply with this provision if substantially none of the main bright portion of the beam used in approaching an oncoming vehicle is (a) directed to the right of the right-hand side of the vehicle (or to the left of the left-hand side of the vehicle in the event that the rule of the road is changed as provided in section 77 of this Order) when standing on a straight and level road, or (b) higher than 42 inches above the road at a distance of seventy-five feet ahead of the vehicle when loaded.

108. Warning devices, and use thereof. All motor vehicles and bicycles operated on the highways shall be equipped with a suitable sound device such as a horn or bell whereby signals of warning shall be given by the operator. Unnecessary use of warning signals is prohibited; such signals shall be used only in giving necessary warning.

109. Rear-view mirrors. Every motor vehicle so constructed or loaded that the operator is prevented from having a free and unobstructed view of the highway immediately to the rear and at the sides of the same, shall be so equipped with a mirror or reflector attached to, and so located and adjusted on, such vehicle as to give the operator thereof a clear, reflected view of the highway to the rear of such vehicle.

110. Mufflers. Every motor vehicle shall be provided with a muffler so constructed as to prevent any intense, prolonged, or unnecessary noise in the operation or management of the motor vehicle or the machinery in connection therewith, and such muffler shall not be cut out or put out of operation within any town or village, or used for the purpose of warning of the approach of the motor vehicle.

C. RESPONSIBILITY FOR OPERATION

121. Owner forbidden to permit operation by unlicensed person. The owner or lawful custodian of a motor vehicle shall not knowingly permit the operation of such vehicle on the highways of the Canal Zone by any person other than the holder of a license or permit authorizing the operation of motor vehicles in the Canal Zone.

122. Owner jointly responsible with operator if riding in vehicle. The owner of a vehicle, if riding therein or thereon, shall be held jointly liable with the person operating such vehicle for any violation of this Order committed in the use and operation of the vehicle.

123. Owner liable for negligence of minor under eighteen. Every owner or lawful custodian of a motor vehicle causing or knowingly permitting a minor under the age of eighteen years to operate such vehicle upon the highways of the Canal Zone, and every person who gives or furnishes a motor vehicle to such minor, shall be severally liable and shall be jointly liable with such minor for all violations of this Order by such minor in the operation of such vehicle.

124. Suspension of licenses on failure to satisfy judgments for damages. (a) Upon the failure of any person to satisfy any judgment rendered against him in any court of competent jurisdiction of the Canal Zone, or of any state or the District of Columbia in the United States, for damages on account of personal injury, including death, or damages to property resulting from the ownership, maintenance, use, or operation of a motor vehicle by him, his agent, or any other person for whose negligence he is liable and responsible, within fifteen days after such judgment shall have become final by expiration, without appeal, of the time within which appeal might have been effected or by final affirmance on appeal, the operator's license and all motor vehicle licenses of such person shall be forthwith suspended by the Governor or officer acting under his authority, upon the receipt by him of a certified copy of such final judgment from the court in which the same was rendered, showing such judgment to be still unsatisfied after the expiration of fifteen days after it became final as aforesaid, and shall remain so suspended and shall not be renewed, nor shall any motor vehicle be thereafter licensed in such person's name, while such judgment remains unstayed and subsisting until such judgment is satisfied or discharged to the extent of at least $5,000 for an injury to one person in one accident, and to the extent of $10,000 for injuries to more than one person in one accident, and to the extent of $1,000 for damages to property in any one accident.

(b) Forwarding copies of such judgment to Governor. It shall be the duty of the clerk of the court or the magistrate in any court of the Canal Zone in which any such judgment is rendered, to forward to the Governor immediately after the expiration of said fifteen days as aforesaid a certified copy of such judgment or a transcript thereof.

(c) Return of licenses and license tags. Any operator or any owner, whose operator's license or motor-vehicle license has been suspended as provided in this section, shall, upon request of the Governor, or officer acting under his authority, immediately return such licenses and the license tags issued thereunder. If any person shall fail to return such licenses and license tags, the Governor or officer acting under his authority, shall direct the police authorities to secure possession thereof. Any person who shall willfully fail to return such licenses and number plates shall be punishable as provided in section 181 of this Order.

(d) Transfer of motor-vehicle license after suspension. If a motor-vehicle license has been suspended under the provisions of this section, such license shall not be transferred, nor shall the motor vehicle for which such license was issued be licensed in another name if the Governor or officer acting under his authority has reasonable grounds to believe that such transfer or licensing is intended to defeat, or will have the effect of defeating, the purpose of this section.

(e) The word "person, as used in this section, shall include individuals, partnerships , corporations, receivers, referees, trustees, executors, and administrators.

D. REGULATIONS APPLICABLE SOLELY TO VEHICLES OPERATED FOR HIRE

131. Occupancy of seat beside bus operator.-No person shall occupy the seat beside the operator of any passenger-carrying vehicle of the bus type, except as provided in section 33 of this Order

Cross-References

Equipment, operating condition, and loading of vehicles generally, see sections 101 to 110 of this Order.

Operation of passenger-carrying vehicles of bus type, see section 172 of this Order.

Operation of vehicles generally, see sections 71 to 91 of this Order.

Rates of fare and transportation of passengers for hire, see section 171 of this Order.

132. Number of persons carried on bus. The number of persons carried on any passenger-carrying vehicle of the bus type shall not exceed the seating capacity of such vehicle.

133. Location of bus entrance.-Effective six months from the date of approval of this Order, every passenger-carrying vehicle of the bus type shall have an entrance at the front on the left side thereof, and shall not have any entrance or exit at the rear or on the right side of such vehicle: Provided, that if the "right-hand" rule of the road is established, every such vehicle shall thereupon be required to have an entrance at the front on the right side and no entrances or exits at the rear or on the left side. The directions referred to in this section shall be determined by facing in the direction of the forward movement of the vehicle.

134. Tires, extra equipment, and tools on vehicles operated for hire. A vehicle operated on the highways for the transportation of passengers or freight for hire shall at all times be equipped with tires in good condition, including at least one spare tire, and with such other extra equipment and such tools as are reasonably necessary to prevent delay in the operation of the vehicle.

135. Operators leaving their public vehicles.-The operators of public vehicles shall not leave their vehicles for the purpose of soliciting patronage at any time; nor shall they leave their vehicles while parked in any public parking place, save for actual necessity.

136. Articles left in public vehicles. Operators finding articles of personal property left in public vehicles shall deliver such property without delay to the nearest police station. Failure of an operator to comply with this regulation shall be considered cause for revocation of the operator's license, in addition to any penalty which may be prescribed for the larceny of property.

E. REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO TRUCKS AND OTHER HEAVY VEHICLES

141. Size restrictions.-Trucks and other heavy vehicles shall be restricted in size as follows:

(a) Width, including load, 96 inches.

(b) Height, including load, 13 feet, 6 inches.

(c) Length, including load: (1) Single vehicles, 33 feet;
                                        (2) Combinations of vehicles, 75 feet.

(d) A truck carrying lumber, pipe, etc., if otherwise complying with regulations, will be allowed a total length over all of 40 feet, provided speed is not greater than 12 miles per hour and rear end is protected by red flag.

142. Gross weight restrictions.-The following gross weight restrictions shall apply to all vehicles:

(a) A single vehicular unit of four wheels or less, maximum 28,000 pounds. (Tractor, semi-trailer, or trailer to be regarded as a separate unit.)

(b) Any one axle of a single vehicular unit of four wheels or less or any axle of semi-trailer or trailer, maximum 22,400 pounds.

(c) Weight per inch width of tire measured between flanges of the rim in case of solid rubber tires shall be as follows:

     Size of tire                                                 Load per inch (maximum)
       3 inches ---------------------------------------- 400 pounds
       3½  "  ------------------------------------------ 400     "
       4  "  -------------------------------------------- 500     "
       5  "  -------------------------------------------- 600     "
       6  "  -------------------------------------------- 700     "
       7  "  -------------------------------------------- 800     "
       8  "  -------------------------------------------- 800     "
      10  "  ------------------------------------------- 800     "
      12  "  ------------------------------------------- 800     "
      14  "  ------------------------------------------- 800     "

143. Definitions respecting tires.-(a) The term "pneumatic tires" shall include all tires inflated with compressed air.

(b) The term "solid rubber tires" shall include all tires made of rubber other than pneumatic tires. (Cushion tires are included in this classification.)

144. Size of tires. The minimum thickness of rubber for solid rubber tires shall be:

     3-inch, 3½ inch, 4-inch, 5-inch tires---------------1 inch
     6-inch, 7-inch, 8-inch tires ------------------------1¼ inches
     10-inch, 12-inch, 14-inch tires--------------------1½ inches

The load-carrying capacity and inflation pressures of pneumatic tires should be governed by the ratings established by the Tire and Rim Association, Inc., for efficient operation. This is not, however, a regulation carrying a penalty for violation.

145. Speed restrictions. The speed restrictions for vehicles carrying freight and equipped with solid rubber tires shall be:

     Not over 5,000 pounds-----------------20 M.P.H.
     5,000 to 12,000 pounds----------------15 M.P.H.
     Over 12,000 pounds-------------------12 M.P.H.

These speed restrictions shall apply both to town and country traffic: Provided, however, that existing speed limits within towns shall not be exceeded.

146. Special permits.-No vehicular unit of more than four wheels exceeding the weight specified for four-wheel units, tractor, overweight trailer or special unit, vehicle requiring correction of tire specifications, or any other unit not within the limitations specified in sections 141 to 145 of this Order, shall be moved over the public highways until there has been obtained therefor a permit, either permanent or temporary, as circumstances may warrant, issued by the Municipal Engineer and approved by the Engineer of Maintenance or the Assistant Engineer of Maintenance, stating the conditions as to weight, speed limits, time of movement, and other necessary conditions under which such equipment may be moved. Such permit shall, if practicable, accompany the equipment when being moved.

147. Governor may prescribe exceptions. The Governor is authorized to issue permits or orders making exception to any regulations contained in sections 141 to 146 of this Order when in his judgment such exception is in the interest of the public welfare.

148. Restrictions inapplicable to Government equipment in emergency. In time of war or public emergency the restrictions contained in sections 141 to 146 of this Order shall not apply to vehicles or equipment operated by authority of the Government of the United States. The statement of the person or officer in direct charge of the equipment that an emergency exists shall be accepted by police or traffic officers and no arrest shall be made. Such cases, however, shall be reported to the Governor.

149. Cleats or lugs on face of wheels. No traction engine, steam roller, road engine, hauling machine, trailer, automobile truck, motor vehicle or other vehicle, the face of the wheels, rollers, or treads of which are fitted with flanges, ribs, clamps, cleats, lugs, or spikes, shall be operated on or over any of the surfaced highways of the Canal Zone without written authority therefor from the Municipal Engineer, which authority shall be granted after inspection of the vehicle and after it has been ascertained by him that such vehicle is so equipped as to operate over the highways of the Canal Zone without damage to such highways: Provided, that this section shall not be construed to prohibit the operation of pneumatic-tired vehicles using tire chains.

F. REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO VEHICLES TRANSPORTING INFLAMMABLES

161. Equipment with safety devices.-Every motor vehicle used in the transportation on the highways of inflammable liquids in bulk, shall, subject to the provisions of section 162 of this Order, be equipped with the safety devices specified, and conform to the regulations prescribed, in this section:

(a) Vents. Each tank compartment shall be provided with a ¾-inch vacuum and pressure operated vent, and in addition thereto venting facilities of such size and capacity as will safely relieve such internal pressure as may be created by exposure fires.

(b) Valves and faucet connections. All draw-off valves or faucets shall have discharge end threaded, or be otherwise so designed as to permit of tight connection with the hose extending to fill-pipe or service tank.

(c) Protection against collision.-Every tank truck shall be provided with properly attached steel bumpers. The rear bumper or chassis extension shall be so arranged as to adequately protect the draw-off valves or faucets in case of collision.

(d) Emergency and discharge control.-Each compartment of a gravity discharge truck tank shall be equipped with a reliable and efficient shut-off valve located inside the shell of the tank in the compartment outlet, which valve except during delivery operations shall be mechanically kept closed and shall be so interlocked with delivery operations that it will be manually closed when said delivery operations are completed. The operating mechanism of the emergency and discharge control valves shall be so arranged that they may be manually closed either from the front or rear end of the tank, and in addition, the mechanism at the rear end of the tank shall be provided with a fusible point and a device that will automatically close the valve in case of fire. Provision shall be made for testing the automatic closing device without fusing the fusible point.

(e) Shear section. In every case there shall be provided between the emergency shut-off valve seat and discharge faucet, a shear section which will break under a strain and leave the shut-off valve seat intact.

(f) Metallic connection.-Tank, chassis, axles, and springs shall be metallically connected.

(g) Drag chains.-Tank trucks shall be equipped with drag chains long enough to reach the ground in order to drain off such static charges as may be generated by splashing of the contents or other causes. Drag chains shall not be fastened to the discharge pipes but to the chassis which is in metallic contact with the tank.

(h) Filling pipe.-During the filling of the truck tank or when discharging into service tanks, electrical contact shall be maintained between the filling pipe or the service tank. This bond shall be effected by a bond wire metallically connected to the fill pipe or service tank and fastened to a binding post on the truck tank by a wing nut.

Cross-Reference

Transporting explosives in or across Canal Zone, see Code, title 5, section 506.

162. Compliance by truck tanks already in service.-Any gravity discharge truck tank in service in the Canal Zone on the effective date of this Order shall, within one year from such date, comply with all the safety regulations for new truck tanks with the following exceptions:

(a) Emergency and discharge control.-No interlocking with delivery operations and the automatic closing device shall be required.

(b) Shear section.-No shear section between the emergency shut-off valve and the discharge faucet shall be required.

ARTICLE 6.—TRANSPORTATION OF PASSENGERS FOR HIRE

Sec.
171. Rates of fare and transportation of passengers for hire; regulations authorized.
172. Operation of busses; special regulations authorized.

Cross-References

Operation and equipment of vehicles operated for hire, in general, see sections 131 to 136 of this Order.

Overcharge by employee of common carrier, as misdemeanor, see Code, title 5, section 688.

Refusal of common carrier to receive passengers as misdemeanor, see Code, title 5, section 375.

Section 171. Rates of fare and transportation of passengers for hire; regulations authorized. The Governor shall have authority to prescribe regulations establishing maximum rates of fare and governing the transportation of passengers for hire by public vehicles in the Canal Zone, and, by reciprocal agreement with the Republic of Panama, between points in the Canal Zone and the Republic of Panama. It shall be unlawful to collect any fare in excess of the rates prescribed under this section, or to refuse to pay any lawful fare.

Cross-Reference

Licensing of automobiles used for carrying passengers for hire, see section 54 of this Order.

172. Operation of busses; special regulations authorized. The Governor may, if he considers it in the public interest, prescribe special regulations for the operation of passenger-carrying motor vehicles of the bus type, to prescribe the routes over which such busses may operate, to prescribe bus stops to which shall be restricted the stopping of such busses for taking on or discharging passengers on certain highways where conditions warrant, and to issue licenses and franchises to individuals and companies. Licenses or franchises so issued shall be revocable for cause without right to indemnity.

Cross-Reference

Licensing of omnibuses, see section 54 of this Order.

ARTICLE 7.—VIOLATIONS OF ORDER

Sec.
181. Punishment for violations.
182. Citing or notifying violators to appear.

Section 181. Punishment for violations. Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this Order, or of regulations prescribed hereunder, shall be punishable , as provided in section 323 of title 2 of the Code, by a fine of not more than $25, or by imprisonment in jail for not more than thirty days, or by both.

Cross-Reference

Authority of Governor to prescribe regulations under this Order, see section 11 of this Order.

182. Citing or notifying violators to appear.-When a person is arrested for a violation of any of the provisions of this Order or of a regulation of the Governor prescribed hereunder, punishable under section 181 of this Order, the arresting officer may in his discretion take the name and address of such person or the number of his motor-vehicle license and issue a citation or otherwise notify such person to appear at a time and place to be specified in such citation or notice.

ARTICLE 8.—REVOCATION OF PRIOR ORDERS; EFFECTIVE DATE

Sec.
191. Revocation of prior Orders.
192. Effective date.

Section 191. Revocation of prior Orders.-The following-described Executive Orders relating to highways, vehicles, and vehicular traffic in the Canal Zone, together with all other Executive Orders insofar as and to the extent that they may be in conflict with this Order, are hereby revoked:

Executive Orders dated October 9, 1918 (No. 2971), October 30, 1920 (No. 3347), February 26, 1921, April 14, 1921 (No. 3434), August 15, 1923, December 23, 1924, November 6, 1925 (No. 4335), April 23, 1927 (No. 4636), September 29, 1927 (No. 4729), February 2, 1928 (No. 4801), January 28, 1929, March 10, 1930 (No. 5298), October 10, 1930, February 2, 1932 (No. 5788), and February 6, 1934 (No. 6589).

192. Effective date.-This Order shall take effect on January 1, 1936.

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT

The White House,
December 6, 1935.