Drivers Licenses and Vehicle Registration in Historical Perspective

[fulltitle]

Without Prejudice

Before 1901, state governments had little to do with motoring. Most early legislation affecting the automobile and other wheeled vehicles "was the product of the cities, towns, and villages." [2] For example, in 1898 the city of Chicago had in force a law which required that the owners of "wagons, carriages, coaches, buggies, bicycles, and all other wheeled vehicles propelled by horse power or by the rider" pay an annual license fee. [3] (The law was ultimately declared unconstitutional.) A year later, Chicago passed another ordinance which "required the examination and licensing of all automobile operators" in the city. [4] At the same time, New York City had an ordinance which required that drivers of steam powered cars be licensed engineers. [5] Mitchell, South Dakota, (population 10,000: a city supporting two newspapers and a university) imposed a total ban on the use of motorized vehicles![article]

[charlesa6]

Yes they do, and they continue to do so. I mean licensing motors vehicle operators so call chauffeur license etc.

[Big Al]

Lies, lies everywhere lies. My old grand daddy some 45 years ago, told me about when they first came up with the DL in Arizona. The plan was to give out the DL only once, good for life. This had a terrible effect on the citizens of Arizona as it shortened there life span by decades. with in five years they decided that the new license would be good for ten years, and would cost more. Tests were unheard of. Some of the old folks were still upset when they were challenged for not having a DL in the 50's, they took it as an affront as many had been on the roads for more than 40 years and did not feel the lack of paper in there pocket from the state effected there traveling on the People's common law right of ways.