100 years ago in Spokane: As automobiles proliferated, so did the rules governing them

Spokane motorists were forced to learn a long list of new rules, as a sweeping new traffic ordinance took effect.

The new rules included the following:

No auto could use a headlight “unless properly shaded, so as not to blind or dazzle other users of the highways.”

No vehicle shall be driven faster than 12 miles per hour within 100 yards of any schoolhouse during school hours.

No vehicle shall make a turn within the congested district (downtown), except at street intersections.

When two or more vehicles shall arrive at a street intersection at the same time, the vehicle to the right shall have the right of way.

Do not fail to give a hand signal when turning or stopping.

Do not overtake and pass streetcars on the left.

In addition, new downtown parking rules went into effect mandating parallel parking on most streets.

Spokane police were busy handing out 5,000 copies of the new regulations. Yet after a two-day grace period, the officers would start handing out tickets.