Chap. 430.—An ACT to amend and re-enact sections 2143 and 2138 of the
‘Code of Virginia. [S B 186]
_ Approved March 24, 1922.

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That sec-
tion twenty-one hundred and forty-three and twenty-one hundred and
thirty-eight of the Code of Virginia be amended and re-enacted so
as to read as follows:

Sec. 2143. When driver, et cetera, shall keep to the right side of
roadway; right of way when approaching an angle—When the
operator, conductor or driver of any machine approaches a curve,
bend or any place where the roadway is not plainly visible for a
distance of three hundred feet ahead, he shall at all times keep his
machine on the right hand side of the roadway sufficient to allow
ample room on the opposite side for the passage of other machines
or vehicles irrespective of whether another machine or vehicle 1s
approaching or not. When two machines or vehicles equally distant
from the point of intersection approach each other at an angle at
any public road or public street crossing, the one on the right shall
have the right of way.

~ Sec, 2138. Every machine operated on any public highway or
street of this State shall be driven with ordinary care at all times,
having regard to the width, traffic and use of the highways, and
the protection of life and property.

If the rate of speed of any machine being operated on any public
highway of this State exceed thirty (30) miles an hour for a distance
of one-eighth (1-8) of a mile, such rate of speed shall be conclusive
evidence that the person operating said machine is operating the same
at a rate of speed greater than is reasonable and proper and in vio-
lation of the provisions of this chapter. If the rate of speed of a
machine being operated on any public highway of this State, where
the operator’s view of the highway and traffic is obstructed, or when
approaching an intersecting public highway, or when traversing a
bridge or sharp curve in either the alignment or grade of the high-
way, shall exceed fifteen (15) miles an hour, such rate of speed shall
be conclusive evidence that the person operating such machine is
operating the same at a rate of speed greater than is reasonable
and proper and in violation of the provisions of this chapter.

‘Provided, that no machine which has a seating capacity of more
than seven passengers shall be operated on any public highway of
this State at a rate of speed in excess of twenty (20) miles per hour;
and provided that no machine shall be operated at a speed of more
than fifteen miles per hour when a street or highway passes the built-
up portions of unincorporated towns or village; and provided, that
no machine shall be operated at a speed of more than ten miles an
hour at points on any public highway outside of incorporated towns
and cities where there is a gathering of horses or persons.

Provided that when the operator of a machine overtakes any ve-
hicle or machine and indicates his desire to pass said vehicle, or
machine, it shall be the duty of the driver of said machine or vehicle
to bear to the right as far as practicable and reduce the speed of
said vehicle or machine to less than twenty (20) miles per hour
so as to enable the machine to pass on the left hand side at a rate
of speed not in excess of twenty-five (25) miles an hour.