North Carolina RADAR State Practice Exam

When was the first traffic law in America passed, and what did it prohibit?

1. 1652, speed limits for all vehicles

2. 1652, galloping horses and fast horse-drawn vehicles

3. 1701, driving under the influence

4. 1600, driving without a license

The correct answer is: 1652, galloping horses and fast horse-drawn vehicles

The first traffic law in America, passed in 1652, specifically targeted the behavior of galloping horses and fast horse-drawn vehicles. This law was enacted in New Amsterdam, which is present-day New York City, and it aimed to regulate the speed of vehicles in order to ensure safety on the roads. At that time, the rapid movement of horses and vehicles posed significant dangers to pedestrians and other road users, prompting the need for regulation. This focus on controlling speed, particularly for horses and horse-drawn vehicles, highlights how traffic regulations historically evolved from concerns about safety and public order. Other options, while related to traffic safety, refer to laws that emerged much later in response to different societal needs, such as the formal introduction of speed limits or regulations related to driving under the influence. Thus, the emphasis on galloping horses and the prohibition of fast-moving vehicles reflects the historical context of the time when early traffic regulations were first considered necessary.