Section 21
SEC. 21. The provisions of this section shall be applicable to all motor vehicles when upon the public highway: (a) All passenger automobiles for hire shall have the approved registered passenger capacity plainly marked in conspicuous place, preferably on the glass windshield thereof. (b) All motor trucks, whether for passengers or freight, private, or for hire, shall have the approved registered we passenger and gross weight capacities and the allowable rate of speed plainly marked in a conspicuous place, preferably on this sides thereof. (c) The total weight of a laden motor vehicle.shall in no case exceed eight metric tons (17,920 pounds) unless permission in writing, from the Director of Public Works or his deputies, has been previously obtained. (d) No metal tire of a motor vehicle shall be provided with dogs, flanges, grooves, corrugations, ribs, strips, or present other than a smooth surface in contact with the road. (e) The maximum allowable gross weight of a motor vehicle shall be so fixed by the Director of Public Works, or his deputies, that with the maximum allowable net carrying capacity placed at the center of the body, the total load on any one wheel will not exceed the values given in the following tables: See Printed Copy Volume 17 Public Laws Page 213 (f) No motor vehicle shall be operated on or along the public highways with tires of different size or material from those described in the certificate of registration therefor, not with wheel loads in excess of those contemplated under paragraph (e) of this section, unless permission in writing from the Director of Public Works or his deputies for such change or excess, has been previously obtained. (g) In case an owner desires to change the size or material of his tires, or to perceptibly change the size or capacity of the body or chassis, subsequent to the registration of his motor vehicle, he shall present his certificate of registration to the Director of Public Works or his deputies, together with a request for a revision of gross weight rating. If in the opinion of the Director of Public Works or his deputies, such contemplated change of body, tires, or gross weight will not endanger the public safety, or result in excessive damage to highways, bridges or culverts, the said Director or his deputies shall in red ink revise the certificate of registration and the "Motor Vehicle Register," in accord therewith: Provided, That if such contemplated revisions place a motor vehicle in a classification under section four of this Act, requiring a larger gross weight fee, then the applicant shall pay a proportional part of such difference of fees for the remaining portion of the year, in accord with subsection (k) of section four of this Act: And provided, further, That no refund or reimbursement of fees or parts thereof shall be made to the owner, even if such contemplated revision of rating corresponds with a smaller gross weight fee. (h) No motor vehicle shall be operated on or along the public highways with solid rubber tires of less than two centimeters thickness, nor with deflated pneumatic tires, for a distance greater than necessary to properly park the vehicle for repairs. (i) The owners of the motor vehicles shall be liable for any and all damages to the highways, bridges, and culverts, which damages may be recovered by the Government of the province wherein the damage occurred, or by the Insular Government, in a court of competent jurisdiction, without prejudice to further prosecution under any other provisions of this Act. (j) The Director of Public Works or his deputies shall levy and collect a special additional fee in accord with a tariff and regulations to be established by the Director of Public Works, for each special written permit issued under subsections (b), (d), and (f), of this section and under section twenty-two hereof. All motor vehicles operating under such special written permits shall bear a special distinguishing identification mark to be determined by the Director of Public Works; and a copy of the special written permit shall be entered in the "Motor Vehicle Register." (k) Violation of any of the provisions of this section shall be punished by fining the owner of the motor vehicle, not less than ten pesos nor more than fifty pesos for the first and second offense, and for third offense by revoking the registration of the motor vehicle and fining the owner of the motor vehicle two hundred pesos or by imprisonment for a term not to exceed fifty days or by both such fine and imprisonment.