212 LAWS OF MARYLAND [CH. 58

19A to follow immediately after Section 19 of said
Article, making certain carriers of inflammable or com-
bustible liquids, in bulk, in tank vehicles and for com-
pensation subject to the jurisdiction of the Public Service
Commission of Maryland, as common carriers and pro-
viding for the protection of the public from dangers in-
cident to the operation of such carriers, and relating
generally to the operations of such carriers.

SECTION 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of
Maryland, That a new section be and it is hereby added to
Article 78 of the Annotated Code of Maryland (1951 Edi-
tion), title "Public Service Commission", said new section
to be known as Section 19A, to follow immediately after
Section 19 of said Article, and to read as follows:

19A. (a) This section shall apply to all carriers of in-
flammable or combustible liquids, in bulk, in tank vehicles,
using the public streets or highways within the State of
Maryland; and said carriers are on and after June 1, 1954,
made subject to the jurisdiction and authority of the Public
Service Commission of Maryland in accordance with the
provisions of this section. The term ^Carrier of inflam-
mable or combustible liquids, in bulk, in tank vehicles"
shall embrace any company, corporation, association, per-
son or partnership transporting inflammable or combustible
liquids, in bulk, in tank vehicles, for compensation over the
public streets or highways of this State, but shall not in-
clude private carriers whose principal business is other
than transporting inflammable or combustible liquids for
hire. The term "inflammable or combustible liquids" shall
embrace any liquid which will give off inflammable vapors
at or below 250 degrees Fahrenheit, and any liquid which,
when mixed with wood, sawdust, rags, or similar organic
substances, causes spontaneous heating and ignition.

(b) No such carrier shall on or after September 1, 1954,
operate over the public streets or highways within the State
of Maryland until such carrier shall have obtained a permit
from the Public Service Commission to operate as a carrier
of inflammable or combustible liquids, in bulk, in tank ve-
hicles. Such permit shall be issued only after written ap-
plication for the same shall have been made to the Com-
mission; and it shall be the duty of the Commission, before
issuing such permit, to investigate the expediency of grant-
ing such permit and to require satisfactory proof that the
applicant has complied with all safety requirements pre-
scribed by the Commission and has either (1) taken out a