Karl Benz, inventor of the modern car,…

Karl Benz, inventor of the modern car, receives a written "Genehmigung" (permit) from the Grand Ducal authorities on August to operate his car on public roads in 1888 after residents have complained about the noise and smell of his Motorwagen.

Up until the start of the twentieth century, European authorities will issue similar permits to drive motor vehicles ad hoc, if at all.