[Code 1964, § 17-117]
Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a horn directed forward
or a whistle in good working order capable of emitting a sound adequate
in quantity and volume to give warning of the approach of such vehicle
to other users of the street and to pedestrians. Such signal device
shall be used for warning purposes only and shall not be used for
making any unnecessary noise and no other sound-producing signaling
device shall be used at any time.
[Code 1964, § 17-118]
Muffler cutouts shall not be used. No vehicle shall be driven
in such manner or condition that excessive and unnecessary noise shall
be made by its machinery, motor, signaling device or other parts,
or by any improperly loaded cargo. The motors of all motor vehicles
shall be fitted with properly attached mufflers of such capacity or
construction as to quiet the maximum possible exhaust noise. Any cutout
or opening in the exhaust pipe between the motor and the muffler on
any motor vehicle shall be completely closed and disconnected from
its operating lever, and shall be so arranged that it cannot automatically
open or be opened or operated while such vehicle is in motion.
[Code 1964, § 17-119]
All motor vehicles, except motorcycles, shall be provided at
all times with two (2) sets of adequate brakes, kept in good working
order. Motorcycles shall be provided with one (1) set of adequate
brakes kept in good working order.
[Code 1964, § 17-120]
All motor vehicles which are so constructed or loaded that the
operator cannot see the road behind such vehicle by looking back or
around the side of such vehicle shall be equipped with a mirror so
adjusted as to reveal the road behind and be visible from the operator's
seat.
[Code 1964, § 17-121]
All vehicles carrying poles or other objects which project more
than five (5) feet from the rear of such vehicle shall, during the
period when lights are required by this article, carry a red light
at or near the rear end of the pole or other object so projecting.
At other times, a red flag or cloth, not less than sixteen (16) inches
square, shall be displayed at the end of such projection.
[Code 1964, § 17-122]
No person shall operate any motor vehicle upon any road or highway
of this city between the first day of April and the first day of November
while the motor vehicle is equipped with tires containing metal or
carbide studs.
[Ord. No. 1494, § 1, 9-5-1991]
(a) Except as provided in subsection
(b) below, no person shall operate any motor vehicle registered in the state on any public roadway in the city with any manufactured vision-reducing material applied to any portion of the motor vehicle's windshield, sidewings, or windows located immediately to the left or right of the driver which reduces visibility from within or without the motor vehicle. This section shall not prohibit labels, stickers, decalcomania, or informational signs on motor vehicles or the application of tinted or solar screening material to recreational vehicles as defined in Section 700.010 RSMo., provided that such material does not interfere with the driver's normal view of the road. This section shall not prohibit factory-installed tinted glass, the equivalent replacement thereof or tinting material applied to the upper portion of the motor vehicle's windshield which is normally tinted by the manufacturer of motor vehicle safety glass.
(b) Anything in subsection
(a) above, to the contrary notwithstanding, this section shall not prohibit the operation of a motor vehicle with a front sidewing vent or window that has a sunscreening device, in conjunction with safety glazing material, that has a light transmission of thirty-five (35) percent or more plus or minus three (3) percent if a permit for such material has been issued by the Missouri Department of Public Safety to a person having a physical disorder requiring the use of such vision-reducing material. Such vehicles may be operated by the person having such a disorder or by immediate family members who are husband, wife, sons or daughters who reside in the same household.
[Ord. No. 1994, § 1, 1-20-2005]
As used in this Division, unless the context requires another
or different construction:
APPROVED
Approved by the Missouri Director of Revenue and when applied
to lamps and other illuminating devices means that such lamps and
devices must be in good working order.
AUXILIARY LAMP
An additional lighting device on a motor vehicle used primarily
to supplement the headlamps in providing general illumination ahead
of a vehicle.
HEADLAMP
A major lighting device capable of providing general illumination
ahead of a vehicle.
MOUNTING HEIGHT
The distance from the center of the lamp to the surface on
which the vehicle stands.
MULTIPLE-BEAM HEADLAMPS
Headlamps or similar devices arranged so as to permit the
driver of the vehicle to use one of two or more distributions of light
on the road.
REFLECTOR
An approved device designed and used to give an indication
by reflected light.
SINGLE-BEAM HEADLAMPS
Headlamps or similar devices arranged so as to permit the
driver of the vehicle to use but one distribution of light on the
road.
VEHICLE
Every device in, upon or by which a person or property is
or may be transported upon a highway, excepting devices moved by human
power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.
WHEN LIGHTED LAMPS ARE REQUIRED
At any time from a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour
before sunrise and at any other time when there is not sufficient
light to render clearly discernible persons and vehicles on the highway
at a distance of five hundred feet ahead. Lighted lamps shall also
be required any time the weather conditions require usage of the motor
vehicle's windshield wipers to operate the vehicle in a careful and
prudent manner. The provisions of this Section shall be interpreted
to require lighted lamps during periods of fog even if usage of the
windshield wipers is not necessary to operate the vehicle in a careful
and prudent manner.
[Ord. No. 1994, § 1, 1-20-2005]
(a) No person shall drive, move, park or be in custody of any vehicle
or combination of vehicles on any street or highway during the times
when lighted lamps are required unless such vehicle or combination
of vehicles displays lighted lamps and illuminating devices as hereinafter
in this chapter required. No person shall use on any vehicle any approved
electric lamp or similar device unless the light source of such lamp
or device complies with the conditions of approval as to focus and
rated candlepower.
(b) Violation of this Section shall be deemed an infraction and any person
who violates this Section as it relates to violations of the usage
of lighted lamps required due to weather conditions or fog shall only
be fined ten dollars ($10.00) and no court costs shall be assessed.
[Ord. No. 1994, § 1, 1-20-2005]
Except as otherwise provided in this division, every motor vehicle,
other than a motor-drawn vehicle and other than a motorcycle, shall
be equipped with at least two (2) approved headlamps, mounted at the
same level, with at least one (1) on each side of the front of the
vehicle. Every motorcycle shall be equipped with at least one (1)
and not more than two (2) approved headlamps. Every motorcycle equipped
with a sidecar or other attachment shall be equipped with a lamp on
the outside limit of such attachment, capable of displaying a white
light to the front. Violation of this Section shall be an infraction
punishable by a fine not to exceed two hundred dollars ($200.00).
[Ord. No. 1994, § 1, 1-20-2005]
Any motor vehicle need not be equipped with approved headlamps;
provided that, every such vehicle, during the times when lighted lamps
are required, is equipped with two (2) lighted lamps on the front
thereof, displaying white or yellow lights, without glare, capable
of revealing persons and objects seventy-five (75) feet ahead; provided
further, that no such motor vehicle shall be operated at a speed in
excess of twenty (20) miles per hour during the times when lighted
lamps are required.
[Ord. No. 1994, § 1, 1-20-2005]
Approved single-beam headlamps shall be so aimed that when the
vehicle is not loaded, none of the high intensity portion of the light
shall, at a distance of twenty-five (25) feet ahead, project higher
than a level of five (5) inches below the level of the center of the
lamp from which it comes, and in no case higher than forty-two (42)
inches above the level on which the vehicle stands at a distance of
seventy-five (75) feet ahead. The intensity shall be sufficient to
reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least two hundred
(200) feet. Violation of this Section shall be an infraction punishable
by a fine not to exceed two hundred dollars ($200.00).
[Ord. No. 1994, § 1, 1-20-2005]
Except as hereinafter provided, the headlamps or the auxiliary
driving lamp or the auxiliary passing lamp or combination thereof
on motor vehicles other than motorcycles or motor-driven cycles shall
be so arranged that the driver may select at will between distributions
of light projected to different elevations. Such lamps may, in addition,
be so arranged that such selection can be made automatically, subject
to the following limitations:
(1) There shall be an uppermost distribution of light, or composite beam,
so aimed and of such intensity as to reveal persons and vehicles at
a distance of at least three hundred fifty (350) feet ahead for all
conditions of loading.
(2) There shall be a lowermost distribution of light, or composite beam,
so aimed and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles
at a distance of at least one hundred (100) feet ahead; and on a straight
level road, under any condition of loading, none of the high intensity
portion of the beam shall be directed to strike the eyes of an approaching
driver. Violation of this Section shall be an infraction punishable
by a fine not to exceed two hundred dollars ($200.00).
[Ord. No. 1994, § 1, 1-20-2005]
Every new motor vehicle registered in this state after January
1, 1942, which has multiple-beam road lighting equipment, shall be
equipped with a beam indicator, which shall be lighted whenever the
uppermost distribution of light from the headlamps is in use, and
shall not otherwise be lighted. Such indicator shall be so designed
and located that when lighted, it will be readily visible without
glare to the driver of the vehicle so equipped. Violation of this
Section shall be an infraction punishable by a fine not to exceed
two hundred dollars ($200.00).
[Ord. No. 1994, § 1, 1-20-2005]
Every person driving a motor vehicle equipped with multiple-beam
road lighting equipment during the times when lighted lamps are required
shall use a distribution of light, or composite beam, directed high
enough and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles
at a safe distance in advance of the vehicle, subject to the requirements
and limitations of this section. Whenever the driver of a vehicle
approaches an oncoming vehicle within five hundred (500) feet, or
is within three hundred (300) feet to the rear of another vehicle
traveling in the same direction, such driver shall use a distribution
of light or composite beam so aimed that the glaring rays are not
projected into the eyes of the other driver, and in no case shall
the high intensity portion which is projected to the left of the prolongation
of the extreme left side of the vehicle be aimed higher than the center
of the lamp from which it comes at a distance of twenty-five (25)
feet ahead, and in no case higher than a level of forty-two (42) inches
above the level upon which the vehicle stands at a distance of seventy-five
(75) feet ahead. Violation of this Section shall be an infraction
punishable by a fine not to exceed two hundred dollars ($200.00).
[Ord. No. 1994, § 1, 1-20-2005]
(a) Every motor vehicle and every motor-drawn vehicle shall be equipped
with at least two (2) rear lamps, not less than fifteen (15) inches
or more than seventy-five (72) inches above the ground upon which
the vehicle stands, which, when lighted, will exhibit a red light
plainly visible from a distance of five hundred (500) feet to the
rear. Either such rear lamp or a separate lamp shall be so constructed
and placed as to illuminate with a white light the rear registration
marker and render it clearly legible from a distance of fifty (50)
feet to the rear. When the rear registration marker is illuminated
by an electric lamp other than the required rear lamps, all such lamps
shall be turned on or off only by the same control switch at all times.
(b) Every motorcycle registered in this state, when operated on a highway,
shall also carry at the rear, either as part of the rear lamp or separately,
at least one (1) approved red reflector, which shall be of such size
and characteristics and so maintained as to be visible during the
times when lighted lamps are required from all distances within three
hundred (300) feet to fifty (50) feet from such vehicle when directly
in front of a motor vehicle displaying lawful undimmed headlamps.
(c) Every new passenger car, new commercial motor vehicle, motor-drawn
vehicle and omnibus with a capacity of more than six (6) passengers
registered in this state after January 1, 1966, when operated on a
highway, shall also carry at the rear at least two (2) approved red
reflectors, at least one (1) at each side, so designed, mounted on
the vehicle and maintained as to be visible during the times when
lighted lamps are required from all distances within five hundred
(500) to fifty (50) feet from such vehicle when directly in front
of a motor vehicle displaying lawful undimmed headlamps. Every such
reflector shall meet the requirements of this chapter and shall be
mounted upon the vehicle at a height not to exceed sixty (60) inches
nor less than fifteen (15) inches above the surface upon which the
vehicle stands.
(d) Any person who knowingly operates a motor vehicle without the lamps
required in this section in operable condition shall be guilty of
an infraction punishable by a fine not to exceed two hundred dollars
($200.00).
[Ord. No. 1994, § 1, 1-20-2005]
Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed three (3)
auxiliary lamps, mounted on the front at a height not less than twelve
(12) inches nor more than forty-two (42) inches above the level surface
upon which the vehicle stands. Violation of this Section shall be
an infraction punishable by a fine not to exceed two hundred dollars
($200.00).
[Ord. No. 1994, § 1, 1-20-2005]
Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than two (2)
side cowl or fender lamps, which shall emit a white or yellow light
without glare. Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than
one (1) running board courtesy lamp on each side thereof, which shall
emit a white or yellow light without glare. Any motor vehicle may
be equipped with a backup lamp, either separately or in combination
with another lamp; except, that no such backup lamp shall be continuously
lighted when the motor vehicle is in forward motion. Violation of
this Section shall be an infraction punishable by a fine not to exceed
two hundred dollars ($200.00).
[Ord. No. 1994, § 1, 1-20-2005]
Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed one (1)
spotlamp, but every lighted spotlamp shall be so aimed and used so
as not to be dazzling or glaring to any person. Violation of this
Section shall be an infraction punishable by a fine not to exceed
two hundred dollars ($200.00).
[Ord. No. 1994, § 1, 1-20-2005]
Headlamps, when lighted, shall exhibit lights substantially
white in color. Auxiliary lamps, cowllamps and spotlamps, when lighted,
shall exhibit lights substantially white, yellow or amber in color.
No person shall drive or move any vehicle or equipment, except a school
bus when used for school purposes, or an emergency vehicle, upon any
street or highway with any lamp or device thereon displaying a red
light visible from directly in front thereof. Violation of this Section
shall be an infraction punishable by a fine not to exceed two hundred
dollars ($200.00).
[Ord. No. 1994, § 1, 1-20-2005]
Any lighted lamp or illuminating device upon a motor vehicle,
other than headlamps, spotlamps, front direction signals or auxiliary
lamps, which projects a beam of light of an intensity greater than
three hundred (300) candlepower, shall be directed so that no part
of the beam will strike the level of the roadway on which the vehicle
stands at a distance of more than seventy-five (75) feet from the
vehicle. Alternately flashing warning signals may be used on school
buses when used for school purposes and on motor vehicles when used
to transport United States mail from post offices to boxes of addresses
thereof and on emergency vehicles, on buses owned or operated by churches,
mosques, synagogues, temples or other houses of worship, and on commercial
passenger transport vehicles or railroad passenger cars that are stopped
to load or unload passengers, but are prohibited on other motor vehicles,
motorcycles and motor-drawn vehicles, except as a means for indicating
a right or left turn. Violation of this Section shall be an infraction
punishable by a fine not to exceed two hundred dollars ($200.00).
[Ord. No. 1994, § 1, 1-20-2005]
At the times when lighted lamps are required, at least two (2)
lighted lamps shall be displayed, one (1) on each side of the front
of every motor vehicle, except a motorcycle and except a motor-drawn
vehicle, except when such vehicle is parked subject to the provisions
governing lights on parked vehicles. Whenever a motor vehicle equipped
with headlamps required by this division is also equipped with any
auxiliary lamps or a spotlamp or any other lamp on the front thereof
projecting a beam of an intensity greater than three hundred (300)
candlepower, not more than a total of four (4) of any such lamps on
the front of a vehicle shall be lighted at any one (1) time when upon
a highway. Violation of this Section shall be an infraction punishable
by a fine not to exceed two hundred dollars ($200.00).
[Ord. No. 1994, § 1, 1-20-2005]
(a) Whenever a vehicle is lawfully parked upon a street or highway during
the hours between a half hour after sunset and a half hour before
sunrise and in the event there is sufficient light to reveal any person
or object within a distance of five hundred (500) feet upon such street
or highway, no lights need be displayed upon such parked vehicle.
(b) Whenever a vehicle is parked or stopped upon a highway or shoulder
adjacent thereto, whether attended or unattended, during the hours
between a half hour after sunset and a half hour before sunrise and
there is not sufficient light to reveal any person or object within
a distance of five hundred (500) feet upon the highway, a vehicle
so parked or stopped shall be equipped with one (1) or more lamps
meeting the following requirements: At least one (1) lamp shall display
a white or amber light visible from a distance of five hundred (500)
feet to the front of the vehicle, and the same lamp or at least one
(1) other lamp shall display a red light visible from a distance of
five hundred (500) feet to the rear of the vehicle, and the location
of the lamps shall always be such that at least one (1) lamp or combination
of lamps meeting the requirements of this section is installed as
near as practicable to the side of the vehicle which is closest to
passing traffic. This section does not apply to a motor-driven cycle.
Any lighted headlamp upon a parked vehicle shall be depressed or dimmed.
Violation of this Section shall be an infraction punishable by a fine
not to exceed two hundred dollars ($200.00).
[Ord. No. 1994, § 1, 1-20-2005]
(a) Any person who shall place or drive or cause to be placed or driven
any horse-driven vehicle whatsoever, whether in motion or at rest,
shall, after sunset and until one-half hour before sunrise, have attached
to every such vehicle, at the rear thereof, a red taillight or a red
reflecting device of not less than three (3) inches in diameter of
effective area or its equivalent in area. When such device shall consist
of reflecting buttons, there shall be no less than seven (7) of such
buttons, covering an area equal to a circle with a three inch diameter.
The total subtended effective angle of reflection of every such device
shall be no less than sixty (60) degrees, and the spread and efficiency
of the reflected light shall be sufficient for the reflected light
to be visible to the driver of any motor vehicle approaching such
horse-drawn vehicle from the rear of a distance of not less than five
hundred (500) feet.
(b) In addition, any person who operates any such animal-driven vehicle
during the hours between sunset and one-half hour before sunrise shall
have at least one light flashing at all times the vehicle is on any
highway of this state. Such light or lights shall be amber in the
front and red in the back and shall be placed on the left side of
the vehicle at a height of no more than six feet from the ground and
shall be visible from the front and the back of the vehicle at a distance
of at least five hundred feet. Any person violating the provisions
of this section shall be guilty of an ordinance violation and punished
by a fine not to exceed three hundred dollars ($300.00) or by imprisonment
for a term not to exceed fifteen (15) days or by both such fine and
imprisonment.
(c) Any person operating an animal-driven vehicle during the hours between sunset and one-half hour before sunrise may, in lieu of the requirements of subsection
(b) of this Section, use lamps or lanterns complying with the rules promulgated by the Director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety.
[Ord. No. 1994, § 1, 1-20-2005]
All vehicles, including agricultural machinery or implements,
road machinery, road rollers, traction engines and farm tractors,
not specifically required to be equipped with lamps, shall be equipped
during the times when lighted lamps are required with at least one
(1) lighted lamp or lantern exhibiting a white light visible from
a distance of five hundred (500) feet to the front of such vehicle
and with a lamp or lantern exhibiting a red light visible from a distance
of five hundred (500) feet to the rear, and such lamps and lanterns
shall exhibit lights to the sides of such vehicle. Violation of this
Section shall be an infraction punishable by a fine not to exceed
two hundred dollars ($200.00).