City of Le Roy, IL Chapter 6-2 Traffic Regulations

§ 6-2-1 Stop When Traffic Obstructed.

[Ord. 558, 9-19-1994]

No driver shall enter an intersection or a marked crosswalk unless there is sufficient space on the other side of the intersection or crosswalk to accommodate the vehicle he is operating without obstructing the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians, notwithstanding any traffic control signal indication to proceed.

§ 6-2-2 Stop And Yield Streets.

[Ord. 558, 9-19-1994]

A. Placement Of Signs: Whenever any ordinance of the City designates and describes an intersection to be controlled by stop or yield signs, it shall be the duty of the street superintendent to place and maintain a stop sign or yield sign on each and every street so designated to be controlled by a stop or yield sign.

[Amended by 2003 Code]

B. Sign Specifications: Every sign erected pursuant to this section shall bear the words "Stop" or "Yield" as established by the Illinois department of transportation, division of highways or any successor agency or department of the state.

C. Operation Of Vehicles On Approach Of Stop Or Yield Sign:

1. When stop signs are erected as herein authorized at or near the entrance to any intersection, every driver of a vehicle approaching a "Stop" sign shall stop and yield the right of way to approaching traffic as may be necessary before entering the crosswalk or near side of the intersection or, in the event there is no crosswalk, shall stop at a clearly marked stop line but, if none, at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering the intersection, except when directed to proceed by a police officer or traffic control signal.

2. The driver of a vehicle in obedience to a yield sign shall reduce the speed of his vehicle to not more than 20 miles per hour and shall yield the right of way to other vehicles which have entered the intersecting public way either from the right or left or which are approaching so closely on said intersecting way as to constitute an immediate hazard, but said driver having so yielded may proceed at such time as a safe interval occurs. If a driver is involved in a collision at an intersection or interferes with the movement of other vehicles after driving past a yield sign, such collision or interference shall be deemed prima facie evidence of the driver's failure to yield the right of way.

D. Redesignation Of Stop Streets To Yield Streets: The City Council may, when traffic conditions warrant such action, give preference to traffic through any intersection on any public way and designate specified entrances to said intersection as yield right of way entrances by erecting "Yield" signs in lieu of "Stop" signs as otherwise required under this section.

§ 6-2-3 Speed Regulations.

[Ord. 558, 9-19-1994; amended by Ord. 08-03-01-70, 3-3-2008]

A. Speed Limits Established:

1. Streets: It shall be illegal for any person to drive a motor vehicle at a speed greater than 30 miles per hour on any public street within the City, except as a greater or lesser speed limit may be posted as established by law or ordinance.

2. Alleys: It shall be illegal for any person to drive a motor vehicle at a speed greater than 15 miles per hour in any alley within the City.

3. School Zones: Pursuant to the laws of the state, school speed zones within which the maximum speed is 20 miles per hour are established by the City. It shall be illegal for any person to drive a motor vehicle therein at a speed in excess of 20 miles per hour on school days when children are present when signs are erected giving notice of such speed zones.

B. Speed Limits On Certain Streets; Vehicle Operation: On the basis of an engineering or traffic investigation conducted by the City, it has been determined that on various portions of City streets the speed permitted by state law is greater or lesser than is reasonable or safe under the conditions found to exist on such streets. The maximum speed limits on such streets or parts of streets are as determined by the City, which speeds declared shall be effective when signs are erected giving notice thereof. It shall be illegal for any person to drive a motor vehicle in excess of the speed therein stated.[1]

[1] Editor's Note: The Speed Limit Schedules are included as an attachment to this chapter.

§ 6-2-4 U-Turns.

[1975 Code § 41.03]

No person operating a vehicle upon any street in the City designated as a through street shall make a U-turn any place on such street, either at intersections or between intersections, nor at other places as marked.

§ 6-2-5 Traffic Regulations On Specific Streets.

[2003 Code]

A. Ordinances On File: Ordinances establishing designated stop and yield streets, specific parking prohibitions and restrictions, speed limits on certain streets, specific one-way, two-way and do not enter streets, no U-turn streets, snow routes and any other ordinances establishing regulations for specific streets shall be on file in the office of the City Clerk for public use and inspection.

B. Signs Posted: Signs shall be erected for the purpose of regulating the provisions of this section and, upon the erection of said signs, the City police department shall enforce the regulations as set forth in this section.

§ 6-2-6 Parades And Processions.

[Ord. 558, 9-19-1994]

A. Driving Through Processions: No driver of a vehicle shall drive between the vehicles comprising a funeral or other authorized procession while they are in motion and when such vehicles are conspicuously designated as vehicles comprising the funeral or other authorized procession.

B. Drivers In A Procession: Each driver in a funeral or other procession shall drive as near to the right hand edge of the public way as practical and shall follow the vehicle ahead as close as is practical and safe.

C. Funeral Processions To Be Identified: A funeral comprised of a procession of vehicles shall be identified as such by the display of lighted headlights on each such vehicle and the lead vehicle carrying an operating oscillating or flashing yellow light.

D. Permits Required For Parades And Processions: No procession or parade, excepting funerals, the armed forces of the United States, the military forces of the state, and the forces of the police department of the City or the fire department of the Le Roy fire protection district, shall occupy, march, or proceed along any street except in accordance with a permit issued by the chief of police of the City and in accordance with such other regulations as are set forth herein and may be applicable.

§ 6-2-7 Toy Vehicles.

[1975 Code § 41.16]

No person upon roller skates or riding in or by means of any coaster, toy vehicle, or similar device shall go upon any roadway except while crossing a street on a crosswalk and except upon streets set aside as play streets when and as authorized by ordinance.

§ 6-2-8 Commercial Vehicles. [1]

[Ord. 431, 3-2-1993; amended by Ord. 516, 10-18-1993; 2003 Code]

A. Definitions: The following definitions shall apply wherever those terms are set forth in this section:

ALLEY

Those public or private thoroughfares less than 20 feet in width and used primarily as the service access to abutting properties.

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE

Every motor vehicle weighing 12,000 pounds' or more gross weight, designed, used or maintained primarily for the transportation of property.

STREET, HIGHWAY OR WAY

The entire width between the boundary lines of every way publicly maintained when any part thereof is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular traffic.

B. Restrictions: It shall be unlawful to operate a commercial vehicle upon any street or other way or alley in the City where commercial vehicle operation is prohibited by ordinance and where such signs of prohibition are posted; except, that a commercial vehicle may be driven on such street, way or alley for not more than the minimum distance necessary for the purpose of making deliveries, picking up loads, performing contractual services for hire, or pick up of personal property.

C. Prima Facie Evidence; Defense: Every person found driving a commercial vehicle on the streets, ways and alleys described in this section shall be presumed to be driving said commercial vehicle in violation of Subsection B of this section. Proof that a person was driving the commercial vehicle on said streets, ways or alleys shall constitute a prima facie case; however, as a defense to such presumption, a person shall have the burden to show that at the time the person was found driving the commercial vehicle (presumably in violation of Subsection B of this section), said person was driving the commercial vehicle to or from a location on said streets, ways or alleys for one of the purposes not prohibited in Subsection B of this section. Any person not able to establish that the commercial vehicle he was driving was properly on said street, way or alley shall be issued a traffic citation therefor. As a defense to such citation, a person receiving the citation shall have the burden to show that at the time the citation was issued, the person was driving the commercial vehicle to or from a location on said street, way or alley for one of the purposes allowed under Subsection B of this section.

D. Truck Routes Established: Commercial vehicles may be operated upon those streets and alleys designated by the City.

E. Signs Posted: Commercial vehicle traffic on all other streets, ways and alleys in the City shall be deemed prohibited upon the effective date hereof. The City street superintendent is hereby directed, as are the Mayor and City Clerk, to the extent necessary, to take all steps as may be necessary and appropriate to procure signs and post the same notifying the public of the prohibition of such through traffic on all streets, ways and alleys except the truck routes established by the City Council.

F. Special Permit For Overweight Vehicles: No person shall drive any motor vehicle with a gross weight in excess of 73,280 pounds on or over any street, way or alley in the City unless he shall have a special permit issued by the Illinois department of transportation or other agency having proper jurisdiction over such matters, or by the City street superintendent.

G. Penalty: Every person convicted of a violation of Subsection B of this section shall be subject to penalty as provided in Title 1, Chapter 4 of this Code.

[1] Editor's Note: See also Subsection 10-11-6D of this Code, parking of trucks, tractors and trailers in residential districts.

§ 6-2-9 Sound Amplification System Restricted. [1]

[Ord. 439, 6-1-1992]

No driver of any motor vehicle within the City shall operate or permit the operation of any sound amplification system which can be heard outside the vehicle from 75 or more feet when the vehicle is being operated upon any highway, unless such system is being operated to request assistance or to warn of a hazardous situation. "Highway" is defined, for the purposes of this section, as being the entire width between the boundary lines of every way, publicly maintained, when any part thereof is opened to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel. The distance of measurement shall be deemed to be from the point of the vehicle nearest the point to which the measurement is made. This section does not apply to authorized emergency vehicles or vehicles lawfully engaged in advertising.

[1] Editor's Note: See also Subsection 5-2-6C of this Code for other noise conditions regarding vehicles.

§ 6-2-10 Golf Carts And Other Non-Highway Vehicles.

[Ord. 14-05-01-70, 5-19-2014; amended 12-2-2019 by Ord. No. 19-12-03-70; 12-4-2023 by Ord. No. 23-12-03-70; 7-15-2024 by Ord. No. 24-07-01-70; 9-15-2025 by Ord. No. 25-09-01-70]

A. Generally:

1. Golf carts and other non-highway vehicles specifically defined and qualified herein shall be allowed on City streets under the conditions as stated herein.

B. Definitions:

CITY STREETS

Any of the streets within the corporate boundaries of the City of Le Roy, Illinois.

GOLF CART

A vehicle specifically designed and intended for the purposes of transporting one or more persons and their golf clubs or maintenance equipment while engaged in the playing of golf, supervising the play of golf or maintaining the condition of the grounds on a public or private golf course.

NON-HIGHWAY VEHICLE

A motor vehicle not specifically designed to be used on a public highway, including a golf cart, an all-terrain vehicle, and a recreational off-highway vehicle, as defined by the Illinois Vehicle Code.

C. Requirements: All persons wishing to operate a golf cart and other non-highway vehicles on the City streets must ensure compliance with the following requirements:

1. Must have proof of current liability insurance.

2. Must be registered with the City and have the vehicle(s) schedule an inspection at City Hall, (annually or upon exchange of vehicle). In effect January 1, 2025.

3. Must display City decal on the rear of the vehicle.

4. Must have a driver with a valid Illinois driver's license.

5. Must be equipped as follows:

a. Horn;

b. Brakes and functioning brake lights;

c. Functioning turn signals;

d. A steering wheel apparatus;

e. Tires;

f. Rearview mirror;

g. Approved "slow moving vehicle" emblem on the rear of the vehicle;

h. Headlight that emits a white light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the front which must illuminate when in operation;

i. Taillamp that emits a red light visible from at least 100 feet from the rear which must be illuminated when in operation; and

j. Any additional requirements which may be amended to 625 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/11-1426.1 or its equivalent under the Illinois Vehicle Code if repealed.

6. Must obey all traffic laws of the State of Illinois.

7. Must have a driver at least 18 years of age.

8. Must be operated only on the City streets, unless the driver has obtained written permission from outside agencies (e.g., Empire Township, McLean County Highway Department, Illinois Department of Transportation, etc.) that share jurisdiction over a particular street, road, or highway.

9. May only be operated on streets with a posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour or less.

10. May not be operated to make direct crossing across any toll road, interstate highway, or controlled access highway.

11. May not cross a street with a speed limit in excess of 45 miles per hour unless the crossing is at an intersection controlled by a traffic light or a four-way stop sign.

12. May not be operated (if an all-terrain vehicle) within 100 feet of a dwelling between 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m. at a speed greater than the minimum required to maintain forward movement of the all-terrain vehicle.

13. May be used for snow removal services if equipped with a snowplow manufactured specifically for non-highway vehicle use.

14. Golf carts may not be operated on streets and highways and roads under the jurisdiction of the Illinois Department of Transportation or the County Highway Department except to cross at 90° crossing locations.

15. Persons driving the golf carts and other non-highway vehicles are to pull over to the right side of the road and stop, yielding right-of-way to approaching traffic from behind.

16. Golf carts and other non-highway vehicles are to have an elevated flag attached.

17. Seat belts are to be installed and required to be worn for the driver and all passengers when in operation.

D. Permits:

1. No person shall operate a qualified golf cart or other non-highway vehicle without first obtaining a permit from the City Clerk as provided herein. Permits shall be granted for a period of one year and renewed annually. The cost of the permit is $50, except the permit fee for U.S. military veterans, disabled persons, first responders (as defined from time to time by the Mayor) and persons 65 years of age or older shall be $25. These fees are in effect January 1, 2025. Permit fees shall not be pro-rated for a partial year. Insurance coverage is to be verified and to be in effect by the Police Department when obtaining and renewing a permit.

2. Every application for a permit shall be made on a form supplied by the City and shall contain the following information:

a. Name and home address of applicant;

b. Name of liability insurance carrier;

c. The serial number, make, model and description of the golf cart or other non-highway vehicle;

d. Signed waiver of liability by the applicant releasing the City and agreeing to indemnify and hold the City harmless from any and all future claims resulting from the operation of their golf cart and other non-highway vehicle on City streets;

e. Photocopy of applicable liability insurance coverage card specifically for the vehicle to be operated pursuant to the permit; and

f. Such other information as the City may require.

3. No permit shall be granted unless the following conditions are met:

a. The vehicle must be inspected by a certified mechanic to ensure that the vehicle is safe to operate on City streets and is in compliance with this section and with the State of Illinois Motor Vehicle Code;

b. A physically handicapped applicant must submit a certificate signed by the physician, certifying that the applicant is able to safely operate a qualified golf cart or other non-highway vehicle on City streets; and

c. The applicant must provide evidence of insurance in compliance with the provisions of the Illinois statutes regarding minimum liability insurance.

4. The City may suspend or revoke a permit granted hereunder after a hearing and upon a finding that the holder thereof has violated any provision of this section or there is evidence that the permittee cannot safely operate a qualified golf cart or other non-highway vehicle on the designated roadways.

5. Any person, firm, or corporation violating any provision of this section, including any provisions of the state law that are adopted herein by reference, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to penalty as provided in Title 1, Chapter 1-4, of this Code.