A. 
The following words when used in this chapter have the following meanings:
ABANDONED VEHICLE
Any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer:
(1) 
That is inoperative and left on public property;
(2) 
That has remained illegally on public property, including, but not limited to, those vehicles not displaying currently valid registration plates or displaying registration plates of another vehicle; or
[Amended 12-3-2012 by Ord. No. O-12-12, effective 1-2-2013]
(3) 
That has remained on private property for more than 48 hours without the consent of the owner or person in control of the property.
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE
Any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, including but not limited to stake platform trucks, cranes and tow trucks, used for carrying freight, merchandise, passengers or tools of a trade for compensation or in furtherance of any commercial enterprise, that:
(1) 
Has a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight specification exceeding 7,500 pounds; or
(2) 
Contains advertising, except that a firm name or similar designation in lettering not exceeding four inches in height shall not be deemed to be advertising; or
(3) 
Exceeds 300 cubic feet of load space; or
(4) 
Has dual rear wheels.
IMPOUNDMENT
To seize and take into legal custody.
INOPERATIVE VEHICLE
A motor vehicle that is missing any of the following: its engine, tires, steering wheel, transmission, windows, fender, bumper, hood, or valid license plate or is partially dismantled or wrecked or having one or more flat tires or that is otherwise unable to be moved under its own power.
B. 
Words which are not specifically defined herein shall have the same meaning as those words defined in the Transportation Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, §§ 11-101 through 11-177 and §§ 21-101, 25-101 and 25-201.
No person shall tamper with, touch, press, or in any way contact the operating mechanism constructed for pedestrian or vehicular use so as to cause any automatic signal device erected in the City for the control of traffic to display a signal to interfere with, obstruct, or stop traffic unless such person has a bona fide intention in so operating such traffic signal mechanism for the purpose of bringing vehicular traffic to a stop to provide safe passage for pedestrians or vehicles across and over the streets, roads, and avenues of the City.
The City Manager is empowered to formulate written regulations in keeping with and in furtherance of the policies and requirements set forth in this chapter. Such regulations shall have the same force and effect as the provisions set forth in this chapter without further action of the Council. Such regulations may include but are not limited to regulations necessary to cover emergencies or special conditions.
The City Manager or his designee shall have the following additional powers and duties:
A. 
Traffic studies and recommendations. To study traffic matters, within the limits of funds provided for these purposes, and to recommend to the Council or other City officials ways and means for improving traffic conditions and the administration of this chapter.
B. 
Traffic planning. To determine the installation and proper timing and maintenance of traffic control devices on City streets, to conduct analyses of traffic accidents and to devise remedial measures, to plan the operation of traffic on the streets in this City, and to cooperate with other governmental officials in improving traffic conditions on streets and highways.
C. 
Traffic control devices. To install signs, street markings and other traffic control devices on City streets after proper study as are found necessary for the regulation of traffic.
D. 
Crosswalks; safety zones. To designate crosswalks, safety zones and traffic lanes where there is a particular danger to pedestrians or where a regular alignment of traffic is necessary, and that where such lanes have been marked it shall be unlawful for the operator of any vehicle to fail or refuse to keep such vehicle within the boundaries of such lane except when lawfully passing another vehicle or preparatory to making a lawful turning movement.
E. 
Signs at intersections. To place turning markers or signs within or adjacent to intersections indicating the course to be traveled by vehicles turning at such intersections, and no driver of a vehicle shall disobey the directions of such indications.
F. 
Stop signs. To determine intersections where vehicles should stop and to erect a stop sign at every such place where a stop sign is required.
G. 
Parking restrictions. To erect signs indicating no parking upon either or both sides of any street where such parking would, in his judgment, interfere with traffic or create a hazardous situation.
H. 
Commercial traffic regulations. To erect signs giving notice thereof that restrictions exist on certain streets, and no person shall operate any commercial vehicle on such designated streets except for the purpose of delivering or picking up materials or merchandise and then only by entering such street at the intersection nearest the destination of the vehicle and proceeding thereon no farther than the nearest intersection thereafter.
I. 
Records of traffic regulations. To maintain and publish a record of all traffic regulations and requirements made pursuant to this chapter.