Provisions of this chapter applicable to drivers upon the highways shall apply to the drivers of all vehicles owned or operated by the United States, the state or any county, city or town, district or any other political subdivision of the state, subject to such specific exceptions as are set forth in this chapter with reference to authorized emergency vehicles.
(2001 Code, sec. 12.203)
(a) 
Generally.
The driver of an emergency vehicle, as the term “authorized emergency vehicle” is defined by state law, when responding to an emergency call or when in the pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law, or when responding to, but not returning from, a fire alarm, may exercise the privileges set forth in this section, but subject to the conditions stated in this section.
(b) 
Permitted acts.
The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may:
(1) 
Park or stand irrespective of the provisions of this chapter or any ordinance;
(2) 
Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation;
(3) 
Exceed the prima facie speed limits so long as he does not endanger life or property;
(4) 
Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions.
(c) 
Use of signals required; exception.
The exemptions granted in this section to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when such vehicle is making use of audible and visual signals meeting the requirements of V.T.C.A., Transportation Code, section 547.702, except that an authorized emergency vehicle operated as a police vehicle need not be equipped with or display a red light from the front of the vehicle.
(d) 
Safe driving practices required.
The foregoing provision shall not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor shall such provisions protect the driver from the consequences of his reckless disregard for the safety of others.
(e) 
Penalty.
Any person convicted of violating any of the provisions of this section shall be punished by a fine in accordance with the general penalty provision found in section 1.01.009 of this code.
(2001 Code, secs. 12.501–12.505)
(a) 
Definitions.
In this section:
Curb.
The line adjacent to the edge of the roadway which may be either a raised or lowered or a marked or unmarked surface.
Roadway.
That portion of a street or highway designed, improved or ordinarily used for vehicular travel, typically delineated by curbs, edge lines or the edge of pavement.
Street or highway.
The width between the boundary lines of a publicly maintained way, any part of which is open to the public for vehicular traffic.
(b) 
Prohibition.
It shall be unlawful for any person to distribute, sell or offer for sale or distribution any goods, wares, merchandise or service, or solicit a ride, employment, donations, contributions or business, within a roadway or on any median or traffic island within the right-of-way of any street or highway within the city.
(c) 
Solicitations or sales to occupants of vehicles.
(1) 
It shall be unlawful for any person to distribute or sell or offer for sale or distribution any goods, wares or merchandise or solicit a ride, employment, donations or contributions by a direct transaction or exchange with the occupant of any vehicle stopped or traveling on any street or highway within the city.
(2) 
An offense under this subsection occurs when the offer, solicitation or distribution is made, regardless of whether a transaction is completed.
(2001 Code, secs. 12.1201–12.1203)