(a)
Upon all roadways, the driver of a vehicle shall drive upon the right half of the roadway except as provided in subsection (b).
(b)
Drivers do not have to drive upon the right half of the roadway as
follows:
(1)
When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same
direction under the rules governing such movement;
(2)
When the right half of the street is closed to traffic while under
construction or repair;
(3)
Upon a street divided into three marked lanes for traffic under the
rules applicable thereto; or
(4)
Upon a street designated and signposted for one-way traffic.
(1984 Code, sec. 20-31; 1997 Code,
sec. 71.01)
(a)
Vehicles proceeding in same direction.
(1)
Except as provided in subsection (c), the driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass on the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the street until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle. No vehicle shall be driven on the left side of the center of a street in overtaking and passing another vehicle while proceeding in the same direction unless such left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be made completely without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction of any overtaking vehicle. In every event, the overtaking vehicle must return to the right-hand side of the street before coming within 200 feet of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.
(2)
No vehicle shall, at any time, be driven to the left of the street
for the purpose of passing a vehicle proceeding in the same direction
when approaching within 100 feet of, or traversing, any intersection
or railroad grade crossing or when approaching within 100 feet of
any bridge, viaduct or tunnel.
(b)
Duty of driver of overtaken vehicle.
It shall be the
duty of the driver of a vehicle, upon audible signal that such vehicle
is about to be overtaken on the left, to give way to the right in
favor of the overtaking vehicle, and the speed of the overtaken vehicle
shall not be increased until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.
(c)
Passing on right-hand side restricted.
(1)
The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass to the right of a vehicle
proceeding in the same direction only under the following conditions:
(2)
Whenever a vehicle may be overtaken and passed on the right under
conditions permitting such movement in safety. In no event shall such
movement be made by driving off the pavement or main-traveled portion
of the street.
(d)
Vehicles proceeding in opposite directions.
Drivers
of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions shall pass each other
to the right and, upon streets having width for not more than one
line of traffic in each direction, each driver shall give to the other
at least one-half of the main-traveled portion of the street, as nearly
as possible.
(1984 Code, sec. 20-32; 1997 Code,
sec. 71.02)
(a)
Turning movements generally.
The driver of a vehicle
intending to turn at any intersection shall do so as follows:
(1)
Both the approach for a right turn and the actual right turn shall
be made as close as practical to the right-hand curb or edge of the
roadway.
(2)
The approach for a left turn shall be made in that portion of the
right half of the roadway nearest the centerline thereof and, after
entering the intersection, the left turn shall be made so as to leave
the intersection to the right of the centerline of the roadway being
entered.
(3)
The approach for a left turn from a two-way street into a one-way
street shall be made in the portion of the right-of-way of the roadway
nearest the centerline thereof and by passing to the right of such
centerline where it enters the intersection. A left turn from a one-way
street into a two-way street shall be made by passing to the right
of the centerline of the street being entered upon leaving the intersection.
(4)
Where both streets or roadways are one-way, both the approach for
a left turn and the left turn shall be made as close as practical
to the left-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
(b)
Limitations on U-turns.
(1)
It shall be unlawful for the operator of any vehicle to turn such
vehicle so as to proceed in the opposite direction unless such movement
can be made in safety and without backing or otherwise interfering
with other traffic.
(2)
A complete turn shall not be made at any intersection of any two
streets, or upon any street or alley in the city, where the city council
may determine that it is unsafe to make a complete turn and shall
have caused to be posted at such place in the street or alley a sign
showing that a complete turn is prohibited.
(1984 Code, sec. 20-33; 1997 Code,
sec. 71.03)
(a)
Stopping and turning signals.
(1)
When any other traffic may be affected by turning movements, no person
shall turn any vehicle without giving a signal of his or her intention
to turn right or left. Such signals shall be given continuously during
not less than the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning.
(2)
No person shall stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle
without first giving an appropriate signal to the driver of any vehicle
immediately to the rear when there is opportunity to give such signal.
(3)
A stop or turn signal required by this section shall be given by
means of the hand and arm, or by a signal lamp or mechanical signal
device of a type approved by the state department of public safety;
provided, however, that when the body of the vehicle or the body and
load of a vehicle projects 24 inches or more to the left of the center
of the steering wheel, or under any condition when a hand and arm
signal would not be visible both to the front and rear of the vehicle,
the vehicle must be equipped with and the signals must be given by
a turn-indicating lamp or device.
(4)
The signal lamp provided for in this section shall be used to indicate
an intention to turn, change lanes, or start from a parking position,
and shall not be flashed on a moving vehicle as a courtesy or as a
"do pass" signal to operators of other vehicles approaching from the
rear.
(1984 Code, sec. 20-35; 1997 Code,
sec. 71.04)
Whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly
marked lanes for traffic, the following rules, in addition to all
other consistent herewith, shall apply:
(1)
Lane restriction.
The driver of a vehicle shall drive
as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane, and shall not
move from such lane until the driver has first ascertained that such
movement can be made with safety.
(2)
Three-lane roadways.
Upon a roadway which is divided
into three lanes, the driver of a vehicle shall not drive in the center
lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle where the
roadway is clearly visible and such center lane is clear of traffic
within a safe distance, or in preparation for a left turn, or where
such center lane is at the time allocated exclusively to traffic moving
in the direction the vehicle is proceeding and is signposted to give
notice of such allocations.
(3)
Designated lanes.
Official signs may be erected directing
slow-moving traffic to use a designated lane or designating those
lanes to be used by traffic moving in a particular direction, regardless
of the center of the roadway, and drivers of vehicles shall obey the
directions of every such sign.
(1984 Code, sec. 20-36; 1997 Code,
sec. 71.05)
Whenever any street or highway within the city has been divided
into two roadways by leaving an intervening space or by a physical
barrier or clearly indicated dividing sections so constructed as to
impede vehicular traffic, every vehicle shall be driven only upon
the right-hand roadway, and no vehicle shall be driven over, across,
or within any such divided space, barrier or section, except through
an opening therein, at a cross-over, or at an intersection.
(1984 Code, sec. 20-37; 1997 Code,
sec. 71.06)
(a)
Vehicles approaching or entering intersection.
(1)
The driver of a vehicle approaching the intersection of a different
street or roadway shall stop, yield and grant the privilege of immediate
use of such intersection in obedience to any stop sign, yield right-of-way
sign, or traffic-control device erected by public authority, and after
so stopping may only proceed thereafter when such driver may safely
enter the intersection without interference or collision with traffic
using a different street or roadway.
(2)
The driver of a vehicle on a single lane street or roadway, or a
street or roadway consisting of only two traffic lanes, upon approaching
the intersection, not otherwise controlled by traffic signs or signals,
of a divided street or roadway or of a street or roadway divided into
three or more marked traffic lanes, shall stop, yield and grant the
privilege of immediate use of such intersection to vehicles on the
other street which are within the intersection or approaching such
intersection in such proximity thereto as to constitute a hazard,
and after so stopping, may only proceed when he or she may safely
enter the intersection without interference or collision with traffic
using such different street or roadway.
(3)
The driver of a vehicle on an unpaved street or roadway approaching
the intersection of a paved roadway shall stop, yield and grant the
privilege of immediate use of such intersection to any vehicle on
such paved roadway which is within the intersection or approaching
such intersection in such proximity thereto as to constitute a hazard,
and after so stopping, may only proceed when such driver may safely
enter the intersection without interference or collision with traffic
using such paved street or roadway.
(4)
Other intersections:
(A)
Except as provided in subsection (a)(4)(B), the driver of a vehicle approaching the intersection of a different street or roadway, not otherwise regulated herein, or controlled by traffic-control signs or signals, shall stop, yield and grant the privilege of immediate use of such intersection to any other vehicle which has entered the intersection from such driver's right or is approaching such intersection from such driver's right in such proximity thereto as to constitute a hazard, and after so stopping, may only proceed when he or she may safely enter such intersection without interference or collision with traffic using such different street or roadway.
(B)
The driver of a vehicle approaching the intersection of a street
or roadway from a street or roadway which terminates at the intersection,
not otherwise regulated in this section or controlled by traffic-control
signs or signals, shall stop, yield and grant the privilege of immediate
use of the intersection to another vehicle which has entered the intersection
from the other street or roadway or is approaching the intersection
on the other street or roadway in such proximity as to constitute
a hazard, and after stopping, may only proceed when he or she may
safely enter the intersection without interference or collision with
the traffic using the other street or roadway.
(b)
Vehicle turning left.
The driver of a vehicle intending
to turn to the left within an intersection or into an alley, private
road or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching
from the opposite direction which is within the intersection or so
close thereto as to constitute an immediate hazard.
(c)
Vehicle entering stop or yield intersection.
(2)
Except when directed to proceed by a police officer or traffic-control signal, every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop intersection indicated by a stop sign shall stop as required by section 11.03.011 and after having stopped shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection from another highway or which is approaching so closely on the highway as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time when such driver is moving across or within the intersection.
(3)
The driver of a vehicle approaching a yield sign shall in obedience
to such sign slow down to a speed reasonable for the existing conditions
and shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle in the intersection
or approaching on another highway so closely as to constitute an immediate
hazard during the time such driver is moving across or within the
intersection; provided, however, that if such a driver is involved
in a collision with a vehicle in the intersection, after driving past
a yield sign without stopping, such collision shall be deemed prima
facie evidence of his or her failure to yield the right-of-way.
(d)
Vehicle entering or leaving controlled access highway.
The driver of a vehicle proceeding on an access or feeder road of
a controlled access highway shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle
entering or about to enter the road from the highway or leaving or
about to leave the road to enter the highway.
(e)
Vehicle entering highway from private road or driveway.
The driver of a vehicle about to enter or cross a highway from an
alley, building, private road or driveway shall yield the right-of-way
to all vehicles approaching on the highway to be entered.
(f)
Emerging from alley, driveway or building.
The driver
of a vehicle within a business or residential district emerging from
an alley, driveway or building shall stop such vehicle immediately
prior to driving onto a sidewalk or onto the sidewalk area extending
across any alleyway or driveway, and shall yield the right-of-way
to any pedestrian as may be necessary to avoid collision, and upon
entering the roadway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles
approaching on the roadway.
(1984 Code, secs. 20-38, 20-190; 1997 Code, sec. 71.07)
The driver of a vehicle shall not back the same unless such
movement can be made with reasonable safety and without interfering
with other traffic.
(1984 Code, sec. 20-39; 1997 Code,
sec. 71.08)
(a)
Duties of driver on approach of authorized emergency vehicle.
(1)
Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle equipped
with at least one lighted lamp exhibiting a red light visible, under
normal atmospheric conditions, from a distance of 500 feet to the
front of such vehicle, and when the driver of such vehicle is giving
audible signal by siren, exhaust whistle or bell, the driver of every
other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive
to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand
edge or curb of the roadway which is clear of any intersection and
shall stop and remain in such position until the authorized emergency
vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer.
(b)
Meeting or overtaking school bus.
The driver of a vehicle
upon any of the public streets or highways within the city limits
shall, upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any school
bus which has stopped on the highway for the purpose of loading or
unloading any school children, stop such vehicle when warning lights
on such school bus are activated. It shall be unlawful for any vehicle
to proceed as long as such warning lights remain activated; however,
if any school bus has stopped for the purpose of loading or unloading
any children on a divided highway, then approaching traffic may continue
at a safe and prudent speed.
(1984 Code, sec. 20-40; 1997 Code,
sec. 71.09)
(a)
Obstructing traffic.
It shall be unlawful for any person
to stop, drive or propel a vehicle in such manner as to block or obstruct
the traffic on any street or alley in the city.
(b)
Blocking intersection or crosswalk.
No driver shall
enter any intersection or a marked crosswalk unless there is sufficient
space on the other side of the intersection or crosswalk to accommodate
the vehicle being operated without obstructing the passage of other
vehicles or pedestrians, notwithstanding any traffic-control signal
indication to proceed.
(1984 Code, secs. 20-41, 20-191; 1997 Code, sec. 71.10)
The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle
more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for
the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon, and the condition
of, the street.
(1984 Code, sec. 20-42; 1997 Code,
sec. 71.11)
(a)
Driving on sidewalk.
Any driver of any vehicle who shall
drive such vehicle upon or across any sidewalk or sidewalk area of
any street within the city, except on a driveway, public or private,
shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.
(b)
Driving through safety zone.
No driver of any vehicle
shall, at any time, drive through or within a safety zone.
(c)
Driving on fresh pavement.
It shall be unlawful for
any person to drive any vehicle upon any portion of any street in
the city that has been freshly paved, unless all barriers or signal
lights have been lawfully removed therefrom, indicating that the street
is ready for travel.
(d)
Parks, hospital grounds or public property.
It shall
be unlawful for any person to drive or operate any vehicle whatsoever
through or upon, or to park such vehicle upon, any park, hospital
ground or other public property within the city except upon officially
designated roadways or parking areas.
(1984 Code, sec. 20-43; 1997 Code,
sec. 71.12)
Any driver of any motor vehicle who shall use such vehicle to
"dig out" or shall cause any such vehicle to make unnecessary noises
by reason of operating such vehicle in such manner as to cause the
wheels thereof to spin or slide on the roadway or any street when
starting such vehicle or while making any turning movement shall be
deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.
(1984 Code, sec. 20-44; 1997 Code,
sec. 71.13)
It shall be the duty of every person who shall operate any vehicle
within the city to keep the same under control at all times and to
avoid, whenever possible, colliding with any other vehicle or person.
(1984 Code, sec. 20-45; 1997 Code,
sec. 71.14)
No person shall open the door of a motor vehicle on the side
available to moving traffic unless and until it is reasonably safe
to do so, nor shall any person leave a door of a motor vehicle open
on the side available to traffic for a period of time longer than
necessary to load or unload passengers.
(1984 Code, sec. 20-46; 1997 Code,
sec. 71.15)
It shall be unlawful for any person to drive a vehicle over
any sidewalk area or through any driveway, parking lot, or any business
entrance at any intersection, making either a right or left turn,
except for the purpose of coming to a complete stop to obtain or render
some service or make a sale or purchase. It is the intention of this
section to prohibit "corner cutting": the driving of any vehicle from
one street into another across any sidewalk or through any parking
lot or driveway.
(1984 Code, sec. 20-47; 1997 Code,
sec. 71.16)
No person shall drive his vehicle onto or from any limited roadway
except at such entrances and exits as are established by public authority.
(1984 Code, sec. 20-48; 1997 Code,
sec. 71.17)
(a)
No person shall drive his or her vehicle when it is loaded with material
or passengers so as to obstruct the view of the driver to the front
or sides of the vehicle, or so as to interfere with the driver's control
over the driving mechanism of the vehicle.
(b)
No passenger in a vehicle shall ride in such position as to interfere
with the driver's view ahead or to the side, or as to interfere with
the control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle.
(1984 Code, sec. 20-49; 1997 Code,
sec. 71.18)
(a)
Any person who drives or operates an automobile or any other motor
vehicle upon any street or alley in the city in a reckless manner
as hereafter described and defined shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(b)
Reckless driving shall mean the driving by any person of any vehicle
in willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others or
without due caution or circumspection or at a speed or in a manner
so as to endanger or be likely to endanger a person or property.
(1984 Code, secs. 20-77, 20-78; Ordinance 131 adopted 4/1/1953; 1997 Code, sec. 71.19)
(a)
As used in this section, "motor vehicle" means a device in, on or
by which a person or property is or may be transported or drawn on
a highway, including but not limited to cars, trucks, pickups, vans,
mini-vans, motorcycles, motorbikes, mini-bikes, three-wheelers, four-wheelers,
mopeds, or any motor-powered two-wheeled vehicles.
(b)
A person commits an offense if the person drives or operates a motor
vehicle on any part of Lost Creek Dam at Lost Creek Reservoir situated
within the boundary limits of the city.
(c)
It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the person
driving or operating a motor vehicle on Lost Creek Dam was acting
under the direction, permission or authorization of the city or its
duly authorized agent.
(Ordinance 8-5-91 adopted 8/13/1991; Ordinance O-12-16 adopted 10/24/2016; 1997 Code,
sec. 71.20)
(a)
Every motor vehicle shall at all times be equipped with a muffler
in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive
or unusual noise and no person shall use a muffler cutout, bypass
or similar device upon a motor vehicle on a highway.
(b)
The engine and power mechanism of every motor vehicle shall be so
equipped and adjusted as to prevent the escape of excessive fumes
or smoke.
(1984 Code, secs. 20-79, 20-90; Ordinance adopted 8/16/1918; 1997 Code, sec. 71.21)
Every person operating or driving any motor vehicle in the city
shall have the same equipped with a horn in good working order, capable
of emitting an abrupt sound adequate in quality and volume to give
warning of the approach of such motor vehicle to pedestrians and to
persons riding or driving animals, or to other vehicles. Every person
operating or driving a motor vehicle shall sound the horn whenever
necessary as a warning of danger, but not at other times or for other
purposes.
(1984 Code, sec. 20-80; Ordinance
adopted 7/3/1917; 1997 Code, sec.
71.22)
No person shall ride on any vehicle upon any portion thereof
not designated or intended for the use of passengers. However, this
provision shall not apply to any employee engaged in the necessary
discharge of his or her duty or to a person riding within truck bodies
or spaces intended for merchandise.
(1984 Code, sec. 20-83; 1997 Code,
sec. 71.23)
A person operating a motorcycle shall not ride other than upon
the permanent and regular seat attached thereto, nor shall any other
person, nor shall any other person [sic] ride upon such motorcycle
other than upon a firmly attached seat to the rear or to the side
of the motorcycle.
(1984 Code, sec. 20-84; 1997 Code,
sec. 71.24)
No person riding upon any bicycle, motorcycle, coaster, sled,
roller skates, or any toy vehicle shall attach the same or himself
or herself to any moving vehicle upon any roadway.
(1984 Code, sec. 20-85; 1997 Code,
sec. 71.25)
(a)
Whenever the load upon any vehicle extends to the rear four feet
or more beyond the bed or body of such vehicle, there shall be displayed
at the extreme rear end of the load a red light during nighttime hours
which must be visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the
side and rear of the vehicle. Such red light shall be in addition
to the red rear lights required for every vehicle.
(b)
At any other time there shall be displayed at the extreme rear end
of such load a red flag or cloth no less than 12 inches square and
so hung that the entire area is visible to the driver of a vehicle
approaching from the rear.
(1984 Code, sec. 20-88; 1997 Code,
sec. 71.27)
(a)
Whenever any ordinance of the city council designates any one-way
street or alley, the street superintendent shall place and maintain
signs giving notice thereof. No such regulation shall be effective
until such signs are in place.
(b)
Signs indicating the direction of lawful traffic movement shall be
placed at every intersection where movement of traffic in the opposite
direction is prohibited. Upon those streets, or parts of streets,
or in those alleys which are designated "one-way" streets or alleys,
vehicular traffic shall move only in the indicated direction where
signs indicating the direction of traffic are erected and maintained
at every intersection and where movement in the opposite direction
is thereby prohibited.
(1984 Code, sec. 20-136; 1997 Code,
sec. 71.28)
(a)
Ambulance.
Fire apparatus.
Other public danger.
Street.
Definitions.
For the purpose of this section, the following
definitions shall apply, unless the context clearly indicates or requires
a different meaning:
The term is defined in section 11.01.001.
Means and includes any fire truck, engine, hose truck or
other vehicle used and operated by the fire department of the city,
in answering any fire or other alarm or in fighting and extinguishing
fire or controlling other public dangers.
Any emergency which the governing authorities or fire chief
of the city shall direct the fire department and apparatus to reach
and attend.
Any street, alley, avenue or other public way within the
city.
(b)
Right-of-way.
Except as hereinafter provided, any person
engaged in operating a motor vehicle upon the streets of the city
shall immediately upon the sounding of the fire alarm of the city
move his or her vehicle to the right-hand curb of the street and there
remain stopped until the fire apparatus or ambulance shall have passed
or it has been determined that such apparatus will not pass along
the street on which the vehicle is being operated.
(c)
Following or parking near fire apparatus or ambulance.
(1)
The driver of any vehicle other than one on official business shall
not follow any fire apparatus traveling in response to a fire alarm
closer than 500 feet or drive into or park such vehicle within the
block where the fire apparatus has stopped to answer a fire alarm.
(2)
No driver of a vehicle, except on official business, may follow closer
than 500 feet behind an ambulance when the flashing red lights of
the ambulance are operating. No driver of a vehicle may drive or park
his or her vehicle at a place where an ambulance has been summoned
for an emergency call in a manner calculated to interfere with the
arrival or departure of the ambulance.
(d)
Driving over fire hose.
No driver of a vehicle shall
drive over an unprotected hose of a fire department when laid down
on any street or private driveway, which hose is to be used at any
fire or alarm of fire, without the consent of the fire department
official in command.
(e)
Exceptions.
(1)
Volunteer firefighters, police and ambulance personnel shall be exempted
from this section while responding to an emergency, provided they
are in private vehicles clearly indicated by signs, emergency flashing
lights, or other clearly visible indicators of their volunteer or
ambulance personnel status.
(2)
Nothing in this section shall relieve the volunteer firefighter,
police or ambulance personnel from observing all other traffic laws,
ordinances, rules or regulations contained herein, or imposed by law.
(1984 Code, secs. 20-161–20-164; Ordinance 58 adopted 9/21/1937; 1997 Code, sec. 71.29)
No person shall drive a vehicle on a road, street or alley at
a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions
then existing, having regard to the actual and potential hazards when
approaching and crossing an intersection or a railway grade crossing,
when approaching and going around a curve, when approaching a hill
crest, when traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway, or when
special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians or other traffic
or by reason of weather or highway conditions, and in every event
speed shall be so controlled as may be necessary to avoid colliding
with any person, vehicle or other conveyance on or entering the highway,
in compliance with legal requirements and duty of all persons to use
care.
(1984 Code, sec. 20-171; Ordinance 122 adopted 2/25/1952; 1997 Code, sec. 71.45)
(a)
Where no special hazard exists that requires lower speed for compliance with section 11.04.051, the speed of any vehicle not in excess of the limits specified in this section or established as hereinafter authorized shall be lawful.
(b)
Any speed in excess of the limits specified in this section or established
as hereinafter authorized shall be prima facie evidence that the speed
is not reasonable or prudent and that it is unlawful:
(1984 Code, sec. 20-172; 1997 Code,
sec. 71.46)
The prima facie speed limits as set forth in section 11.04.052 and section 11.07.003 may be altered as hereinafter authorized by authority of the state transportation commission on determination of an engineering and traffic investigation, as more fully set out in Texas Transportation Code section 545.356 et seq., as amended, and this section, insofar as it pertains or applies to incorporated towns or cities, is hereby adopted in its entirety the same as if fully incorporated herein.
(1984 Code, sec. 20-173; Ordinance 122 adopted 2/25/1952; 1997 Code, sec. 71.47)
The provisions of Texas Transportation Code section 545.356
et seq., pertaining to the authority by city ordinance to alter prima
facie speed limits, is hereby adopted in its entirety, and the same
is fully incorporated herein.
(1984 Code, sec. 20-174; Ordinance 122 adopted 2/25/1952; 1997 Code, sec. 71.48)
(b)
A speed limit of 20 miles per hour shall be effect in such school
zones Monday through Friday every week of the school semesters of
the school districts serving the city when specially marked signs
are erected. The school zones shall be marked by means of special
signs stating "SCHOOL -20 MPH," during specific times. The chief of
police is hereby authorized to coordinate the time of school zones
with the appropriate school authorities.
(c)
The placement of traffic-control devices by the city shall be prima
facie evidence that the device is installed and maintained pursuant
to the authority granted herein, in accordance with state law, in
proper position and in full force and effect.
(1984 Code, sec. 20-175; Ordinance 92 adopted 10/19/1948; Ordinance 122 adopted 2/25/1952; Ordinance O-10-03 adopted 8/12/2003; Ordinance O-19-05 adopted 11/15/2005; Ordinance O-06-08 adopted 3/11/2008; Ordinance O-05-12 adopted 6/12/2012; 1997 Code, sec. 71.49; Ordinance
adopting 2023 Code)
Any person who shall race or engage in a contest for speed between
motor vehicles of any kind upon any public street or alley within
the city shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor. The fact that the
actual speed attained by any vehicle engaged in racing or in a contest
for speed is less than the prima facie legal speed limit shall be
no defense to a complaint of racing or engaging in a contest for speed
in violation of this section.
(1984 Code, sec. 20-176; 1997 Code,
sec. 71.50)
No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as
to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic,
except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or compliance
with law.
(1984 Code, sec. 20-177; 1997 Code,
sec. 71.51)
The provisions of this division and other ordinances of the
city regulating the speed of vehicles shall not apply to vehicles
of the fire department when responding to a call, nor to police patrol
vehicles, physicians' vehicles, or ambulances when actually engaged
in responding to emergency calls; provided, however, that this section
shall not authorize any ambulance driver to exceed the speed of 45
miles per hour, or the speed limit, whichever is greater.
(1984 Code, sec. 20-178; 1997 Code,
sec. 71.52)
