The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Bicycle.
A device that a person may ride and that is propelled by human power and has two tandem wheels at least one of which is more than 14 inches in diameter.
Bicycle lane.
A portion of the street or roadway set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles and clearly indicated as such.
Commercial motor vehicle.
Any motor vehicle other than a motorcycle, passenger car or truck with an unloaded weight less than 2,001 pounds designed or used for the transportation of property, including vehicles used for delivery purposes.
Crosswalk.
The portion of a roadway:
(1) 
Including an intersection, designated as a pedestrian crossing by surface markings, including lines; or
(2) 
At an intersection that is within the connections of the lateral lines of the sidewalks on opposite sides of the highway measured from the curbs or, in the absence of curbs, from the edges of the traversable roadway.
Highway or street.
The width between the boundary lines of a publicly maintained way any part of which is open to the public for vehicular travel.
Intersection.
The common area at the junction of two highways, other than the junction of an alley and a highway.
(1) 
Dimensions of an intersection include only the common area:
(A) 
Within the connection of the lateral curblines or, in the absence of curblines, the lateral boundary lines of the roadways of intersecting highways that join at approximate right angles; or
(B) 
At the place where vehicles could collide if traveling on roadways of intersecting highways that join at any angle other than an approximate right angle.
(2) 
Each junction of each roadway of a highway that includes two roadways at least 30 feet apart with the roadway of an intersecting highway, including each roadway of an intersecting highway that includes two roadways at least 30 feet apart, is a separate intersection.
Laned roadway.
A roadway that is divided into at least two clearly marked lanes for vehicular travel.
Manual.
The Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, 1980 edition, as amended.
Motor vehicle.
A self-propelled vehicle or a vehicle that is propelled by electric power from overhead trolley wires.
Motorcycle.
A motor vehicle, other than a tractor, that is equipped with a rider’s saddle and designed to have, when propelled, not more than three wheels on the ground.
Motor-driven cycle.
A motorcycle equipped with a motor that has an engine piston displacement of 125 cubic centimeters or less.
Official traffic-control device.
All signs, signals, markings, and devices not inconsistent with this chapter placed or erected by authority of a public body or official having jurisdiction, for the purpose of regulating, warning, or guiding traffic.
Park or parking.
To stand an occupied or unoccupied vehicle, other than temporarily while loading or unloading merchandise or passengers.
Police officer.
An officer authorized to direct traffic or arrest persons who violate traffic regulations.
Private road or driveway.
A privately owned way or place used for vehicular travel and used only by the owner and persons who have the owner’s express or implied permission.
Proof of route.
A verification of pickups, deliveries or destinations which shall consist of a log book, delivery slip, shipping order, bill of lading contract or other document, identifying and specifying the date, address and name of the company or person requesting or directing the pickup or delivery, and the company or person receiving the pickup or delivery and the site of the pickup, delivery or destination within the corporate limits of the city.
Public street.
Any state, county or city street, road, alley, roadway, bridge or other thoroughfare located within the corporate limits of the city that has not been designated a through truck route in accordance with the provisions of section 16.06.002.
Roadway.
The portion of a highway, other than the berm or shoulder, that is improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel. If a highway includes at least two separate roadways, the term applies to each roadway separately.
Safety zone.
The area in a roadway officially designated for exclusive pedestrian use and that is protected or so marked or indicated by adequate signs as to be plainly visible at all times while so designated.
School bus.
A motor vehicle, other than a bus used in an urban area by a common carrier to transport schoolchildren, that:
(1) 
Is being used to transport children to or from a school or school-related activity; and
(2) 
Complies with the color and identification requirements provided in the most recent edition of standards produced and sponsored by the National Education Association’s National Commission on Safety Education.
Sidewalk.
The portion of a street that is:
(1) 
Between a curb or lateral line of a roadway and the adjacent property line; and
(2) 
Intended for pedestrian use.
Tandem axle group.
Two or more axles spaced 40 inches or more apart from center to center having at least one common point of weight suspension.
Through truck.
Trucks having no destination, pickup or delivery point located within the corporate limits of the city.
Traffic-control signal.
A manual, electric, or mechanical device that alternately directs traffic to stop and to proceed.
Trailer.
A vehicle, other than a pole trailer, with or without motive power:
(1) 
Designed to be drawn by a motor vehicle and to transport persons or property; and
(2) 
Constructed so that no part of the vehicle’s weight and load rests on the motor vehicle.
Truck.
A motor vehicle designed, used or maintained primarily for the transportation of property, and equipped with tandem axle groups, or a movable loading bed or all truck-tractor, trailer or semitrailer or combinations of such vehicles.
Vehicle.
A device that can be used to transport or draw persons or property on a highway. The term does not include:
(1) 
A device exclusively used on stationary rails or tracks; or
(2) 
Manufactured housing as that term is defined by the Texas Manufactured Housing Standards Act (Texas Occupations Code, chapter 1201).
(1996 Code, sec. 82-1)
Whenever any police officer observes a vehicle moving in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter such officer is hereby authorized to stop and arrest or issue a citation to the driver of such vehicle.
(1996 Code, sec. 82-2)
(a) 
The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle (as 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 a fire alarm, may exercise the privileges set forth in this section, subject to the conditions stated below:
(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; and
(5) 
Do all things reasonably necessary under the circumstances to safeguard life and property.
(b) 
The exemptions herein granted to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when such vehicle sounds audible signal by bell or siren. Such vehicle shall be equipped with at least two lighted lamps displaying a red light visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of 500 feet forward. An authorized emergency vehicle operated as a police vehicle need not be equipped with or display a red light visible in front of the vehicle.
(c) 
The foregoing provisions shall not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons. Neither shall such provisions protect the driver from the consequences of his reckless disregard for the safety of others.
(1996 Code, sec. 82-33)