The following words and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall, for the purpose of this chapter, have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section:
Alley.
A public thoroughfare which ordinarily affords only a second means of access to abutting property.
Authorized emergency vehicle.
Vehicles of the fire department (fire patrol), police vehicles and such ambulances and emergency vehicles of municipal departments or public service corporations as are designated or authorized by the chief of police.
Crosswalk.
That part of a roadway at an intersection included within the connections of the lateral lines of the sidewalks on opposite sides of the street measured from the curbs, or in the absence of curbs, from the edges of the traversable roadway. The word “crosswalk” also means any portion of a roadway at an intersection or elsewhere distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface.
Curb loading zone.
A space adjacent to the curb reserved for the exclusive use of vehicles during the loading and unloading of passengers or materials.
Driver or operator.
Every person who drives or is in actual physical control of a vehicle.
Freight curb loading zone.
A space adjacent to a curb for the exclusive use of vehicles during the loading or unloading of freight.
Intersection.
The area embraced within the prolongation or connection of the lateral curb lines, or if none, then the lateral boundary lines of the roadways of two (2) streets which join one another at, or approximately at, right angles, or the area within which vehicles traveling upon different streets joining at any other angle may come in conflict. Where a street includes two (2) roadways, thirty (30) feet or more apart, then every crossing of each roadway of such divided street by an intersecting street shall be regarded as a separate intersection. In the event such intersecting street also includes two (2) roadways thirty (30) feet or more apart, then every crossing of two (2) roadways of such streets shall be regarded as a separate intersection.
Laned roadway.
A roadway which is divided into two (2) or more clearly marked lanes for vehicular traffic.
Limited-access or controlled-access highway.
Every highway, street or roadway in respect to which owners or occupants of abutting property or lands and other persons have no legal right of access to or from the same except at such points only and in such manner as may be determined by the public authority having jurisdiction over such highway, street or roadway.
Motor vehicle.
Every vehicle which is self-propelled and every vehicle which is propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not operated upon rails.
Motorcycle.
Every motor vehicle having a saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three (3) wheels in contact with the ground, but excluding a tractor.
Official time standard.
Whenever certain hours are named herein they shall mean standard time or daylight savings time as may be in current use in this city.
Official traffic-control devices.
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.
When prohibited, the standing of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, otherwise than temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading.
Passenger curb loading zone.
A place adjacent to a curb for the exclusive use of vehicles during the loading or unloading of passengers.
Pedestrian.
Any person afoot.
Police officer.
Every officer of the city police department or any officer authorized to direct or regulate traffic or to make arrests for violations of traffic regulations.
Private road or driveway.
Every way or place in private ownership and use for vehicular travel by the owner and those having express or implied permission from the owner but not other persons.
Railroad.
A carrier of persons or property upon cars, other than streetcars, operated upon stationary rails.
Railroad train.
A steam engine, electric or other motor, with or without cars coupled thereto, operated upon rails, except streetcars.
Residence district.
The territory contiguous to and including a street or highway not comprising a business district when the property on such street or highway, for a distance of three hundred (300) feet or more, is, in the main, improved with residences or residences and buildings in use for business.
Right-of-way.
The privilege of the immediate use of the roadway.
Roadway.
That portion of a street or highway improved, designed or ordinarily used for vehicular travel. In the event a highway includes two (2) or more separate roadways, the term “roadway” shall refer to any such roadway separately but not to all such roadways collectively.
Safety zone.
The area or space officially set apart within a roadway for the exclusive use of pedestrians and which is protected or is so marked or indicated by adequate signs as to be plainly visible at all times while set apart as a safety zone.
Sidewalk.
That portion of a street between the curb lines, or the lateral lines of a roadway, and the adjacent property lines, intended for the use of pedestrians.
Stop.
When required, means complete cessation of movement.
Stop, stopping or standing.
When prohibited, means any stopping or standing of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a police officer or traffic-control sign or signal.
Street or highway.
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 travel.
Traffic.
Pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles, streetcars and other conveyances, either singly or together, while using any street for purposes of travel.
Traffic-control signal.
Any device, whether manually, electrically or mechanically operated, by which traffic is alternately directed to stop and to proceed.
Vehicle.
Every device in, upon or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a street or highway, except devices moved by human power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracts.
(1981 Code, sec. 18.1)
The motor vehicle laws of the state are hereby adopted by reference and made a part of this code, insofar as they apply to municipalities and the jurisdiction of the municipal court of the city.
(1981 Code, sec. 18.2; Ordinance adopting 2021 Code)
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate any vehicle on any street, alley or other public way in the city unless such vehicle is equipped in accordance with all state laws governing vehicles, or to fail to use such equipment as required by such laws, or to use any equipment contrary to such laws.
(1981 Code, sec. 18.10)
(a) 
It shall be unlawful for any driver of a truck or truck-tractor to activate or use the unit’s “transmission brake” within the city limits, except in an emergency situation.
(b) 
The term “emergency situation,” for the purposes of this section, shall mean one in which there is imminent danger of collision with property, persons or animals.
(Ordinance 18.27 adopted 9/13/07)