For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply, unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning:
Authorized emergency vehicle.
Vehicles of the fire department, police vehicles and the ambulances and emergency vehicles of municipal departments or public service corporations as are designated or authorized by the chief of police.
Crosswalk.
That portion of a roadway ordinarily included within the prolongation of curb and property lines at intersections, or any other portion of a roadway clearly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface.
Hand signals.
All signals made by the operator by use of the hand and forearm for the purpose of indicating his intention of turning, stopping, or changing the course of the vehicle.
Intersection.
The area embraced within the prolongation of the lateral curb lines or, if none, then the lateral boundary lines of two or more streets or highways which join one another at an angle, whether or not one street or highway crosses the other.
Motor vehicle.
Every vehicle which is self-propelled.
Official traffic signs.
All signals, not inconsistent with this article, placed or erected by the authority of a public body or official having jurisdiction for the purpose of directing, warning or regulating traffic.
Operator.
Any person who is in actual physical control of a vehicle.
Parking.
The standing of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, upon a roadway, otherwise than temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading, or in obedience to traffic regulations or traffic signs and signals.
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 road or driveway not open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel.
Right-of-way.
The privilege of the immediate use of the street or highway.
Roadway.
That portion of a street or highway between the regularly established curb lines or that part devoted to vehicular travel.
Safety zone.
That 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 and the adjacent property lines.
Street or highway.
Every way set apart for public travel, except foot paths.
Traffic.
Pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles, and other conveyances, either singly or together, while using any street for purposes of travel.
Vehicle.
Every device in, upon or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a street or highway, excepting devices moved by human power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.
(1966 Code, ch. 20.2, art. I, sec. 1; 1994 Code, sec. 70.01)
It shall be unlawful for any person to refuse or fail to comply with any lawful order, signal or direction of a police officer or fire department official given, as authorized by this chapter, to direct, control or regulate traffic.
(1966 Code, ch. 20.2, art. I, sec. 5; 1994 Code, sec. 70.02)
The sections of this chapter shall apply to the operator of any vehicle owned by or used in the service of the government of the United States or this state, county or city, and it shall be unlawful for any operator to violate any of the provisions of this chapter, except as otherwise permitted in this chapter.
(1966 Code, ch. 20.2, art. I, sec. 11; 1994 Code, sec. 70.03)
(a) 
The provisions of this chapter regulating the operation, parking and standing of vehicles shall apply to authorized emergency vehicles, except that the driver of a vehicle, when operating the same in an emergency, except when otherwise directed by a police officer, may:
(1) 
Park or stand notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter.
(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 so long as he does not endanger life or property.
(b) 
The exceptions hereinbefore granted in reference to the movement of any authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when the driver of the vehicle sounds a siren, bell, or exhaust whistle as may be reasonably necessary, and the vehicle displays a lighted red lamp visible from the front as a warning to others.
(c) 
The foregoing exemptions shall not, however, protect the driver of any vehicle from the consequences of his reckless disregard of the safety of others.
(1966 Code, ch. 20.2, art. I, sec. 12; 1994 Code, sec. 70.04)
In case of injury or damage to person or property due to the operation of a vehicle, the operator or driver thereof shall stop and, upon the request of the person injured or of any other person present, give his name and address and that of the owner of the vehicle.
(1966 Code, ch. 20.2, art. I, sec. 6; 1994 Code, sec. 70.40)