For the purpose of this traffic code, the following definitions
shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different
meaning:
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.
Any device, whether manually, electrically, or mechanically
operated, by which traffic is alternately directed to stop and permitted
to proceed.
All signs, signals, markings, and devices not inconsistent
with this chapter placed or erected by authority of the city council
for the purpose of regulating, warning, or guiding traffic.
(1997 Code, sec. 70.01)
(a)
Whenever in this chapter an act is prohibited or is made or declared
to be unlawful or an offense or a misdemeanor, or whenever in this
chapter the doing of any act is required or the failure to do any
act is declared to be unlawful, and no specific penalty is otherwise
provided in this Code of Ordinances, the violation shall be punished
by a fine not exceeding $500.00; provided, however, that no penalty
shall be greater or less than the penalty provided for the same or
a similar offense by the laws of the state.
(b)
Each day a violation of this chapter or of any ordinance continues
shall constitute a separate offense.
(1997 Code, sec. 70.99)
(a)
Any person who has received any notice to appear in answer to a traffic
charge under this chapter may, within the time specified in the notice,
appear at the traffic violations bureau and answer the charge set
forth in such notice by paying a prescribed fine and in writing pleading
guilty to the charge, waiving a hearing in court and giving power
of attorney to the person in charge of the bureau to make such a plea
and pay such fine in court.
(b)
Any person who has been guilty of three or more traffic violations,
except as otherwise provided in this chapter, within the preceding
12 months shall not be permitted to pay a fine at the traffic violations
bureau, and he must make statutory bail for appearance in court.
(1997 Code, sec. 70.02)
(a)
Any person who violates his written promise to appear, given to an
officer upon an arrest for any traffic violation, is guilty of a misdemeanor,
regardless of the disposition of the charge on which he was originally
arrested.
(b)
Any driver of a motor vehicle who unlawfully neglects to answer to
the charges set forth in a written notice affixed to such motor vehicle
by a police officer as provided by any ordinance of this city is guilty
of a misdemeanor, regardless of the disposition of the charge for
which said notice was originally given.
(1997 Code, sec. 70.03)
The city council is empowered by resolution to make and enforce
regulations necessary to make effective provisions of this chapter
and to make and enforce temporary regulations to cover emergency or
special conditions.
(1997 Code, sec. 70.04)
All law enforcement officers of the county sheriff’s office
and all state and federal law enforcement agencies are authorized
to direct all traffic, either in person or by means of visible or
audible signals, in conformance with the provisions of this chapter,
providing that, in the event of a fire or other emergency or to expedite
traffic or safeguard pedestrians, members of the county volunteer
fire department may direct traffic as conditions may require, notwithstanding
the provisions of this section.
(1997 Code, sec. 70.05)
No person shall willfully fail or refuse to comply with any
lawful order or direction of any law enforcement officer or firefighter
invested by law with authority to direct, control, or regulate traffic.
(1997 Code, sec. 70.06)
The provisions of this chapter applicable to the drivers of
vehicles upon the highways and streets shall apply to the drivers
of all vehicles owned or operated by the United States, this state
or any county, city, town, district, or any other political subdivision
of this state, subject to such specific exceptions as are set forth
in this chapter with reference to authorized emergency vehicles.
(1997 Code, sec. 70.07)
