(a) 
Upon all roadways of sufficient width, a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows:
(1) 
When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing such movement.
(2) 
When an obstruction exists making it necessary to drive to the left of the center of the highway; provided, any person so doing shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles traveling in the proper direction upon the unobstructed portion of the highway within such distance as to constitute an immediate hazard.
(3) 
Upon a roadway divided into three (3) marked lanes for traffic under the rules applicable thereon.
(4) 
Upon a roadway restricted to one-way traffic.
(b) 
Upon all roadways, any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
(c) 
Upon any roadway having four (4) or more lanes for moving traffic and providing for two-way movement of traffic, no vehicle shall be driven to the left of the centerline of the roadway, except when authorized by official traffic-control devices designating certain lanes to the left side of the center of the roadway for use by traffic not otherwise permitted to use such lanes, or except as permitted under subsection (a)(2) hereof. However, this subsection shall not be construed as prohibiting the crossing of the centerline in making a left turn into or out of an alley, private road, or driveway.
(1984 Code, sec. 12-91; 1998 Code, sec. 10.401)
The following rules shall govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction, subject to those limitations, exceptions and special rules hereinafter stated:
(1) 
The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle.
(2) 
Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle on audible signal and shall not increase the speed of his vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.
(3) 
No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the street in overtaking and passing another vehicle 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 completely made without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction of any vehicle overtaken. In every event, the overtaking vehicle must return to the right-hand side of the street before coming within one hundred (100) feet of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.
(4) 
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 one hundred (100) feet of or traversing any intersection or railroad grade crossing or when approaching within one hundred (100) feet of any bridge, viaduct or tunnel.
(1984 Code, sec. 12-92; 1998 Code, sec. 10.402)
The city council is authorized to determine by resolution those portions of any highway in the city where overtaking and passing or driving on the left side of the roadway would be especially hazardous and may by appropriate signs or markings on the roadway indicate the beginning and end of such zones, and when such signs or markings are in place and clearly visible to any ordinarily observant person every driver of a vehicle shall obey the directions thereof.
(1984 Code, sec. 12-93; 1998 Code, sec. 10.403)
Drivers of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions shall pass each other to the right and, upon streets having width for not more than one (1) 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. 12-94; 1998 Code, sec. 10.404)
The driver of a vehicle intending to turn at an intersection shall do so as follows:
(1) 
Right turns.
Both the approach for a right turn and a right turn shall be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
(2) 
Left turns.
The driver of a vehicle intending to turn left at any intersection shall approach the intersection in the extreme left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel of such vehicle, and, after entering the intersection, the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection in a lane lawfully available to traffic moving in such direction upon the roadway being entered. Whenever practicable the left turn shall be made in that portion of the intersection to the left of the center of the intersection.
(3) 
Traffic-control devices.
The state and city in their respective jurisdictions may cause official traffic-control devices to be placed within or adjacent to intersections and thereby require and direct that a different course from that specified in this section be traveled by vehicles turning at an intersection, and when such devices are so placed no driver of a vehicle shall turn a vehicle at an intersection other than as directed and required by such devices.
(1984 Code, sec. 12-95; 1998 Code, sec. 10.405)
(a) 
Generally.
(1) 
No person shall turn a vehicle at an intersection unless the vehicle is in proper position upon the roadway as required in section 12.05.005, or turn a vehicle to enter a private road or driveway, or otherwise turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left upon a roadway, unless and until such movement can be made with safety. Except under conditions set out in section 12.01.008, no person shall so turn any vehicle without giving an appropriate signal in the manner hereinafter provided.
(2) 
A signal of intention to turn right or left, when required, shall be given continuously during not less than the last one hundred (100) feet traveled by the vehicle before turning.
(3) 
No person shall stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle without first giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided herein to the driver of any vehicle immediately to the rear when there is opportunity to give such signal.
(4) 
The signals provided for in subsections (5) and (6) shall be used to indicate an intention to turn, change lanes, or start from a parked position and shall not be flashed on one side only on a parked or disabled vehicle, or flashed as a courtesy or “do pass” signal to operators of other vehicles approaching from the rear.
(5) 
Any stop or turn signal, when required herein, shall be given either by means of the hand and arm or by signal lamps, except as otherwise provided in subsection (6).
(6) 
Any motor vehicle in use on a highway shall be equipped with, and required signals shall be given by, signal lamps when the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the left outside limit of the body, cab or load of such motor vehicle exceeds twenty-four (24) inches, or when the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the rear limit of the body or load thereof exceeds fourteen (14) feet. The latter measurement shall apply to any single vehicle, and also to any combination of vehicles.
(b) 
Manner of giving with hand and arm.
All signals required by subsection (a) of this section, when given by hand and arm, shall be given from the left side of the vehicle in the following manner, and such signals shall indicate as follows:
(1) 
Left turn.
Hand and arm extended horizontally.
(2) 
Right turn.
Hand and arm extended upward.
(3) 
Stop or decrease speed.
Hand and arm extended downward.
(1984 Code, secs. 12-96, 12-97; 1998 Code, sec. 10.406)
(a) 
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.
(b) 
A complete turn shall not be made at any intersection of any two (2) 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 at such place in the street or alley a sign showing that a complete turn is prohibited.
(1984 Code, sec. 12-98; 1998 Code, sec. 10.407)
(a) 
Right-of-way at intersections.
(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 such 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 (2) 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 (3) or more marked traffic lanes, shall stop, yield and grant the privilege of immediate use of such intersection to vehicles on such 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 thereafter when such driver 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 thereafter when such driver may safely enter the intersection without interference or collision with traffic using such paved street or roadway.
(4) 
Except as provided in subsection (5), 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 thereafter when such driver may safely enter such intersection without interference or collision with traffic using such different street or roadway.
(5) 
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 the driver may safely enter the intersection without interference or collision with the traffic using the other street or roadway.
(6) 
A driver obligated to stop and yield the right-of-way in accord with this section who is involved in a collision or interference with other traffic at such intersection is presumed not to have yielded the right-of-way as required by this chapter.
(b) 
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.
(1984 Code, secs. 12-99, 12-100; 1998 Code, sec. 10.408)
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. 12-101; 1998 Code, sec. 10.409)
Whenever any street or highway has been divided into two (2) or more roadways by leaving an intervening space or by a physical barrier or clearly indicated dividing section so constructed as to impede vehicular traffic, every vehicle shall be driven only upon the right-hand roadway unless directed or permitted to use another roadway by official traffic-control devices or police officers. No vehicle shall be driven over, across or within any such dividing space, barrier or section, except through an opening in such physical barrier or dividing section or space or at a crossover or intersection as established by public authority.
(1984 Code, sec. 12-102; 1998 Code, sec. 10.410)
Whenever any roadway has been divided into two (2) or more clearly marked lanes for traffic, the following rules, in addition to all others consistent herewith, shall apply:
(1) 
The driver of a vehicle shall drive as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety.
(2) 
Upon a roadway which is divided into three (3) 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 sign-posted to give notice of such allocation.
(3) 
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 direction at every such sign.
(1984 Code, sec. 12-103; 1998 Code, sec. 10.411)
(a) 
Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle equipped with at least one lighted lamp exhibiting red light visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of five hundred (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, 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) 
This section shall not operate to relieve the driver of any authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway.
(1984 Code, sec. 12-104; 1998 Code, sec. 10.412)
(a) 
The driver of a vehicle upon a highway inside or outside of a business or residence district, upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus which has stopped on the highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school children, shall stop the vehicle before reaching such school bus when there is in operation on said school bus a visual signal as specified by state law, and said driver shall not proceed until such school bus resumes motion or he is signaled by the school bus driver to proceed or the visual signals are no longer actuated.
(b) 
The driver of a vehicle upon a highway with separate roadways need not stop upon meeting or passing a school bus which is on a different roadway or when upon a controlled-access highway and the school bus is stopped in a loading zone which is a part of or adjacent to such highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.
(1984 Code, sec. 12-105; 1998 Code, sec. 10.413)
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 of the city.
(1984 Code, sec. 12-106; 1998 Code, sec. 10.414)
No driver shall enter an intersection or a marked crosswalk unless there is sufficient space on the other side of the intersection or crosswalk to accommodate the vehicle he is operating without obstructing the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians, notwithstanding any traffic-control signal indication to proceed.
(1984 Code, secs. 12-107, 12-126; 1998 Code, secs. 10.415, 10.432)
(a) 
The driver of a motor vehicle shall, when following another vehicle, maintain an assured clear distance between the two (2) vehicles, exercising due regard for the speed of such vehicles, and traffic upon and conditions of the street or highway, so that such motor vehicle can be safely brought to a stop without colliding with the preceding vehicle or veering into other vehicles, objects or persons on or near the street or highway.
(b) 
The driver of any motor truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle when traveling upon a roadway outside of a business or residential district and which is following another motor truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle shall whenever conditions permit leave sufficient space so that an overtaking vehicle may enter and occupy such space without danger, except that this shall not prevent a motor truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle from overtaking and passing any like vehicle or other vehicle.
(c) 
The drivers of motor vehicles driven upon any roadway outside of a business or residential district in a caravan or motorcade, whether or not towing other vehicles, shall drive so as to allow sufficient space between each such vehicle or combination of vehicles so as to enable any other vehicles to enter and occupy such space without danger. This provision shall not apply to funeral processions.
(1984 Code, sec. 12-108; 1998 Code, sec. 10.416)
No driver of any vehicle other than one on official business shall follow any fire apparatus traveling in response to a fire alarm, or any other emergency vehicle while on an emergency call, closer than five hundred (500) feet, nor shall such driver drive into or park such vehicle within the block where the fire apparatus has stopped to answer a fire alarm.
(1984 Code, sec. 12-109; 1998 Code, sec. 10.417)
No driver of any vehicle shall drive over an unprotected hose of the fire department when such hose has been laid down on any street or private driveway to be used at any fire or alarm of fire, without the consent of the fire department official in command.
(1984 Code, sec. 12-110; 1998 Code, sec. 10.418)
(a) 
Funerals to be identified.
A funeral composed of a procession of vehicles shall be identified as such by the display upon the outside of each vehicle of a pennant or other identifying insignia or by such other method as may be determined and designated by the mayor.
(b) 
Driving through procession.
No driver of a vehicle shall drive between the vehicles comprising a funeral or other authorized procession while they are in motion and when such vehicles are conspicuously designated as such. This provision shall not apply at intersections where traffic is controlled by traffic-control signals or police officers.
(c) 
Driving in procession.
Each driver in a funeral or other procession shall drive as near to the right-hand side of the roadway as practical and shall follow the vehicle ahead as close as is practical and safe.
(1984 Code, secs. 12-111–12-113; 1998 Code, sec. 10.419)
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.
(1984 Code, sec. 12-114; 1998 Code, sec. 10.420)
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.
(1984 Code, sec. 12-117; 1998 Code, sec. 10.423)
(a) 
Any driver of any motor vehicle who shall deliberately cause a vehicle under their control to display an unnecessary act of acceleration, and/or cause said vehicle to make unnecessary noise by operating in such a manner, and/or as to cause the tires to spin/slide on the roadway of any street, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.
(b) 
Citation or warning issued shall state "display of acceleration" as the offense.
(1984 Code, sec. 12-119; 1998 Code, sec. 10.425; Ordinance 2019-0603 adopted 6/3/2019)
Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving, which is a violation of this code.
(1984 Code, sec. 12-120; 1998 Code, sec. 10.426)
No person driving a vehicle shall cross a sidewalk or drive through a driveway, parking lot, or business or residential entrance without bringing the vehicle to a complete stop. No person driving a vehicle shall cross or drive in or on such sidewalks, driveways, parking lots or entrances at an intersection for the purpose of making either a right or left turn from one street or highway to another street or highway.
(1984 Code, sec. 12-122; 1998 Code, sec. 10.428)
(a) 
No person shall drive a 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 as to interfere with the driver’s control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle.
(b) 
No passenger in a vehicle or bus shall ride in such position as to interfere with the driver’s or operator’s view ahead or to the sides, or to interfere with control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle or bus.
(1984 Code, sec. 12-123; 1998 Code, sec. 10.429)
No person shall start a vehicle which is stopped, standing or parked unless and until such movement can be made with safety.
(1984 Code, sec. 12-124; 1998 Code, sec. 10.430)
The driver of a vehicle emerging from an alley, driveway or building shall stop such vehicle immediately prior to driving onto a sidewalk or onto a sidewalk area extending across any alleyway or driveway, yielding 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, sec. 12-125; 1998 Code, sec. 10.431)
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 pedestrian.
(1984 Code, sec. 12-127; 1998 Code, sec. 10.433)
(a) 
Whenever any person driving a vehicle approaches a railroad grade crossing, the driver of such vehicle shall stop within fifty (50) feet, but not less than fifteen (15) feet, from the nearest rail of such railroad and shall not proceed until he can do so safely when:
(1) 
A clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device gives warning of the immediate approach of a train;
(2) 
A crossing gate is lowered, or when a human flagman gives or continues to give a signal of the approach or passage of a train;
(3) 
A railroad engine approaching within approximately fifteen hundred (1500) feet of the highway crossing emits a signal audible from such distance and such engine by reason of its speed or nearness to such crossing is an immediate hazard;
(4) 
An approaching train is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to such crossing.
(b) 
No person shall drive any vehicle through, around or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad grade crossing while such gate or barrier is closed or is being opened or closed.
(1984 Code, sec. 12-128; 1998 Code, sec. 10.434)