(a) 
Whenever any ordinance of the city council designates any one-way street or alley, the chief of police shall place and maintain signs giving notice thereof, and no such regulations shall be effective unless the signs are in place. Signs indicating the direction of lawful traffic movement shall be placed at every intersection where movement of traffic in the opposite direction is prohibited.
(b) 
Upon those streets and parts of streets and in those alleys which are designated as one-way streets or alleys, vehicular traffic shall move only in the indicated direction where signs indicating the direction of traffic are erected and maintained at every intersection where movement in the opposite direction is prohibited.
(1987 Code, sec. 16-87)
(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; or
(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) of this section. 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.
(1987 Code, sec. 16-31)
Drivers of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions shall pass each other to the right, and upon roadways 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 roadway as nearly as possible.
(1987 Code, sec. 16-32)
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.
(1987 Code, sec. 16-33)
No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless authorized by the provisions of this chapter and 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 operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction or any vehicle overtaken. In every event, the overtaking vehicle must return to an authorized lane of travel as soon as practicable and, in the event the passing movement involves the use of a lane authorized for vehicles approaching from the opposite direction, before coming within two hundred (200) feet of any approaching vehicle.
(1987 Code, sec. 16-34)
(a) 
A driver may operate a vehicle on an improved shoulder to the right of the main traveled portion of the roadway as long as necessary and when the operation may be done in safety only under the following circumstances:
(1) 
To stop, stand, or park;
(2) 
To accelerate prior to entering the main traveled lane of traffic;
(3) 
To decelerate prior to making a right turn;
(4) 
To overtake and pass another vehicle that is slowing or stopped on the main traveled portion of the highway disabled or preparing to make a left turn;
(5) 
To allow other vehicles to pass that are traveling at a greater speed;
(6) 
When permitted or required by an official traffic-control device; or
(7) 
At any time to avoid a collision.
(b) 
A driver may operate a vehicle on the improved shoulder to the left of the main traveled portion of a divided or controlled-access highway when the operation may be done in safety only under the following conditions:
(1) 
To slow or stop when the vehicle is disabled and traffic or other circumstances prohibit the safe movement of the vehicle to the shoulder to the right of the main traveled portion of the roadway;
(2) 
When permitted or required by an official traffic-control device; or
(3) 
To avoid a collision.
(c) 
The provisions of this section limiting the operation of vehicles upon improved shoulders shall not apply to:
(1) 
Authorized emergency vehicles responding to calls;
(2) 
Police patrols; or
(3) 
Vehicles and equipment actually engaged in work upon a highway, but shall apply to such persons and vehicles when traveling to or from such work.
(1987 Code, sec. 16-35)
(a) 
The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions:
(1) 
When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn;
(2) 
Upon a street or highway with unobstructed pavement not occupied by parked vehicles of sufficient width for two (2) or more lines of moving vehicles in each direction;
(3) 
Upon a one-way street, or upon any roadway on which traffic is restricted to one (1) direction of movement, where the roadway is free from obstructions and of sufficient width for two (2) or more lines of moving vehicles.
(b) 
The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. In no event shall such movement be made by driving off the main traveled portion of the roadway except as provided in section 12.03.005.
(1987 Code, sec. 16-36)
(a) 
No vehicle shall at any time be driven to the left side of the roadway under the following conditions:
(1) 
Where sight restriction is such that the section of highway being traversed lies within a no passing zone as determined and marked in accordance with Texas Transportation Code.
(2) 
When approaching within one hundred (100) feet of or traversing any intersection or railroad grade crossing.
(3) 
When approaching within one hundred (100) feet of any bridge, viaduct, or tunnel.
(b) 
The foregoing limitations shall not apply upon a one-way roadway, nor to any driver of a vehicle turning left into or from an alley, private road, or driveway.
(1987 Code, sec. 16-37)
The city council is hereby authorized to determine by resolution those portions of any highway or street 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 the zones, and when the signs or markings are in place and clearly visible to any ordinarily observant person, every driver of a vehicle shall obey the directions thereof.
(1987 Code, sec. 16-38)
(a) 
The driver of a vehicle intending to turn at an intersection shall do so as follows:
(1) 
Right turn.
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 turn.
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.
(b) 
The state transportation commission and the 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.
(1987 Code, sec. 16-39)
(a) 
No person shall turn a vehicle at an intersection unless the vehicle is in proper position upon the roadway as required in section 12.03.010, 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.
(b) 
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.
(c) 
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.
(d) 
The signals provided for in subsections (e) and (f) of this section shall be used to indicate an intention to turn, change lanes, or start from a parked position and shall not be flashed on one (1) 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.
(e) 
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 (f) of this section.
(f) 
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, also to any combination of vehicles.
(1987 Code, sec. 16-40)
(a) 
All signals required by this chapter which are 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.
(b) 
The signals herein required shall be given either by means of the hand and arm, or by a signal lamp or signal device approved by the department.
(1987 Code, sec. 16-41)
(a) 
Preferential right-of-way at an intersection may be indicated by stop signs or yield signs as authorized by law.
(b) 
Except when directed to proceed by a police officer or traffic-control signal, every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop intersection indicated by a stop sign shall stop as required by V.T.C.A., Transportation Code, section 544.010, and after having stopped shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection from another highway or which is approaching so closely on such highway as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time when such driver is moving across or within the intersection.
(c) 
The driver of a vehicle approaching a yield sign shall in obedience to such sign slow down to a speed reasonable for the existing conditions and shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another highway so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time such driver is moving across or within the intersection; provided, however, that if such a driver is involved in a collision with a vehicle in the intersection after driving past a yield sign without stopping, such collision shall be deemed prima facie evidence of his failure to yield the right-of-way.
(1987 Code, sec. 16-85)
(a) 
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.
(b) 
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 when such driver may safely enter the intersection without interference or collision with traffic using such different street or roadway.
(c) 
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 when such driver may safely enter the intersection without interference or collision with traffic using such paved street or roadway.
(d) 
Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, 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 when such driver may safely enter such intersection without interference or collision with traffic using such different street or roadway.
(e) 
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.
(f) 
A driver obligated to stop and yield the right-of-way in accord with subsections (a) through (e) of 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.
(g) 
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.
(1987 Code, sec. 16-43)
(a) 
No vehicle shall make a U-turn in a street except at a street intersection. All such turns shall be made by keeping the vehicle to the right of the centerlines of the intersecting streets.
(b) 
It shall be unlawful to make a U-turn at any intersection at which a traffic light has been placed.
(1987 Code, sec. 16-44)
(a) 
Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle making use of audible and visual signals meeting the requirements of V.T.C.A., Transportation Code, chapter 546, or of a police vehicle properly and lawfully making use of an audible signal only, 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 that 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.
(1987 Code, sec. 16-45)
(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 schoolchildren, shall stop the vehicle before reaching such school bus when there is in operation on such school bus a visual signal as specified by law, and such driver shall not proceed until such school bus resumes motion or 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.
(1987 Code, sec. 16-46)
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.
(1987 Code, sec. 16-48)
(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.
(1987 Code, sec. 16-50)
(a) 
The driver of any vehicle other than one on official business shall not follow any fire apparatus traveling in response to a fire alarm closer than five hundred (500) feet or drive into or park such vehicle within the block where the fire apparatus has stopped to answer a fire alarm.
(b) 
No driver of a vehicle, except a driver on official business, may follow closer than five hundred (500) feet behind an ambulance when the flashing red lights of the ambulance are operating. No driver of a vehicle may drive or park his vehicle at a place where an ambulance has been summoned for an emergency call in a manner calculated to interfere with the arrival or departure of the ambulance.
(1987 Code, sec. 16-51)
Whenever any street or highway in the city 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 therein or at a crossover or intersection as established by public authority.
(1987 Code, sec. 16-56)
(a) 
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 the vehicle shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has first ascertained that the movement can be made with safety.
(2) 
Upon a roadway which is divided into three (3) lanes and provides for two-way movement of traffic, a vehicle shall not be driven in the center lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction when such center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance, or in preparation for making a left turn or where such center lane is at the time allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the same direction that the vehicle is proceeding and such allocation is designated by official traffic-control devices.
(b) 
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 of every such sign.
(c) 
Official traffic-control devices may be installed prohibiting the changing of lanes on sections of roadway, and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of every such device.
(1987 Code, sec. 16-57)
Any driver of any motor vehicle who shall cause the vehicle to dig out or shall cause any vehicle to make unnecessary noise by reason of operating the vehicle in such manner as to cause the wheels thereof to spin or slide on the roadway of any street when starting the vehicle or while making any turning movement shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.
(1987 Code, sec. 16-58)
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 person.
(1987 Code, sec. 16-59)
No person shall open the door of a motor vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so, and can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic, nor shall any person leave a door open on the side of a motor vehicle available to traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.
(1987 Code, sec. 16-60)
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.
(1987 Code, sec. 16-61)
No person shall drive any motor vehicle upon a sidewalk or sidewalk area except upon a permanent or duly authorized temporary driveway.
(1987 Code, sec. 16-52)
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.
(1987 Code, sec. 16-54)
No driver of any vehicle shall drive over an unprotected hose of the fire department when the 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.
(1987 Code, sec. 16-55)
(a) 
No person shall drive a vehicle when it is so loaded, or when there are in the front seat such a number of persons, exceeding three (3), 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 shall ride in such position as to interfere with the driver’s view ahead or to the sides, or to interfere with control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle.
(1987 Code, sec. 16-63)
The driver of a vehicle within a business or residence district emerging from an alley, driveway or building shall stop the 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; provided, however, that every vehicle emerging from an alley shall turn to the right.
(1987 Code, sec. 16-190)
(a) 
No person shall drive any vehicle in any race, speed competition or contest, drag race or acceleration contest, test of physical endurance, or exhibition of speed or acceleration, or for the purpose of making a speed record, and no person shall in any manner participate in any such race, competition, contest, test, or exhibition.
(b) 
“Drag race” is defined as the operation of two (2) or more vehicles from a point side by side at accelerating speeds in a competitive attempt to outdistance each other, or the operation of one (1) or more vehicles over a common selected course, from the same point to the same point, for the purpose of comparing the relative speeds or power of acceleration of such vehicle or vehicles within a certain distance or time limit.
(c) 
“Racing” is defined as the use of one (1) or more vehicles in an attempt to outgain, outdistance, or prevent another vehicle from passing, to arrive at a given destination ahead of another vehicle or vehicles, or to test the physical stamina or endurance of drivers over long-distance driving routes.
(1987 Code, sec. 16-104)