Drivers of vehicles must at all times comply with any direction given by whistle, voice or hand by any police officers, as to stopping, starting, approaching or departing from any place in any public highway.
(R.O. 1947 § 265)
It shall be the duty of every person operating or driving a vehicle on the public highway of the City to drive the same in a careful and prudent manner.
(R.O. 1947 § 264)
A. 
Intoxicating Liquor: It shall be unlawful and punishable as provided in subsection D of this section for any person who is under the influence of intoxicating liquor to drive or be in actual physical control of any motor vehicle in the City.
B. 
Amount of Alcohol; Presumptions: In any criminal prosecution for violation of subsection A of this section relating to driving a vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, the amount of alcohol in the defendant's blood at the time alleged as shown by chemical analysis of the defendant's blood, urine, breath or other bodily substance, shall give rise to the following presumptions:
1. 
If there was at the time five one-hundredths percent or less by weight of alcohol in the defendant's blood, it shall be presumed that the defendant was not under the influence of intoxicating liquor.
2. 
If there was at that time in excess of five one-hundredths percent but less than one-tenth percent by weight of alcohol in the defendant's blood, such fact shall not give rise to any presumption that the defendant was or was not under the influence of intoxicating liquor, but such fact may be considered with other competent evidence in determining the guilt or innocence of the defendant.
3. 
If there was at the time one-tenth percent or more by weight of alcohol in the defendant's blood, it shall be presumed that the defendant was under the influence of intoxicating liquor.
4. 
Percent by weight of alcohol in the blood shall be based upon grams of alcohol per 100 cubic centimeters of blood.
5. 
The preceding provisions of this subsection shall not be construed as limiting the introduction of any other competent evidence bearing upon the question whether or not the defendant was under the influence of intoxicating liquor.
C. 
Drugs: It is unlawful and punishable as provided in subsection D of this section for any person who is an habitual user or under the influence of any narcotic drug or who is under the influence of any other drug to a degree which renders him or her incapable of safely driving a motor vehicle to drive a motor vehicle within the City. The fact that any person has been entitled to use such drug under the laws of this State shall not constitute a defense against any charge of violating this subsection.
D. 
Penalty:
1. 
A person convicted of a violation of this section or of Montana Code Annotated Section 61-8-401(1), or any similar ordinance enacted by a Montana City or town under authority of Montana Code Annotated Section 61-8-401, may, in the discretion of the court, be punished by imprisonment in jail for up to 24 hours, and shall be punished by a fine of not less than $100, nor more than $500. The jail sentence may not be suspended unless the judge finds that the imposition of the jail sentence will pose a risk to the defendant's physical or mental well-being.
2. 
On a second conviction, he or she shall be punished by a fine of not less than $300 or more than $500 and by imprisonment for not less than seven days, nor more than 30 days. Three days of the jail sentence may not be suspended unless the judge finds that the imposition of the jail sentence will pose a risk to the defendant's physical or mental well-being.
3. 
In addition to the punishment provided in this subsection, regardless of the disposition, the defendant shall complete an alcohol information course at an alcohol treatment program approved by the State Department of Institutions which may include alcohol or drug treatment or both if considered necessary by the counselor conducting the program. Each counselor providing such education or treatment shall, at the commencement of the education or treatment, notify the court that the defendant has been enrolled in a course or treatment program. If the defendant fails to attend the course or the treatment program, the counselor shall notify the court of the failure.
4. 
For the purpose of determining the number of convictions under this section, "conviction" means a final conviction, as defined in Montana Code Annotated Section 45-2-101, or a forfeiture of bail or collateral deposited to secure the defendant's appearance in court, which forfeiture has not been vacated. An offender is considered to have been previously convicted for the purpose of this section if less than five years have elapsed between the commission of the present offense and a previous conviction. If there has been no additional conviction for an offense under this section for a period of five years after a prior conviction hereunder, then such prior offense shall be expunged from the defendant's record.
(Art. 788 § 1; amd. Art. 918 § 1; Art. 993 § 1)
A. 
Reckless Driving: A person commits the offense of reckless driving if he or she:
1. 
Operates any vehicle in the City in wilful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property; or
2. 
Operates any vehicle in the City in wilful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property while fleeing or attempting to flee from or elude a peace officer who is lawfully in pursuit and whose vehicle is at the time in compliance with the requirements of Montana Code Annotated Section 61-9-402.
B. 
Careless Driving: A person commits the offense of careless driving if he or she wilfully, purposely or negligently:
1. 
Operates any vehicle on a street of the City in other than a careful and prudent manner and so as to unduly or unreasonably endanger the life, limb, property or other rights of any person entitled to the use of such street; or
2. 
Operates any vehicle on a street of the City in violation of any traffic rule or ordinance of the City as the same now is or may be hereafter provided, but whose conduct or manner of driving shall not constitute reckless driving or driving in a reckless manner as defined in subsection A of this section.
C. 
Penalty: Any person convicted of reckless or careless driving may be punished as provided by Section 1-9 of this Code, subject, however, to limitations and conditions of such a penalty as required by Montana Code Annotated Sections 61-8-715 and 61-8-716.
(Art. 559 § 3; amd. Art. 952 § 1, Art. 969 § 1)
A. 
Specified:
1. 
No person shall operate or drive any motor vehicle on the public streets in the City, not otherwise regulated by the State of Montana, at a rate of speed faster than 25 miles per hour; or
2. 
Through school zones or other restricted areas as designated and marked, not otherwise regulated by the State of Montana at a rate of speed faster than 15 miles per hour; or
3. 
In any case at a rate of speed that will endanger the property of another or the life or limb of any person.
B. 
Marking: All traffic control devices shall be compliant with and be positioned in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices as adopted by the Montana Department of Transportation pursuant to MCA 61-8-202.
C. 
Designation: The designation of a school zone or other restricted area shall be determined by the City Manager on the basis of a traffic study and a signage plan compliant with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices as adopted by the Montana Department of Transportation and the recommendation of the Director of Public Works. No designation of a school zone or other restricted area shall be effective until appropriately marked on the ground by signs.
(R.O. 1947 § 267; amd. Art. 608 § 1-3; Ord. 1847, 8-19-2020)
A. 
Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle making use of audible and visual signals meeting the requirements of Montana Code Annotated Section 61-9-402, 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 such position until the authorized vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer or highway patrol.
B. 
This section shall not operate to relive the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of persons using the highway.
A. 
Safe Turning Movement: No person shall turn a vehicle at an intersection unless the vehicle is in proper position upon the roadway as required by Montana Code Annotated Section 61-8-310, 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 reasonable safety. No person shall so turn any vehicle without giving an appropriate signal in the manner hereinafter provided in the event any other traffic may be affected by such movement.
B. 
Turning Signal: A signal of intention to turn right or left when required shall be given continuously during not less than the last one hundred feet (100') traveled by the vehicle before turning.
C. 
Stopping Signal: 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.
A. 
Required: Any stop or turn signal when required herein shall be given either by means of the hand and arm or by a signal lamp, except as otherwise provided in subsection B of this section.
B. 
Equipment Required: Any motor vehicle in use on a highway shall be equipped with, and required signal shall be given by, a signal lamp 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 inches (24ʺ), 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 feet (14'). The latter measurement shall apply to any single vehicle, also to any combination of vehicles.
All signals herein required 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:
A. 
Left turn; hand and arm extending horizontally.
B. 
Right turn; hand and arm extending upward.
C. 
Stop or decrease speed; hand and arm extending downward.
It shall be the duty of every person operating or driving any motor or other vehicle, or riding or driving any animal along or over any public highway and approach any intersection of the public highway with the intention of turning thereat to right, to keep to the extreme right, and with the intention of turning thereat to the left, he or she must keep to the right and swing full around the center line of the street; provided, however, that within the congested district only, when turning to the left, the driver shall swing to the right of the marker or painted line on the street at such street intersection.
(R.O. 1947 § 300)
A driver already upon the street shall have the right-of-way over a driver entering at a point other than a street intersection, and it shall be the duty of such driver to yield the right-of-way to the driver already upon the street; provided, that the foregoing shall not apply to authorized emergency vehicles.
(R.O. 1947 § 304)
A. 
When two vehicles enter or approach an intersection from different highways at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.
B. 
Vehicles traveling on intersection streets and avenues and vehicles traveling on intersecting highways shall come to full stop at all arterial highways and before entering the same shall first yield the right-of-way to vehicles rightfully and lawfully traveling on such arterial highways; and such arterial highways are hereby designated as follows: Main Street from the northerly line of Fifth Street South to the City limits, and from the southerly line of the Great Northern Railroad Company's right-of-way to the City limits. All that portion of U.S. Highway 93 from its intersection with Main Street north to the City limits. All of Idaho Street, being a part of U.S. Highway 2, except at all intersections regulated by stop and go lights. All of Second Street except its intersection with Main Street and First Avenue east. Fifth Avenue West from Idaho Street to Sixth Street West, except at intersecting east and west arterial highways.
(R.O. 1947 § 303; amd. Art. 585 §1; Art. 626 § 1; Art. 675 § 1; Art. 724)
A. 
The driver of a vehicle emerging from an alley, driveway or building shall stop such vehicle prior to driving onto a sidewalk or onto the sidewalk area extending across any alleyway, yielding the right-of-way to any pedestrian and upon entering the roadway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on such roadway.
B. 
The driver of a vehicle entering or emerging from an alley, driveway or building in a business district, shall, except when entering or emerging onto a one-way street only, turn such vehicle to the right.
Any driver of a vehicle desiring to enter any alley or driveway by a left-hand turn, shall do so only when not interfering with traffic.
(R.O. 1947 § 294)
A vehicle shall not back up or down a public highway, except insofar as it is necessary in getting away from the curb where it has been standing or parked.
(R.O. 1947 § 290)
U-turns made by vehicles are prohibited:
A. 
On any City street other than at an intersection.
B. 
At any City intersection where there is located an official traffic-control light or signal.
(R.O. 1947 § 291; amd. Art. 810 § 1)
When vehicles meet, upon the public highways, the driver of each must turn reasonably to the right of the center or the street, so as to pass without interference.
(R.O. 1947 § 282)
A. 
Pass to Left: A vehicle overtaking another vehicle going in the same direction, except on a four lane or one-way street, shall pass to the left of the vehicle so overtaken, and shall not pull to the right until so far ahead as not to interfere with the progress of the overtaken vehicle; but in so passing, such vehicle shall not pass to the left of the center of the street, unless the way ahead is clear of approaching traffic.
B. 
Speed Maintained: The overtaking vehicle shall maintain its speed until clear of the vehicle overtaken, and the vehicle being overtaken shall keep to the right and shall not increase its speed while being passed.
(R.O. 1947 § 283; amd. Ord. 756 § 1)
A. 
A vehicle overtaking another vehicle going in the same direction on a one-way street shall pass in a careful and prudent manner in the lane of traffic not occupied by the vehicle being overtaken.
B. 
The overtaking vehicle shall maintain its speed until clear of the vehicle overtaken and shall not pull into the lane of traffic occupied by the overtaken vehicle until it is so far ahead thereof as not to interfere with the progress of the overtaken vehicle.
C. 
The overtaken vehicle shall keep to the traffic lane it occupied prior to being overtaken and it shall not increase its speed while being passed.
D. 
It is unlawful for a vehicle to pass another on a one-way street in any other manner.
(Ord. 757 §§ 1-4)
A. 
Subject to the "right-of-way" provisions of Section 17-103 of this chapter, a vehicle overtaking another vehicle going in the same direction on a four lane street shall pass in a careful and prudent manner in the lane of traffic not occupied by the vehicle being overtaken, but such overtaking vehicle shall not pass to the left of center line of such street.
B. 
The overtaking vehicle shall maintain its speed until clear of the vehicle overtaken and shall not pull into the lane of traffic occupied by the overtaken vehicle until it is so far ahead thereof as not to interfere with the progress of the overtaken vehicle.
C. 
The overtaken vehicle shall keep to the traffic lane it occupied prior to being overtaken and it shall not increase its speed while being passed.
D. 
It is unlawful for a vehicle to pass another on a four lane street in any other manner
(Ord. 758 §§ 1-4)
No vehicle shall overtake and run abreast with another vehicle traveling in the same direction at a street intersection, or pass, or attempt to pass, any vehicle at a street intersection, except by direction of a traffic officer.
(R.O. 1947 § 287)
A. 
Required: 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 rule governing such movement;
2. 
When the right half of the roadway is closed to traffic which is under construction or repairs;
3. 
Upon a roadway divided into two marked lanes for traffic under rules applicable thereon; or
4. 
Upon a roadway designated and signposted for one-way traffic.
B. 
Less Than Normal Speed: Upon all roadways, any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under conditions there 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.
Before backing a vehicle, ample warning shall be given, and while backing, unceasing vigilance must be exercised not to injure those behind.
(R.O. 1947 § 371)
A. 
Routes Designated: The Chief of Police is hereby empowered to designate routes for parades on the public highways and to police the same, and to adopt and enforce such measures as, in his or her judgment, are necessary to keep the highway to be traveled upon free from obstruction.
B. 
Interference Prohibited: No vehicle shall be driven or moved so as to pass through, into or to interfere with any civic, military or funeral procession except at the direction of a traffic officer.
C. 
Interruption, Breaking Through: All persons not participating in any parade or procession shall keep off the highway temporarily closed for such parade or procession. No person shall break through or interrupt any regularly ordered parade or procession.
(R.O. 1947 § 373)
A. 
Prohibited: No person shall, in any manner, obstruct, or interfere with the movement of any fire apparatus of the City on any street, avenue, alley or public way of the City.
B. 
Exception: If, in order to comply with the provisions of this section it is necessary for any person to do any act prohibited by the provisions of this chapter or any other ordinance of the City relative to the use of the streets, avenues, alleys or public ways of such City, such act necessarily done shall not be considered a violation of this chapter or any other such ordinance.
(R.O. 1947 §§ 945, 946)
A. 
Prohibited; Exception: Except as hereinafter provided, no vehicle shall be ridden or driven on or over any sidewalk, boulevard or curb, except over a permanent driveway therefor, constructed in accordance with the plans and specifications approved by the City Engineer; provided, the City Engineer may, in his or her discretion, upon written application stating the place of the proposed crossing and the purpose for which such crossing is desired, issue a permit for a temporary crossing for a period of not longer than five days. For such temporary crossing, the sidewalk and boulevard shall be kept covered with two inch (2ʺ) planks, not less than ten feet (10') in length, and outside edges of the sidewalk and curb shall be protected with planks or timbers, so as to prevent contact with the sidewalk and curb. All such planks, timbers and other obstructions shall be removed from the street and sidewalk when and as soon as such crossing is not in actual use, and no planks or timbers or other obstructions shall be allowed to remain on the street, sidewalk or boulevard between the hours of sunset and sunrise.
B. 
Snow Removal: This section shall not be construed so as to prohibit the use of motorized snow removal equipment upon sidewalks for the purpose of removing snow or ice; provided, that said equipment does not exceed in width the sidewalk upon which it is operated. The operator of said snow removal equipment shall be liable for damages sustained by City property as a result of the operation of said snow removal equipment.
(Ord. 543 § 1; amd. Ord. 1037 § 1)
Whenever authorized signs are erected or painted on the road surface indicating that no right, left or U-turn is permitted, no driver of a vehicle shall disobey the direction of any such sign.
(Ord. 609 § 4; amd. Ord. 723)
A. 
Attachments; Number of Persons: No person shall operate or run or attempt to operate or run upon any street or alley of the City, a motorcycle from a sidecar or other attachment connected therewith, or from any other position on such motorcycle except from the seat thereof, and such operator shall not carry any other person nor shall any other person ride on a motorcycle unless such motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person and is equipped with passenger footrests, in which event a passenger may ride upon the permanent and regular seat if designed for two persons or upon another seat firmly attached to the rear or side of the operator.
B. 
Lights: Motorcycles are to be operated with lights on at all times when operated upon any street or alley in the City.
C. 
Protective Headgear: The operator and passenger, if any, of any motorcycle operated upon any street or alley of the City shall wear protective headgear upon the head. Such headgear shall meet standards established by the State Department of Justice.
D. 
Seat Position: No person shall operate on any street or alley within the City any motorcycle equipped with a seat so positioned that the operator, when sitting astride the seat cannot reach the ground with his or her feet.
E. 
Handlebar Height: No person shall operate on any street or alley within the City any motorcycle equipped with handlebars that are more than fifteen inches (15ʺ) in height above the uppermost portion of the seat when depressed by the weight of the operator.
F. 
Noise Suppression Devices: No person shall operate a motorcycle, within the City, unless the same is equipped at all times with noise suppression devices, including an exhaust muffler in good working order, in constant operation and of sufficient size to prevent excessive or unusual noise.
(R.O. 1947 § 363; amd. Ord. 809 §§ 1—4)
A. 
Specified: It shall be unlawful for any motorcycle or unauthorized vehicle to be operated on the City airport, in Woodland or Lawrence parks or in any other public park maintained by the City, except upon the paved or regular or well traveled portions or the roadway now existing in such parks or to be established in the future.
B. 
Authorized Vehicle Defined: An "authorized vehicle" is any vehicle necessarily required for the service or maintenance of such parks or the City airport facilities or for the service, maintenance or repair of aircraft using the City airport.
(Ord. 740 §§ 1, 2; amd. Ord. 753 § 1)
A. 
Truck Defined: For the purpose of this section, a "truck" is any vehicle designed or operated for the transportation of property, and whose body weight or whose combined body and load weight exceeds 6,000 pounds.
B. 
Streets Specified: It shall be unlawful for trucks to be operated over and along:
Buffalo Hills Drive south of Crestline.
Center Street East between 4th Avenue and Woodland Avenue.
Charlotte Avenue south of Crestline.
Mission Street south of Crestline.
Northern Lights Boulevard.
Northridge Drive west of Sherry Lane.
Oregon Street between Main Street and 7th Avenue Northeast.
Parkridge Drive west of Sherry Lane.
South Woodland Drive.
Woodland Avenue.
1st Avenue East between Center Street and 13th Street.
1st Avenue Northeast between Center Street and Idaho Street.
3rd Avenue East between 2nd Street East and 14th Street East.
4th Avenue East between 2nd Street East and 14th Street East.
6th Avenue Northeast between Idaho Street and Oregon Street.
C. 
Exceptions: This section does not prohibit:
1. 
The operation of trucks upon such streets where necessary to conduct business at a destination point thereon within the City limits; provided, that streets upon which such traffic is permitted are used until reaching the intersection nearest the destination point.
2. 
The operation of emergency vehicles upon such streets.
3. 
The operation of trucks owned or operated by the City, public utilities, any contractor or material man while engaged in the repair, maintenance, or construction of streets, street improvements or utilities within the City.
4. 
The operation of unloaded trucks upon such streets where such trucks are being driven to the owner or operator's premises for storage; provided, that streets upon which such traffic is permitted are used until reaching the intersection nearest the destination point.
D. 
Designation Required: Such streets above described shall be appropriately designated and marked as prohibiting truck traffic.
(Ord. 741 §§ 1—4; amd. Ord. 907 § 1; Ord. 1196 § I; Ord. 1565, 2-6-2006; Ord. 1577, 7-3-2006)
Vehicles shall not follow fire apparatus closer than five hundred feet (500'), nor park in the block where fire apparatus has stopped in answering an alarm.
(R.O. 1947 § 297)
No vehicle shall be driven over any unprotected hose of a Fire Department when 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.
For the purposes of Sections 17-50-2 through 17-50-4 of this article, "motor vehicle" is defined as follows: "motor vehicle" shall mean every vehicle which is self-propelled and in, upon or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon streets, avenues, alleys and highways within the City, except devices moved by human power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracts.
(Ord. 702 § 1)
Whenever any child under the age of 18 years shall unlawfully operate a motor vehicle in the presence of any officer of the Police Department, such officer may deliver to such child a form of summons describing the nature of the offense, with instructions thereon to report to the Police Court of the City; and the court shall be informed thereof by the delivery of a copy of such summons to the judge of such court, and by the delivery of a copy of such summons to the Probation Officer of the County who shall in turn deliver the same to the judge of such court.
(Ord. 702 § 4)
Whenever, after a hearing before the police court of the City, it shall be found that a child under the age of 18 years has unlawfully operated a motor vehicle, the Police Court may: (a) impose a fine, not exceeding $50; provided such child shall not be imprisoned for failure to pay such fine; (b) revoke the driver's license of such child or suspend the same for such time as may be fixed by the court; and (c) order any motor vehicle owned or operated by such child to be impounded by the Probation Officer for such time, not exceeding 60 days, as shall be fixed by the court; provided, however, that if the court shall find that the operation of such motor vehicle was without the consent of the owner, then such vehicle shall not be impounded. Upon nonpayment of any fine herein provided for, the court may order that any motor vehicle owned by such child or operated by such child with the consent of the owner shall be impounded until the fine shall be paid or may order that the driver's license of such child shall be taken up and held by the Probation Officer until payment of such fine or may cause both such motor vehicle and such driver's license to be taken up and impounded until such fine shall be paid; but no child shall be committed to or held in any detention facility or jail by reason of nonpayment of such fine.
(Ord. 702 § 3)