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For statutory provisions on local authority to place traffic-control devices and signals, see California Vehicle Code § 21351 et seq. and § 21450 et seq. Requirements, California Vehicle Code §§ 21100 and 21400.
The City Council shall have the authority to place and maintain or cause to be placed or maintained official traffic-control signals when and as required to make effective the provisions of this title and may place and maintain such additional traffic-control signals as it deems necessary to regulate, guide or warn traffic under this title or state law. This authority may be delegated to the traffic engineer, except as otherwise provided by law.
(Code 1964 § 12.16.010; Ord. 1005 § 2, 2003; Ord. 1243 § 2, 2024)
The City Council is authorized to:
A. 
Install and maintain official traffic signals at such intersections and other places as it deems necessary for the regulation of traffic.
B. 
Establish safety zones at such places, as it deems necessary for the protection of pedestrians.
C. 
Mark lanes for traffic on street pavements at such places, as it deems advisable, consistent with the California Vehicle Code and traffic ordinances of this City.
(Code 1964 § 12.16.020; Ord. 1005 § 2, 2003; Ord. 1243 § 2, 2024)
The driver of any vehicle and the person in charge of any animal shall obey the instructions of any barrier or sign erected by any authorized person, pursuant to law.
(Code 1964 § 12.16.030; Ord. 1005 § 2, 2003; Ord. 1243 § 2, 2024)
No provision of this title for which signs or markings are required shall be enforced against an alleged violator if, at the time and place of the alleged violation, an official sign or marking is not in place and sufficiently legible and visible to be seen by an ordinarily observant person.
(Code 1964 § 12.16.040; Ord. 1005 § 2, 2003; Ord. 1243 § 2, 2024)
Whenever traffic is controlled by traffic-control signals exhibiting the words "GO," "CAUTION" or "STOP" or exhibiting different colored lights successively one at a time, the following colors shall be used, and the terms and lights shall indicate as follows:
A. 
Green alone or "GO":
1. 
Vehicular traffic facing the signal shall proceed either straight through or turn right or left unless a sign at such place prohibits either such turn, except that:
2. 
Vehicular traffic shall yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and to pedestrians lawfully within the intersection or the adjacent crosswalks at the time such signal is exhibited.
3. 
Pedestrians facing the signal may proceed across the roadway within a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
B. 
Yellow (or orange) alone or "CAUTION":
1. 
Vehicular traffic facing the signal shall stop prior to entering the intersection because the signal is about to change to red; however, if stopping is unsafe or infeasible then vehicular traffic may enter into the intersection cautiously and proceed through the intersection or turn (unless a sign at such place prohibits a turn).
2. 
Vehicular traffic shall yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and pedestrians lawfully within the intersection or adjacent crosswalks at the time such signal is exhibited.
3. 
Pedestrians facing the signal may not proceed into the intersection.
C. 
Red alone or "STOP":
1. 
Vehicular traffic facing the signal shall stop.
2. 
Pedestrians facing the signal may not proceed into the intersection.
3. 
No driver of a vehicle shall make a right turn against a red or stop signal at any intersection which is sign-posted giving notice of such restriction. (CVC § 21450)
(Code 1964 § 12.16.050; Ord. 1005 § 2, 2003; Ord. 1243 § 2, 2024)
When a yellow lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles may proceed through the intersection or past such signal only with added caution. (CVC § 21457)
(Code 1964 § 12.16.060; Ord. 1005 § 2, 2003; Ord. 1243 § 2, 2024)
No person shall operate a pedestrian push button signal other than a pedestrian for the purpose of immediately crossing the roadway.
(Code 1964 § 12.16.070; Ord. 1005 § 2, 2003; Ord. 1243 § 2, 2024)
The chief of police is authorized, in cases of emergency in which in her/his opinion such controls are necessary to protect the public health, safety or welfare, to erect or install or cause to have installed any sign, signal, marking or device which she/he deems necessary to control traffic during the period of emergency. (CVC § 21100)
(Code 1964 § 12.16.080; Ord. 1005 § 2, 2003; Ord. 1243 § 2, 2024)