A. 
No person may drive or move, nor may any owner allow or knowingly permit to be driven or moved, on any street, any vehicle or vehicle combination which is in an unsafe condition, which is not equipped as required in this chapter, or which is equipped in violation of this chapter.
B. 
Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit the use of parts and accessories which are not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter when they are installed on a vehicle, except that no vehicle shall be equipped with any lamp or illuminating device not required or permitted by this Code or state statutes.
C. 
The provisions of this chapter with respect to equipment required on vehicles shall not apply to implements of husbandry, road machinery, road rollers or farm tractors, except as specifically made applicable.
D. 
This chapter shall not apply to a vehicle of the armed forces while such vehicle is participating in a combat training exercise in a training area where the use of lights or reflectors may be against training objectives, but this chapter shall apply while any passenger vehicle, bus, truck, truck tractor, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, tow car or other vehicle is using a street or roadway in support of a military base or installation or training exercise.
E. 
The provisions of this chapter with respect to equipment required on vehicles shall not apply to motorcycles or motor-driven cycles unless specifically made applicable.
(CAC 9.44.010; AO No. 78-72; AO No. 80-4; AO No. 89-52)
A. 
A police officer or other person properly authorized by the police department who has reasonable cause to believe that a vehicle is unsafe, or not equipped or in proper adjustment or repair as provided in this chapter, may require the driver of the vehicle to stop and submit the vehicle to an inspection and test as may be appropriate.
B. 
Whenever the driver of a vehicle is directed by a properly authorized person as stated in subsection A of this section to stop and submit the vehicle to a test of its mechanical condition or equipment, the driver shall stop and then and there submit the vehicle to such test or remove the vehicle as directed to an appropriate facility for such testing.
C. 
A police officer may issue a citation to the driver or the owner of a vehicle which is not properly equipped as required in this chapter. The citation shall specify the section of this chapter which has been violated.
D. 
A citation issued under subsection C of this section shall require the driver or owner of a specified vehicle to repair the vehicle so as to be in compliance with this chapter, or to permanently park the vehicle in such a way that it will not be operated upon the roadway until repaired.
E. 
No person may drive or move a vehicle after being directed under this section to have the vehicle repaired or adjusted until such time as the vehicle is properly repaired or adjusted, except immediately after such direction the vehicle may be returned to the residence or place of business of the driver or owner or to a garage or repair station.
F. 
A driver or owner cited under this section may within seven days from the date of the citation is issued appear at an office of the police department with the specified vehicle and present acceptable evidence of having made the necessary repairs or adjustments, or appear without the vehicle and present acceptable evidence of having permanently parked the vehicle. If the driver or owner does appear with the vehicle and shows evidence of having made any repairs or adjustments to the officer who issued the citation or to another authorized official, the following procedure shall apply:
1. 
If the vehicle is in proper repair or adjustment and meets the requirements of this chapter, the inspecting official shall void the citation and notify the court of the action taken.
2. 
If in the reasonable judgment of the inspecting official the vehicle still is in a condition that further movement or driving could be hazardous to the roadways, others, or the driver, the official may release the vehicle to the driver or owner but require that the vehicle not be driven or moved under its own power or require that the vehicle be driven only to the nearest repair facility or place of safety; or if necessary the official may impound the vehicle until the driver or owner makes arrangements for towing and repair or permanent parking of the vehicle.
(AO No. 85-40; AO No. 89-52)
Lights required under this chapter shall be maintained in good working order, securely mounted to prevent misdirection of light beams, and kept clear of any obstruction that might reduce visibility, except as provided otherwise in this chapter.
(AO No. 2011-113(S), § 123, 11-22-2011, eff. 12-22-2011)
A. 
Whenever a requirement is declared in this title as to the distance from which certain lamps and devices shall render objects visible or within which such lamps or devices shall be visible, such provisions shall apply during the times stated in section 9.36.290, in respect to a vehicle without load when upon a straight, level, unlighted street under normal atmospheric conditions, unless a different time or condition is expressly stated.
B. 
Whenever a requirement is declared in this title as to the mounted height of lamps or devices, it means from the center of such lamp or device to the level ground upon which the vehicle stands when such vehicle is without a load.
C. 
No person shall operate a motor vehicle with any accumulation of snow, ice, dirt or any other materials on the headlights, taillights or any other lighting equipment that prevents the vehicle from meeting the visibility requirements of this chapter.
(CAC 9.44.040; AO No. 78-72; AO No. 80-4; AO No. 89-52)
A. 
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, every motor vehicle shall be equipped with at least two headlamps, one on each side of the front of the vehicle.
B. 
The headlamps shall emit only white light to the front of the vehicle and shall comply with the multiple beam requirements and limitations set out in this chapter.
C. 
The headlamps shall be mounted at a height of not more than 54 inches and not less than 24 inches above the ground surface.
D. 
Vehicles equipped with daytime running lights shall emit only white or amber light from such daytime running lights.
(CAC 9.44.050; AO No. 78-72; AO No. 89-52; AO No. 2011-113(S), § 124, 11-22-2011, eff. 12-22-2011)
A. 
Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer and pole trailer, and any other vehicle which is being drawn at the end of a combination of vehicles, shall be equipped with at least two taillamps mounted on the rear, which, when lighted as required in section 9.36.290, shall emit a red light plainly visible from a distance of 1,000 feet to the rear, except that passenger cars manufactured or assembled prior to January 1, 1958, shall have at least one taillamp. On a combination of vehicles, only the taillamps on the rearmost vehicle need actually be seen from the distance specified. On vehicles equipped with more than one taillamp, the lamps shall be mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable.
B. 
Every taillamp upon every vehicle shall be located at a height of not more than 72 inches and not less than 15 inches.
C. 
Either a taillamp or a separate lamp shall be so constructed and placed to illuminate with a white light the rear registration plate and render it clearly legible from a distance of 50 feet to the rear. Any taillamp, together with any separate lamp for illuminating the rear registration plate, shall be so wired as to be lighted whenever the headlamps or auxiliary driving lamps are lighted.
(CAC 9.44.060; AO No. 78-72)
A. 
Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer and pole trailer shall carry on the rear, either as a part of the taillamps or separately, two or more red reflectors meeting the requirements of this section, provided, however, that vehicles of the types mentioned in section 9.44.100 shall be equipped with reflectors meeting the requirements of section 9.44.120A and section 9.44.130A.
B. 
Every such reflector shall be mounted on the vehicle at a height not less than 15 inches and not more than 60 inches measured as set forth in section 9.44.040B, and shall be of such size and characteristics and so mounted as to be visible at night from all distances within 600 feet to 100 feet from such vehicle when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps, except that reflectors on vehicles manufactured or assembled prior to January 1, 1970, shall be visible at night from all distances within 350 feet to 100 feet when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps.
(CAC 9.44.070; AO No. 78-72)
A. 
Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer and pole trailer shall be equipped with two or more stop lamps meeting the requirements of section 9.44.200A, except that passenger cars manufactured or assembled prior to January 1, 1958, shall be equipped with at least one stop lamp. On a combination of vehicles, only the stop lamps on the rearmost vehicle need actually be seen from the distance specified in section 9.44.200A.
B. 
Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer and pole trailer shall be equipped with electric turn signal lamps meeting the requirements of section 9.44.200B, except that passenger cars and trucks less than 80 inches in width, manufactured or assembled prior to January 1, 1958, need not be equipped with electric turn signal lamps.
(CAC 9.44.080; AO No. 78-72)
Those sections of this chapter which follow immediately, including sections 9.44.100 through 9.44.140, relating to clearance lamps, marker lamps and reflectors, shall apply as stated in those sections to vehicles of the type therein enumerated, namely buses, trucks, truck tractors, and trailers, semitrailers and pole trailers, respectively, when operated upon any street, and such vehicles shall be equipped as required and all lamp equipment required shall be lighted at the times mentioned in section 9.36.290.
(CAC 9.44.090; AO No. 78-72; AO No. 80-4)
In addition to other equipment required in sections 9.44.050, 9.44.060, 9.44.070 and 9.44.080, the following vehicles shall be equipped as stated in this section under the conditions stated in section 9.44.090, and, in addition, the reflectors elsewhere enumerated for such vehicles shall conform to the requirements of section 9.44.130A.
A. 
Buses and trucks 80 inches or more in overall width:
1. 
On the front, two clearance lamps, one at each side, and, on vehicles manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1966, three identification lamps meeting the specifications of subsection F of this section.
2. 
On the rear, two clearance lamps, one at each side, and, after January 1, 1971, three identification lamps meeting the specifications of subsection F of this section.
3. 
On each side, two side marker lamps, one at or near the front and one at or near the rear.
4. 
On each side, two reflectors, one at or near the front and one at or near the rear.
B. 
Trailers and semitrailers 80 inches or more in overall width:
1. 
On the front, two clearance lamps, one at each side.
2. 
On the rear, two clearance lamps, one at each side, and after January 1, 1971, three identification lamps meeting the specifications of subsection F of this section.
3. 
On each side, two side marker lamps, one at or near the front and one at or near the rear.
4. 
On each side, two reflectors, one at or near the front and one at or near the rear.
C. 
Truck tractors: one on the front, two cab clearance lamps, one at each side, and, on vehicles manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1966, three identification lamps meeting the specifications of subsection F of this section.
D. 
Trailers, semitrailers and pole trailers 30 feet or more in overall length: on each side, one amber side marker lamp and one amber reflector, centrally located with respect to the length of the vehicle.
E. 
Pole trailers:
1. 
On each side, one amber side marker lamp at or near the front of the load.
2. 
One amber reflector at or near the front of the load.
3. 
On the rearmost support for the load, one combination marker lamp showing amber to the front and red to the rear and side, mounted to indicate maximum width of the pole trailer.
F. 
Whenever required or permitted by this chapter, identification lamps shall be grouped in a horizontal row, with lamp centers spaced not less than six and not more than 12 inches apart, and mounted on the permanent structure of the vehicle as close as practicable to the vertical centerline; provided, however, that, where the cab of a vehicle is not more than 42 inches wide at the front roofline, a single identification lamp at the center of the cab shall be deemed to comply with the requirements for front identification lamps.
(CAC 9.44.100; AO No. 78-72)
A. 
Front clearance lamps, identification lamps and those marker lamps and reflectors mounted on the front or on the side near the front of a vehicle shall display or reflect an amber color.
B. 
Rear clearance lamps, identification lamps and those marker lamps and reflectors mounted on the rear or on the sides near the rear of a vehicle shall display or reflect a red color.
C. 
All lighting devices and reflectors mounted on the rear of any vehicle shall display or reflect a red color, except the stop light or other signal device, which may be red, amber or yellow, and except that the light illuminating the license plate shall be white and light emitted by a backup lamp shall be white or amber.
(CAC 9.44.110; AO No. 78-72)
A. 
Reflectors, when required by section 9.44.100, shall be mounted at a height not less than 24 inches and not more than 60 inches above the ground on which the vehicle stands, except that, if the highest part of the permanent structure of the vehicle is less than 24 inches, the reflector at such point shall be mounted as high as that part of the permanent structure will permit. The rear reflectors on a pole trailer may be mounted on each side of the bolster or load. Any required red reflector on the rear of a vehicle may be incorporated with the taillamp, but such reflector shall meet with all other reflector requirements of this chapter.
B. 
Clearance lamps shall, so far as is practicable, be mounted on the permanent structure of the vehicle in such a manner as to indicate the extreme height and width of the vehicle, provided that, when rear identification lamps are required and are mounted as high as is practicable, rear clearance lamps may be mounted at optional height, and when the mounting of front clearance lamps results in such lamps failing to indicate the extreme width of the trailer such lamps may be mounted at optional height but must indicate, as near as practicable, the extreme width of the trailer. Clearance lamps on truck tractors shall be located as to indicate the extreme width of the truck tractor cab. Clearance lamps and side marker lamps may be mounted in combination provided illumination is given as required in this chapter with reference to both.
(CAC 9.44.120; AO No. 78-72)
A. 
Every reflector upon any vehicle referred to in section 9.44.100 shall be of such size and characteristics and so maintained as to be readily visible at night from all distances within 600 feet to 100 feet from the vehicle when directly in front of the lawful lower beams of headlamps, except that visibility for reflectors on vehicles manufactured or assembled prior to January 1, 1970, shall be measured in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps. Reflectors required to be mounted on the sides of the vehicle shall reflect the required color of light to the sides, and those mounted on the rear shall reflect a red color to the rear.
B. 
Front and rear clearance lamps and identification lamps shall be capable of being seen and distinguished under normal atmospheric conditions at the times lights are required at all distances between 500 feet and 50 feet from the front and rear, respectively, of the vehicle.
C. 
Side marker lamps shall be capable of being seen and distinguished under normal atmospheric conditions at the times lights are required at all distances between 500 feet and 50 feet from the side of the vehicle on which mounted.
(CAC 9.44.130; AO No. 78-72)
Whenever motor and other vehicles are operated in combination during the time that lights are required, any lamp, except taillamps, need not be lighted which, by reason of its location on a vehicle of the combination, would be obscured by another vehicle of the combination, but this shall not affect the requirement that lighted clearance lamps be displayed on the front of the foremost vehicle required to have such clearance lamps, nor that all lights required on the rear of the rearmost vehicle of any combination shall be lighted.
(CAC 9.44.140; AO No. 78-72)
Whenever the load upon any vehicle extends to the rear four feet or more beyond the bed or body of such vehicle, there shall be displayed at the extreme rear end of the load, at the times specified in section 9.36.290, two red lamps visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the rear, two red reflectors visible at night from all distances within 600 feet to 100 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps and located so as to indicate maximum width, and on each side one red lamp visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the side and located so as to indicate maximum overhang. There shall be displayed at all other times on any vehicle having a load which extends beyond its sides or more than four feet beyond its rear, red flags, not less than 12 inches square, marking the extremities of such load, at each point where a lamp would otherwise be required by this section.
(CAC 9.44.150; AO No. 78-72)
A. 
Every vehicle shall be equipped with one or more lamps which, when lighted, shall display a white or amber light visible from a distance of 1,000 feet to the front of the vehicle and a red light visible from a distance of 1,000 feet to the rear of the vehicle. The location of the lamps shall always be such that at least one lamp or combination of lamps meeting the requirements of this section is installed as near as practicable to the side of the vehicle which is closest to passing traffic.
B. 
Whenever a vehicle is lawfully parked upon a street during the hours between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise, and if there is sufficient light to reveal persons and vehicles within a distance of 1,000 feet upon such street, no light need be displayed upon such parked vehicle.
C. 
Whenever a vehicle is parked or stopped upon a roadway or shoulder adjacent thereto, whether attended or unattended, during the hours between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise, and there is insufficient light to reveal any person or object within a distance of 1,000 feet upon such street, such vehicle so parked or stopped shall be equipped with and shall display lamps meeting the requirements of subsection A of this section.
Whenever a vehicle is lawfully parked during the hours of darkness upon any street within a business or residence district, no lights need be displayed upon such parked vehicle.
(CAC 9.44.160; AO No. 78-72; AO No. 80-4)
Every vehicle, including animal-drawn vehicles and vehicles referred to in section 9.44.010C, not specifically required by the provisions of this chapter to be equipped with lamps or other lighting devices, shall at all times specified in section 9.36.290 be equipped with at least one lamp displaying a white light visible from a distance of not less than 1,000 feet to the front of the vehicle, and shall also be equipped with two lamps displaying a red light visible from a distance of not less than 1,000 feet to the rear of the vehicle, or, as an alternative, one lamp displaying a red light visible from a distance of not less than 1,000 feet to the rear and two red reflectors visible from all distances of 600 to 100 feet to the rear when illuminated by the lawful lower beams of headlamps.
(CAC 9.44.170; AO No. 78-72)
A. 
Fog lamps.
1. 
Any motor vehicle may be equipped with no more than two fog lamps, mounted on the front at a height not less than 12 inches and not more than 30 inches above the level ground surface.
2. 
The high-intensity portion of the light to the left of the center of an unloaded vehicle shall be aimed, at a distance of 25 feet ahead, to project no higher than a level of four inches below the level of the center of the lamp from which it comes.
3. 
Lighted fog lamps meeting the requirements of this subsection may be used with lower headlamp beams as specified in section 9.44.230A.2.
4. 
A fog lamp shall emit only white or amber light.
B. 
Auxiliary passing lamps. Any motor vehicle may be equipped with no more than two auxiliary passing lamps mounted on the front at a height not less than 24 inches and not more than 42 inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands. The provisions of section 9.44.230 shall apply to any combination of headlamps and auxiliary driving lamps.
C. 
Auxiliary driving lamps.
1. 
Any motor vehicle may be equipped with no more than two auxiliary driving lamps, mounted on the front at a height not less than 16 inches and not more than 42 inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands.
2. 
The provisions of section 9.44.230 shall apply to any combination of headlamps and auxiliary driving lamps.
3. 
Auxiliary lamps shall emit only white or amber light.
D. 
Auxiliary lamps for off-road use.
1. 
A vehicle may be equipped with additional auxiliary or spot lamps for use as headlamps while the vehicle is operated off of a street or roadway.
2. 
The lamps shall be mounted at a height of not less than 16 inches from the ground, or more than 12 inches above the top of the passenger compartment.
3. 
The lamps shall be wired independently of all other lighting circuits and, whenever the vehicle is operated on a street or roadway, shall be turned off.
(CAC 9.44.180; AO No. 78-72; AO No. 89-52; AO No. 94-68(S), § 41, 8-11-1994; AO No. 2011-113(S), § 125, 11-22-2011, eff. 12-22-2011)
A. 
Every authorized emergency vehicle shall, in addition to any other equipment and distinctive markings required by this title, be equipped with a siren, exhaust whistle, bell or other warning device capable of giving an audible signal.
B. 
Every school bus and every authorized emergency vehicle shall, in addition to any other equipment and distinctive markings required by this title, be equipped with signal lamps mounted as high and as widely spaced laterally as practicable, and shall be capable of displaying to the front two alternately flashing red lights located at the same level, and two alternately flashing red lights, in the rear, located at the same level. These lights shall have sufficient intensity to be visible at 700 feet in normal sunlight.
C. 
A police vehicle when used as an authorized emergency vehicle may, but need not be, equipped with alternately flashing red lights specified in this section.
D. 
The alternately flashing lighting described in subsections B and C of this section shall not be used on any vehicle other than a school bus or an authorized emergency vehicle.
E. 
A police vehicle when used as an authorized emergency vehicle may use a blue flashing light in addition to other lights specified in this section.
F. 
No vehicle may display, use or be equipped with red or blue flashing lights in simulation of or similar to those specified in this section or alternating flashing headlamps unless the vehicle is an emergency vehicle or otherwise authorized to use such lights under section 9.36.350.
(CAC 9.44.190; AO No. 78-72; AO No. 89-52; AO No. 2011-113(S), § 126, 11-22-2011, eff. 12-22-2011)
A. 
Any vehicle may, and when required under this title shall, be equipped with a stop lamp or lamps on the rear of the vehicle which shall display a red or amber light or any shade of color between red and amber, visible from a distance of not less than 300 feet to the rear in normal sunlight, and which shall be actuated upon application of the service (foot) brake, and which may but need not be incorporated with one or more other rear lamps.
B. 
Any vehicle may be equipped, and when required under section 9.44.080B shall be equipped, with electric turn signals which shall indicate an intention to turn by flashing lights showing to the front and rear of a vehicle, or a combination of vehicles, on the side of the vehicle or combination toward which the turn is to be made. The lamps showing to the front shall be mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable and, when signaling, shall emit white or amber light, or any shade of light between white and amber. The lamps showing to the rear shall be mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable, and, when signaling, shall emit a red or amber light, or any shade of color between red and amber. Turn signal lamps on vehicles 80 inches or more in overall width shall be visible from a distance of not less than 500 feet to the front and rear in normal sunlight. Turn signal lamps on vehicles less than 80 inches wide shall be visible at a distance of not less than 300 feet to the front and rear in normal sunlight. Turn signal lamps may be incorporated in other lamps on the vehicle.
(CAC 9.44.200; AO No. 78-72)
A. 
Any vehicle may be equipped with lamps for the purpose of warning the operators of other vehicles of the presence of a vehicular traffic hazard requiring the exercise of unusual care in approaching, overtaking or passing.
B. 
After January 1, 1971, every bus, truck, truck tractor, trailer, semitrailer or pole trailer 80 inches or more in overall width or 30 feet or more in overall length shall be equipped with lamps meeting the requirements of this section.
C. 
Vehicular hazard warning signal lamps used to display such warning to the front shall be mounted at the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable, and shall display simultaneously flashing white or amber lights, or any shade of color between white and amber. The lamps used to display such warning to the rear shall be mounted at the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable, and shall show simultaneously flashing amber or red lights, or any shade of color between amber and red. These warning lights shall be visible from a distance of not less than 500 feet in normal sunlight.
(CAC 9.44.210; AO No. 78-72)
A. 
Fender lamps. Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than two side cowl or fender lamps which shall emit an amber or white light without glare.
B. 
Running board courtesy lamps. Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than one running board courtesy lamp on each side thereof which shall emit a white or amber light without glare.
C. 
Backup lamps. Any motor vehicle may be equipped with one or more backup lamps either separately or in combination with other lamps, but any such backup lamps shall not be lighted when the motor vehicle is in forward motion.
D. 
Identification lamps. Any vehicle 80 inches or more in overall width, if not otherwise required by section 9.44.100, may be equipped with not more than three identification lamps showing to the front which shall emit an amber light without glare and not more than three identification lamps showing to the rear which shall emit a red light without glare. Such lamps shall be mounted as specified in section 9.44.100F.
E. 
Other lamps. The use of any lights, other than those authorized in this chapter, is prohibited on any public highway, street or roadway in the municipality.
(CAC 9.44.220; GAAB 19.115.220; AO No. 78-72; AO No. 2011-113(S), § 127, 11-22-2011, eff. 12-22-2011)
A. 
Except as provided in this title, the headlamps or the auxiliary passing lamps or combination thereof on motor vehicles shall be so arranged that the driver may select at will between distributions of light projected to different elevations, and such lamps may, in addition, be so arranged that such selection can be made automatically, subject to the following limitations:
1. 
There shall be an uppermost distribution of light, or composite beam, so aimed and of such intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 450 feet ahead for all conditions of loading.
2. 
There shall be a lowermost distribution of light or composite beam, so aimed and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 150 feet ahead, and on a straight, level road under any condition of loading none of the high-intensity portion of the beam shall be directed to strike the eyes of an approaching driver.
B. 
Every motor vehicle which has multiple beam road lighting equipment shall be equipped with a beam indicator, which shall be lighted whenever the uppermost distribution of light from the headlamps is in use, and shall not otherwise be lighted. The indicator shall be so designed and located that when lighted it will be readily visible without glare to the driver of the vehicle so equipped.
(CAC 9.44.230; AO No. 78-72)
A. 
At all times specified in section 9.36.290 at least two lighted lamps shall be displayed, one on each side at the front of every motor vehicle, except when such vehicle is parked subject to the regulations governing lights on parked vehicles.
B. 
Whenever a motor vehicle equipped with headlamps as herein required is also equipped with auxiliary lamps or a spot lamp or any other lamp on the front thereof projecting a beam of intensity greater than 300 candlepower, not more than a total of four of any such lamps on the front of a vehicle shall be lighted at any one time when upon a highway.
(CAC 9.44.260; AO No. 78-72)
Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer and pole trailer and any combination of such vehicles operating upon a street within the municipality shall be equipped with brakes in compliance with the requirements of this chapter.
A. 
Service brakes. Every such vehicle and combination of vehicles, except special mobile equipment as defined in section 9.04.010, shall be equipped with service brakes complying with the performance requirements of section 9.44.300 and adequate to control the movement of and to stop and hold such vehicle under all conditions of loading and on any grade incident to its operation.
B. 
Parking brakes. Every such vehicle and combination of vehicles shall be equipped with parking brakes adequate to hold the vehicle on any grade on which it is operated, under all conditions of loading, on a surface free from snow, ice or loose material. The parking brakes shall be capable of being applied in conformance with the requirements of this subsection by the driver's muscular effort, or by spring action or by equivalent means. Their operation may be assisted by the service brakes or other source of power, provided that failure of the service brake actuation system or other power-assisting mechanism will not prevent the parking brakes from being applied in conformance with the requirements of this subsection. The parking brakes shall be so designed that when once applied they shall remain applied with the required effectiveness despite exhaustion of any source of energy or leakage of any kind. The same brake drums, brake shoes and lining assemblies, brake shoe anchors and mechanical brake shoe actuation mechanism normally associated with the wheel brake assemblies may be used for both the service brakes and the parking brakes. If the means of applying the parking brakes and the service brakes are connected in any way, they shall be so constructed that failure of any one part shall not leave the vehicle without operative brakes.
C. 
Vehicles to have brakes on all wheels; exceptions. Every vehicle shall be equipped with brakes on all wheels except:
1. 
Trailers, semitrailers or pole trailers of a gross weight not exceeding 3,000 pounds, provided that:
a. 
The total weight on and including the wheels of the trailer shall not exceed 40 percent of the gross weight of the towing vehicle when connected to the trailer; and
b. 
The combination of vehicles, consisting of the towing vehicle and its total towed load, is capable of complying with the performance requirements of section 9.44.300.
2. 
Any vehicle being towed in drive-away or tow-away operations, provided the combination of vehicles is capable of complying with the performance requirements of section 9.44.300.
3. 
Trucks and truck tractors as follows: All trucks and truck tractors, except those manufactured prior to July 25, 1980, must have operable brakes on the front wheels; further, all such trucks and truck tractors must be capable of complying with the performance requirements of section 9.44.300.
4. 
Special mobile equipment as defined in section 9.04.010.
(CAC 9.44.290; AO No. 78-72; AO No. 80-4; AO No. 94-68(S), § 34, 8-11-1994)
A. 
Every motor vehicle and combination of vehicles, at all times and under all conditions of braking, upon application of the service brake shall be capable of:
1. 
Developing a braking force that is not less than the percentage of its gross weight tabulated as provided in this section for its classification;
2. 
Decelerating to a stop from not more than 20 miles per hour at not less than the feet per second per second tabulated as provided in this section for its classification; and
3. 
Stopping from a speed of 20 miles per hour in not more than the distance tabulated as provided in this section for its classification, such distance to be measured from the point at which movement of the service brake pedal or control begins.
B. 
Tests for deceleration and stopping distance shall be made on substantially level (not to exceed plus or minus one percent grade), dry, smooth, hard surface that is free from loose material.
 
1
2
3
4
Classification of Vehicles
Braking Force as Percentage of Gross Vehicle or Combination Weight
Deceleration in Feet per Second per Second
Brake System Application and Braking Distance in Feet from an Initial Speed of 20 Miles per Hour
A
Passenger vehicles with a seating capacity of 10 people or less including driver, not having a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating
52.8%
17
25
B
Single-unit vehicles with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less
43.5%
14
30
C-1
Single-unit vehicles with a manufacturer's gross weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds
43.5%
14
40
C-2
Combination of two-axle towing vehicle and a trailer with a gross trailer weight of 3,000 pounds or less
43.5%
14
40
C-3
Buses, regardless of the number of axles, not having a manufacturer's gross weight rating
43.5%
14
40
C-4
All combinations of vehicles in drive-away/tow-away operations
43.5%
14
40
D
All other vehicles and combinations of vehicles
43.5%
14
50
Notes to table:
1.
There is a definite mathematical relationship between the figures in columns 2 and 3. If the decelerations set forth in column 3 are divided by 32.2 feet per second per second, the column 2 figures will be obtained. (For example, 17 divided by 32.2 gives 52.8 percent.) Column 2 is included in the tabulation because certain brake testing devices utilize this factor.
2.
The decelerations as in column 3 are an indication of the effectiveness of the basic brakes, and as measured in practical brake testing are the maximum braking decelerations attained at some time during the stop. This deceleration as measured in brake tests cannot be used to compute the values in column 4 because it is not sustained at the same rate over the entire period of the stop. The deceleration increases from zero to maximum during a period of brake system application and brake force buildup. Also, other factors may cause the deceleration to decrease after reaching a maximum. The added distance which results because a maximum deceleration is not sustained is included in the figures of column 4, but is not indicated by the usual brake testing devices for checking deceleration.
3.
The distances in column 4 and the decelerations in column 3 are not directly related. Brake system application and braking distance in feet (column 4) is a definite measure of the overall effectiveness of the braking system, being the distance traveled between the point at which the driver starts to move the braking controls and the point at which the vehicle comes to rest. It includes distance traveled while the brakes are retarding the vehicle.
4.
The distance traveled during the period of brake system application and brake force buildup varies with vehicle type, being negligible for many passenger cars and greatest for combinations of commercial vehicles. This fact accounts for the variation from 25 to 50 feet in the numerical values in column 4 for the various classes of vehicles.
5.
The deceleration requirement in column 3 is the same for all classifications of vehicles, except for passenger vehicles, not including buses, because brakes on vehicles in the second, third and fourth classifications are all capable with reasonable maintenance of producing the designated deceleration as measured by brake testing devices. A higher deceleration requirement is warranted for passenger cars in view of state bureau of public roads test data.
(CAC 9.44.300; AO No. 78-72)
All brakes shall be maintained in good working order and shall be so adjusted as to operate as equally as practicable with respect to the wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle.
(CAC 9.44.310; AO No. 78-72)
A. 
For the purpose of this section and if not otherwise modified in this section, the term "motor vehicle" means any motorized vehicle which is self-propelled, including but not limited to a minibike, go-cart, motorcycle, snowmobile or automobile. Vehicles operated on rails are exempt from regulation.
B. 
Every motor vehicle shall at all times be equipped with a muffler and tight exhaust system in good working order and in constant operation to prevent:
1. 
Excessive or unusual noise; and
2. 
Fumes from escaping into the vehicle.
C. 
No person may use a muffler cutout, bypass or similar device upon a vehicle nor may any person modify or change the exhaust muffler, intake muffler or any other noise abatement device of a motor vehicle in a manner such that the noise emitted by the motor vehicle is increased above that emitted by the motor vehicle as originally manufactured.
D. 
The engine and power mechanism of a motor vehicle shall be equipped and adjusted so as to prevent the escape of excessive fumes or smoke.
E. 
No person may operate either a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles at any time or under any condition of grade, load, acceleration or deceleration in such a manner as to exceed the following noise limit standards:
1. 
No person may operate a motor vehicle, except in an event for which a permit has been obtained pursuant to chapter 15.70, with a noise level in excess of 85 dBA at 50 feet from the center of the lane of travel or the nearest property line, whichever is closer. Furthermore, no person may operate a motor vehicle in a residential area after 8:00 p.m. or before 8:00 a.m. with a noise level in excess of 75 dBA at 50 feet from the center of the lane of travel or the nearest property line, whichever is closer. However, nothing in this subsection E.1 shall be construed to permit the operation of a snowmobile in violation of section 9.42.040.
2. 
No new motor vehicle, except one designated for competition purposes only, may be sold or offered for sale unless engine noise produced by the vehicle is limited to not more than 85 dBA at 50 feet.
3. 
Subsection E of this section applies to the total noise from a vehicle or combination of vehicles and may not be construed as limiting or precluding the enforcement of any other provision of this Code relating to a motor vehicle muffler and exhaust system for noise control.
F. 
The police department shall adopt regulations and procedures for the accurate measurement of motor vehicle noise and provide for courtesy compliance testing.
(CAC 9.44.330; AO No. 78-72; AO No. 2011-113(S), § 128, 11-22-2011, eff. 12-22-2011)
A. 
A motor vehicle shall be equipped with a mirror mounted on the left side of the vehicle. Every motor vehicle, except a motor-driven cycle, a bicycle or off-highway vehicle, shall be equipped with a mirror mounted either inside the vehicle approximately in the center, or outside the vehicle on the right side.
B. 
The following motor vehicles shall be equipped with mirrors on both the left and right sides of the vehicles:
1. 
A bus or school bus;
2. 
A motor vehicle constructed, loaded or designed to be loaded in a manner obstructing the driver's view through the rear window; or
3. 
A motor vehicle towing a vehicle, when the towed vehicle or its load obstructs the driver's view through the rear window.
4. 
All vehicles originally equipped with left and right side mirrors by the manufacturer.
C. 
All mirrors required by this section shall be maintained in good condition and located to reflect to the driver a view to the rear of the vehicle.
(CAC 9.44.340; AO No. 78-72; AO No. 80-4; AO No. 89-52; AO No. 2011-113(S), § 129, 11-22-2011, eff. 12-22-2011)
Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a windshield, which shall be equipped with devices for cleaning rain, snow or other moisture from both sides of the windshield, which devices shall be so constructed as to be controlled or operated by the driver of the vehicle and maintained in good working order. If the windshield is designed so as to be removable, the windshield shall be in place whenever the vehicle is operated on a street.
(CAC 9.44.350; AO No. 78-72; AO No. 80-4; AO No. 89-52; AO No. 90-24)
It is unlawful to operate any motor vehicle upon a street within the municipality when the windshield or rear window is in such a defective condition as to impair the driver's vision either to the front or rear.
(CAC 9.44.360; AO No. 78-72; AO No. 80-4)
A. 
It is unlawful to operate any motor vehicle upon a street or any public thoroughfare within the municipality if the vehicle is any of the following types, which are declared to be unsafe and unlawful:
1. 
Any vehicle which has any undue looseness of front wheels or steering assembly that may contribute to any unsafe condition, or any other visible defective mechanical condition that would cause difficult or uncertain steering, or which has any visible unreasonable amount of misalignment to the front or rear wheels, or any unnecessary sharp protuberance, or any fenders or other equipment removed, altered or modified that may endanger the operator, pedestrians or others.
2. 
Any passenger vehicle or commercial vehicle under 6,000 pounds that has been modified from the original design so that any portion of the vehicle, other than the wheels, has less clearance from the surface of a level roadway than the clearance between the roadway and the lowermost portion of any rim of any wheel in contact with the roadway.
3. 
Any vehicle with the lowest portion of the body floor more than four inches above the top of the frame, or with a maximum frame or body floor height greater than 27 inches for a vehicle of up to 4,500 pounds GVWR, 30 inches for 4,501 to 7,500 pounds GVWR, and 31 inches for 7,501 to 10,000 pounds GVWR.
B. 
For purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the meaning given in this subsection:
"Frame"
means the main longitudinal structural members of the chassis of the vehicle, or, for vehicles with unitized body construction, the lowest main longitudinal structural members of the body of the vehicle.
"Frame height"
means the vertical distance between the ground and the lowest point of the frame midway between the front axle and the second axle on the vehicle.
"GVWR"
means the manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating, whether or not the vehicle is modified by use of parts not originally installed by the manufacturer.
(CAC 9.44.370; AO No. 78-72; AO No. 80-4; AO No. 89-52)
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this title, the following shall apply to custom collector vehicles:
A. 
A custom collector vehicle shall be equipped with:
1. 
Hydraulic service brakes on all wheels;
2. 
Sealed beam or halogen headlights;
3. 
Safety belts for all occupants;
4. 
Turn signals and turn signaling switch;
5. 
Safety glass or lexan;
6. 
An electric or vacuum windshield wiper located in front of the driver;
7. 
Standard or blue-dot taillights; and
8. 
A parking brake that operates on at least two wheels on the same axle.
B. 
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this title or regulations adopted under this title, a custom collector vehicle shall not be required to be equipped with a bumper, hood or fenders.
C. 
A custom collector vehicle shall be equipped in a manner that while in motion and functional on the vehicle's four rims on a flat surface, the suspension, steering or chassis does not contact the highway, vehicular way or area.
(AO No. 94-68(S), § 36, 8-11-1994)
A. 
Every solid rubber tire on a vehicle shall have rubber on its entire traction surface at least one inch thick above the edge of the flange of the entire periphery.
B. 
No person may operate or move on any street any motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer having any metal tire in contact with the roadway.
C. 
No tire on a vehicle moved on a street may have on its periphery any protuberance of any material other than rubber which projects beyond the tread of the traction surface of the tire, except that it shall be permissible to use:
1. 
Farm machinery with tires having protuberances which will not injure the street.
2. 
Tire chains of reasonable proportions upon any vehicle when required for safety because of snow, ice or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to skid.
3. 
Pneumatic tires having studs designed to improve traction without materially injuring the surface of the street. Their use may be limited to certain months or types of vehicles by the traffic engineer.
D. 
No person may drive a vehicle with a tire in unsafe operating condition or with a tread depth of less than 2/32 inch measured in two adjacent tread grooves at three equally spaced intervals around the circumference of the tire. No tread measurements may be made at the location of a tread wear indicator, or the bar, hump or fillet.
E. 
The municipal traffic engineer may issue special permits authorizing the operation upon a street of traction engines or tractors having movable tracks with transverse corrugations upon the periphery of such movable tracks, or farm tractors or other farm machinery, the operation of which upon a street would otherwise be prohibited under this section.
(CAC 9.44.380; AO No. 78-72; AO No. 80-4; AO No. 89-52)
A. 
It is unlawful for the owner or any other person employing or otherwise directing the driver of any vehicle to cause the operation of the vehicle upon a street in any manner contrary to this Code.
B. 
It is unlawful for an owner to request, cause or permit the operation of any vehicle which is not equipped as required by this Code.
(CAC 9.44.400; AO No. 78-72; AO No. 80-4)