Sec. 19-112. Decreasing speed under certain conditions.

The fact that the speed of a vehicle is lower than the limits prescribed in this article shall not relieve the driver from the duty to decrease speed:

(1)   When approaching or crossing an intersection;

(2)   When approaching and going around a curve;

(3)   When approaching a hillcrest;

(4)   When traveling upon a narrow or winding roadway;

(5)   When a special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians or other traffic or because of weather or street conditions;

(6)   As may be necessary to avoid colliding with any person, vehicle or other conveyance on or entering the street; and

(7)   To avoid causing injury to any person or property, either on or off the street;

in compliance with legal requirements and the duty of all persons to use due care.

(Code 1965, § 28-79)

State law reference(s)—Speed restrictions and authority of city relative thereto, G.S. 20-141.

Sec. 19-113. Inapplicability of speed limits.

(a)   The speed limitations set forth in this article shall not apply to the following:

(1)   Vehicles when operated with due regard for safety under the direction of the police in the chase or apprehension of violators or suspected violators of the law;

(2)   Fire department or fire patrol vehicles when traveling in response to a fire alarm;

(3)   Public or private ambulances when traveling in emergencies; or

(4)   Vehicles operated by duly authorized officers, agents or employees of the state utilities commission when traveling in performance of their duties in regulating and checking traffic and speed.

(b)   This section shall not relieve the driver of any such vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the street nor shall it protect the driver of any such vehicle from the consequences of a reckless disregard of the safety of others.

(Code 1965, § 28-80)

State law reference(s)—Similar provisions, G.S. 20-145.

Secs. 19-114—19-135. Reserved.

ARTICLE V. STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING

DIVISION 1. GENERALLY

Sec. 19-136. Unattended motor vehicles.

(a)   No person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended on a public street or highway or public vehicular area without first stopping the engine, effectively setting the brake thereon and, when standing upon any grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway.

(b)   Violation of this section shall be an infraction and shall be punishable as provided in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-4.

(Code 1965, § 28-91; Ord. No. 4910, § 2, 11-9-21)

State law reference(s)—Unattended motor vehicles, G.S. 20-163.

Sec. 19-137. Parking prohibitions at certain locations.

(a)   It shall be unlawful for the driver of a vehicle to stop, stand or park such vehicle in any of the following places, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or with the direction of a police officer or traffic signal:

(1)   Within an intersection;

(2)   On a crosswalk;

(3)   Between a safety zone and the adjacent curb, or within 30 feet of points on the curb immediately opposite the ends of a safety zone, unless otherwise indicated by signs or marks;

(4)   Within 25 feet of the driveway or entrance to any fire station;

(5)   Within 15 feet of any fire hydrant;

(6)   In front of any private driveway;

(7)   In a designated bicycle lane that is identified with pavement markings and/or signs.

(8)   On any sidewalk;

(9)   On any curb;

(10)   On any median strip;

(11)   On any landscaped or planted area within the right-of-way of any street, highway or roadway;

(12)   Alongside of or opposite any street excavation or obstruction, when such stopping or parking shall obstruct traffic;

(13)   On the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge of a street, highway or roadway, except in such instances as double parking may be allowed by the regulations of this chapter;

(14)   At any place where official traffic signs have been erected prohibiting standing or parking.

(b)   No person shall park a vehicle or permit it to stand, whether attended or unattended, upon any public vehicular area, street, highway or roadway in any area designated as a fire lane. This subsection includes designated fire lanes in shopping center or mall parking lots and all other public vehicular areas. However, persons loading or unloading supplies or merchandise may park temporarily in a fire lane located in a shopping center or mall parking lot as long as the vehicle is not left unattended. The prima facie rule of evidence created by G.S. 20-162.1 is applicable to prosecutions for violation of this section. The owner of a vehicle parked in violation of this subsection shall be deemed to have appointed any state, county or municipal law enforcement officer as his agent for the purpose of arranging for the transportation and safe storage of such vehicle. No law enforcement officer removing such a vehicle shall be held criminally or civilly liable in any way for any acts or omissions arising out of or caused by carrying out or enforcing any provisions of this subsection, unless the conduct of the officer amounts to wanton misconduct or intentional wrongdoing.

(c)   Violation of this section shall be an infraction and shall be punishable as provided in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-4.

(Code 1965, §§ 28-95, 28-105; Ord. No. 2024, § 1(a), 4-27-93; Ord. No. 4576, §§ 2, 3, 4-25-17; Ord. No. 4910, § 2, 11-9-21)

State law reference(s)—Similar provisions, G.S. 20-162.