§ 70.01 DEFINITIONS.

   For the purpose of this traffic code, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

   AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLES. Vehicles of the Fire Department, Police Department and such ambulances designated or authorized by the Chief of Police.

   BLOCK. The length of that portion of any street which is located between two adjacent street intersections.

   BUSINESS DISTRICT. The territory contiguous to a highway, when 50% or more of frontage thereon, for a distance of 300 feet or more, is occupied by buildings which are in use for business purposes.

   CROSSWALK. The portion of a roadway which lies between the prolongations of the lateral sidewalk or boundary lines over an intersection. Any portion of a roadway distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface.

   DRIVER. Every person who drives or is in actual physical control of a vehicle.

   ENGINE COMPRESSION BRAKE. A device primarily on large trucks for the conversion of the engine from an internal combustion engine to an air compressor for the purpose of braking without the use of wheel brakes. (Commonly referred to as “JAKE” BRAKE, JACOBS BRAKE.)

   INTERSECTION. The area embraced within the prolongations of the lateral curb or boundary lines of two or more roadways or highways which join, or which join and cross one another at an angle.

   MOTOR VEHICLE. Every vehicle which is self-propelled, and every vehicle which is pulled by a self-propelled vehicle, but not operated upon rails.

   OFFICIAL TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICES. All signs, signals, markings and devices not inconsistent with this chapter, placed or erected by authority of the Town Council, or an official having jurisdiction, for the purpose of regulating, warning or guiding traffic.

   OFFICIAL TRAFFIC SIGNALS. Any device, whether manually or automatically operated, by which traffic is alternately directed to stop and to proceed.

   PARK. To stand a vehicle, whether occupied or not, other than temporarily for the purpose of loading or unloading.

   PEDESTRIAN. Any person afoot.

   POLICE OFFICER. Every officer of the Police Department or any officer authorized to direct traffic or to make arrests for violations of traffic regulations.

   PRIVATE ROAD OR DRIVEWAY. Every road or driveway not open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular traffic.

   PUBLIC CONVEYANCE. Any vehicle which is engaged in the business of transporting persons for fare.

   RAILROAD. A carrier of persons or property, other than streetcars, with cars operated on stationary rails.

   RAILROAD TRAIN. A steam engine, electric or other locomotion, with or without cars coupled thereto, operated upon rails, not including streetcars.

   RESIDENCE DISTRICT. The territory contiguous to a highway, not comprising a business district, when the frontage on such highway, for a distance of 300 feet or more, is mainly occupied by residential dwellings, but also by dwellings or buildings which are in use for business purposes.

   RIGHT-OF-WAY. The privilege of the immediate use of the roadway, not inconsistent with regulations and conditions.

   ROADWAY. The portion of a street which has been improved and designed for, or which is ordinarily used for vehicular travel.

   SAFETY ZONE. The area officially set apart within a roadway for the exclusive use of pedestrians, which is either protected or plainly marked at all times while so set apart as a SAFETY ZONE.

   SIDEWALK. The portion of a street between the curb lines, or the lateral lines of a roadway, and the adjacent property lines, exclusively intended for the use of pedestrians.

   SIGNS. See TRAFFIC SIGNS.

   STANDING. Any stopping of a vehicle, whether occupied or not.

   STOP or STOPPING.

      (1)   When required, complete cessation of movement.

      (2)   When prohibited, any stopping of a vehicle, except when conflict with other traffic is imminent or when otherwise directed by a police officer.

   STREET or HIGHWAY. The entire area between lateral property lines, which is open to the use of the public, as a matter or right, for purposes of vehicular traffic.

   TRAFFIC. Pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles, streetcars and other conveyances, either singly or together, while using any street for purposes of travel.

   TRAFFIC SIGNS. Authorized signs or markers which are assumed to be permanently or temporarily placed, erected or installed at certain places and which purport to give notice of direction or to convey a prohibition or warning; the presence of such signs, though not compulsory, is generally dictated by necessity or common sense, with a view to furtherance of public safety.

   UNMUFFLED ENGINE COMPRESSION BRAKE. A motor vehicle brake which is activated or worked by compression of the engine of a motor vehicle, which is not effectively muffled to prevent excessive noise.

   VEHICLE. Every device in or upon which any person or property may be transported, except devices moved by human power or used exclusively upon fixed rails or tracks; provided that, for the purposes of this chapter, a bicycle or a ridden animal shall also be deemed a VEHICLE.

(Prior Code, § 70.01)

Statutory reference:
   Definitions relative to motor vehicles, see G.S. § 20-4.01