(A) Traffic control signal legend. 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, or with arrows, the following colors only shall be used and the terms and lights shall indicate and apply to drivers of vehicles and pedestrians as follows:
(1) Green alone or “Go.”
(a) Vehicular traffic facing the signal, except when prohibited under the provisions of this chapter may proceed straight through or turn right a left unless a signal at a place prohibits either such turn. But vehicular traffic, including vehicles turning right or left, shall yield the right of way to other vehicles and to pedestrians lawfully within the intersection or an adjacent cross walk at the time such signal is exhibited.
(b) Pedestrians facing the signal may proceed across the roadway within any marked or unmarked cross walk.
(2) Yellow along, or “Caution” when shown following the green or “Go” signal.
(a) Vehicular traffic facing the signal is thereby warned that the red or “Stop” signal will be exhibited immediately thereafter and the vehicular traffic shall not enter or be crossing the intersection when the red or “Stop” signal is exhibited.
(b) Pedestrians facing such signal are thereby advised that there is insufficient time to cross the roadway, and any pedestrian then starting to cross shall yield the right of way, for all vehicles.
(3) Red alone or “Stop.”
(a) Vehicular traffic facing the signal shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection and shall remain standing until the green or “Go” is shown alone.
(b) No pedestrian facing the signal shall enter the roadway unless he or she can do so safely and without interfering with any vehicular traffic.
(4) Application of section. In the event an official traffic control sign or device is erected and maintained at a place other than an intersection, the provisions of this section shall be applicable except as to those provisions which by their nature can have no application. Any stop required shall be made at a sign or marking on the pavement indicating where the stop shall be made, but in the absence of any such sign or marking the stop shall be made at the signal.
(B) Flashing signals. Whenever flashing red or yellow signals are used they shall require obedience by vehicular traffic as follows.
(1) Flashing red (stop signal). When a red lens is illuminated by rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles shall stop before entering the nearest crosswalk at an intersection or at a limit line when marked and the right to proceed shall be subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop sign.
(2) Flashing yellow (caution signal). When a yellow lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles may proceed through the intersection or past the signal only with caution.
(C) Display of unauthorized signals or markings.
(1) No person shall place, maintain or display upon or in view of any highway any unauthorized sign, signal or marking, or devise which purports to be or is an imitation of or resembles an official traffic control device or which attempts to direct the movement of traffic, or which hides from view or interferes with the effectiveness of any official traffic control device, or signal, and no person shall place or maintain nor shall any public authority permit upon any highway any traffic sign or signal bearing thereon any commercial advertising. This shall not be deemed to prohibit the erection upon private property adjacent to highways or signs giving useful directional information and of a type that cannot be mistaken for official signs.
(2) Every such prohibited sign, signal or marking is hereby declared to be a public nuisance and the Chief of Police is hereby empowered to remove the same or cause it to be removed without notice.
(D) Interference with official traffic control devices, signs or signals. No person shall without lawful authority attempt to or in fact alter, deface, injure, knock down or remove any official traffic control device or any inscription shield, or insignia thereon, or any part thereof.
(Ord. 64-12, passed 12-21-1964) Penalty, see § 70.99