(A) Definitions. For the purpose of this traffic code, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
DRIVER. The operator of a vehicle.
HIGHWAY or STREET. The entire width between property or right-of-way lines of every way or place of whatever nature, when any part thereof is open to the use of the public as a matter of right for the purposes of vehicular traffic. The terms HIGHWAY or STREET, or a combination of the two terms, shall be used synonymously.
INTERSECTION. The area embraced within the prolongation of the lateral curb lines or, if none, then the lateral edge of roadway lines of two or more highways which join one another at any angle whether or not one highway crosses the other. Where a highway includes two roadways 30 feet or more apart, then every crossing of each roadway of the divided highway by an intersecting highway shall be regarded as a separate INTERSECTION. In the event that such intersecting highway also includes two roadways 30 feet or more apart, then every crossing of two roadways of such highways shall be regarded as a separate INTERSECTION.
LOCAL STREET. A street within the town that is not part of the state highway system.
LONG-TERM PARKING. Overnight parking lasting two or more nights.
MOTOR VEHICLE. Every vehicle that is self-propelled and every vehicle designed to run upon the highways that is pulled by a self-propelled vehicle. This shall not include mopeds, as defined in G.S. § 20-4.01(27)j.
OPERATOR. A person in actual physical control of a vehicle that is in motion or that has the engine running.
PARKING or STANDING. A vehicle is parked or is permitted to stand when it is stopped and allowed to remain in a fixed location for any duration of time, whether attended or unattended. Except where the context clearly indicates otherwise, the limitations on PARKING and STANDING in this traffic code apply only to locations within a street right-of-way. In no case do these limitations apply when a vehicle is stopped to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with law or the directions of a police officer or traffic-control device or as the result of an emergency or because the vehicle is disabled.
ROADWAY. The portion of a highway improved, designed or ordinarily used for vehicular travel, exclusive of the shoulder. In the event a highway includes two or more separate roadways, the term ROADWAY, as used herein, shall refer to any roadway separately, but not to all roadways collectively.
SAFETY ZONE. A traffic island or other space that is officially set aside within a highway for the exclusive use of pedestrians and that is so plainly marked or indicated by the proper signs as to be plainly visible at all times while set apart as a SAFETY ZONE.
STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM STREET. A street within the town that is part of the state highway system. Whenever this traffic code regulates parking or the movement of traffic on, to or from a state highway system street, then, to the extent that concurrence by the state’s Department of Transportation is necessary (by passage of a concurring ordinance or otherwise), the regulation shall not become effective until the concurrence is obtained.
STREET. See the definition for HIGHWAY found in this section.
TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICE. Any sign, signal, marking or other device placed or erected pursuant to a lawfully adopted ordinance and designed to regulate, warn, guide or control traffic.
TRAFFIC-CONTROL SIGNAL. Any device designed to regulate, guide or control traffic through the use of alternating or flashing lights or by some other mechanical means.
VEHICLE. Every device in, upon or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, except devices moved by human power or used exclusively upon fixed rails or tracks; provided that, for the purposes of this title, bicycles shall be deemed VEHICLES and every rider of a bicycle upon a highway shall be subject to the provisions of this title applicable to the driver of a vehicle, except those which, by their nature, can have no application. This term shall not include a device which is designed for and intended to be used as a means of transportation for a person with a mobility impairment, is suitable for use both inside and outside a building and whose maximum speed does not exceed 12 mph when the device is being operated by a person with a mobility impairment.
(B) Appointment of Administrator. The Town Manager shall appoint an Administrator who shall be responsible for carrying out the provisions of this traffic code.