Article
I. IN GENERAL
II. TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICES, SIGNS AND SIGNALS
III. OPERATION OF VEHICLES
IV. TRUCK TRAFFIC
V. ACCIDENTS
VI. STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING
VII. BICYCLES
VIII. PEDESTRIANS
IX. ABANDONED AND JUNKED VEHICLES
X. EQUIPMENT
XI. MOBILE VENDING VEHICLES
XII. STREET RACING AND RECKLESS DRIVING EXHIBITIONS
Charter reference:
Authority of city to regulate and control use of streets and other public places, see Ch. II, § 1
Cross-reference:
Airports and aircraft, see Ch. 3
Ambulances/emergency medical services, see Ch. 5
General penalty for code violations, see § 1-6
Motor vehicle junkyards, see §§ 20-291 et seq.
Movement and demolition of buildings and structures, see §§ 7-216 et seq.
Police, see Ch. 27
Regulations of vehicles at city-owned landing fields, see §§ 3-96 et seq.
Streets and sidewalks, see Ch. 30
Subdivision ordinance, see Ch. 31
Traffic regulations for parks and recreation areas restricted, see § 24-15
Transportation and public works department, see §§ 2-146 et seq.
Vehicles for hire, see Ch. 34
Washing of vehicles in parks or recreation areas restricted, see § 24-11
Zoning regulations, see App. A
Statutory reference:
Authority of city to adopt additional traffic regulations not in conflict with the state law, see V.A.C.S. Art. 6701d, § 26
Powers of local authorities relative to the regulation of traffic generally, see V.A.C.S. Art. 6701d, § 27
Uniform Act Regulating Traffic on Highways, see Tex. Transportation Code Ch. 501 et seq.
Section
Article I: In General
22-1 Definitions
22-2 City traffic engineer—Office created
22-3 Same—Powers and duties relative to traffic generally
22-4 Direction of traffic
22-5 Authority of chief of police to adopt emergency regulations
22-6 Obedience to police
22-7 Application of chapter—Public employees
22-8 Same—Authorized emergency vehicles
22-9 Same—Persons propelling pushcarts, riding bicycles or animals or driving animals
22-10 Sounding horn; unnecessary noise
22-11 Use of siren
22-12 Boarding or alighting from moving vehicles
22-13 Riding on motorcycles
22-14 Clinging to vehicles
22-15 Unlawful riding
22-16 Roller skates, coasters, etc., in streets
22-17 Repairing vehicles on streets
22-18 Permit required to park vehicle for sale or displaying advertising on street; permit fee; conditions of issuance of permit
22-19 Intoxilizer test fee
22-20 General penalty; continuing violations
22-21 Cruising prohibited in designated areas
22-22—22-35 Reserved
Article II: Traffic-Control Devices, Signs and Signals
22-36 Existence of official traffic-control device prima facie evidence that device was erected pursuant to proper and lawful authority
22-37 Obedience to and required traffic-control devices
22-38 Traffic-control signal legend
22-39 Intersections where stop required—To be designated by city traffic engineer
22-40 Same—Signs to bear the word “Stop”
22-41 Yield signs—Authorized
22-42 Same—Requirements
22-43 Flashing signals
22-44 Obedience to signal indicating approach of railroad train
22-45 Pedestrian control signals
22-46 Emergency amber signal lights; operation of vehicles when lights on
22-47 Display of unauthorized signs, signals or markings
22-48 Interference with official traffic-control devices or railroad signs or signals
22-49 Proof required in prosecution
22-50—22-65 Reserved
Article III: Operation of Vehicles
22-66 Drive on right side of roadway; exceptions
22-67 Overtaking a vehicle on the left
22-68 When overtaking on the right is permitted
22-69 Limitations on overtaking on the left
22-70 Vehicles entering stop or yield intersections
22-71 Right turns from bus lanes
22-72 Right-of-way at intersections
22-73 U-turns
22-74 Limitations on backing—Generally
22-75 Same—Signal on backing
22-76 Emerging from alley, driveway or building
22-77 Stop when traffic obstructed
22-78 Starting and turning and signals on stopping and turning
22-79 Operation of vehicles and street cars on approach of authorized emergency vehicles
22-80 Authorized emergency vehicles to have right-of-way
22-81 Interference with authorized emergency vehicles
22-82 Use restricted of freeways to automotive vehicles
22-83 Direction of travel on freeways; entrances and exits; crossing median prohibited; parking prohibited
22-84 Operation of vehicles except certain buses and bicycles in bus lanes prohibited; certain bus lanes designated
22-85 One-way streets
22-86 Speeding
22-87 Obstruction to driver’s view or driving mechanism
22-88 Following too closely
22-89 Driving on divided highways
22-90 Driving through processions; exceptions
22-91 Driving upon sidewalks
22-92 Reckless driving
22-93 Following fire apparatus or ambulance
22-94 Crossing fire hose
22-95 Safe passing of vulnerable road users
22-96—22-110 Reserved
Article IV: Truck Traffic
22-111 Use of truck routes required for through traffic; exceptions
22-112 Use of truck routes or commercial delivery routes required—Generally
22-113 Same—Defenses
22-114 Truck route streets designated
22-115 Commercial delivery route streets designated
22-116 Transportation of hazardous materials
22-117 Vehicle restrictions
22-118 Violations
22-119 Enforcement of violations by city; fine
22-120 Reserved
22-121—22-135 Reserved
Article V: Accidents
22-136 Leaving the scene of collision
22-137 Moving vehicle after collision
22-138 Report to be made
22-139—22-154 Reserved
Article VI: Stopping, Standing and Parking
Division 1: Generally
22-155 Some parking violations as civil offenses
22-156 Stopping, standing or parking prohibited in certain bus lanes
22-157 Restricted where less than ten feet of roadway left available for traffic
22-158 Passenger loading zones
22-158.1 Commercial loading zone
22-158.2 When provisions applicable
22-158.3 Valet parking zones
22-158.4 Pre-arranged motorbus zone
22-159 Storing of vehicles on public street prohibited
22-160 Parking of motor vehicles, trailers, boats and other vehicles in front yards and side yards of areas zoned one-family and two-family
22-161 Parking in alley prohibited
22-162.1 Parking of oversize commercial vehicles on private property
22-162.2 Parking of large and oversize vehicles on streets
22-162.3 Parking of large recreational vehicles on private property
22-162.4 Parking of oversize recreational vehicles on private property
22-162.5 Violations; penalties
22-163 Manner of parking in designated zone for certain hours; exceptions
22-164 Manner of parking of vehicles with six or more wheels in certain zones
22-165 Parking passenger cars in certain zone
22-166 Parking or standing close to curb
22-167 Unattended motor vehicle
22-168 Ignition key to be removed from unattended parked cars
22-169 Owner prima facie responsible for illegal parking
22-170 Motorbus stops and manner of stopping
22-171 Parking restricted on certain private property
22-171.5 Parking restricted on certain public property
22-172 Traffic engineer to specify certain parking spaces
22-173 Map to be filed with city secretary; penalty for violation of regulation
22-174 Private off-street disability parking
22-175 Head-in parking
22-176 Curb cuts and laid-down curb permit procedures
22-177 Loading and unloading facilities
22-178 Stopping, standing and parking prohibited in certain places
22-179 Solicitation between an occupant of a motor vehicle a pedestrian
22-180 Residential permitted parking program; Definitions
22-181 Areas designated
22-182 Issuance of permits and vendor permits
22-183 Visitor permits
22-184 Parking restrictions
22-185 Effect of permit; display; expiration; renewal; replacement
22-186 Offenses; denial or revocation of permit
22-187—22-190 Reserved
Division 2: Parking Meters
22-191 Establishment of zones and maximum parking time therein; establishment of fees
22-192 Hours meters to operate; information to be shown on meters
22-193 Installation and operation
22-194 How parking meter and space to be used
22-195 Parking overtime—Unlawful
22-196 Same—Expired meter prima facie evidence
22-197 Manner of parking
22-198 Marking of spaces; parking within
22-199 Use of slugs, etc., in meters
22-200 Injuring or tampering with meters
22-201 Deposits to be used to defray costs of regulation
22-202—22-204 Reserved
22-205 Maximum parking time; extending time prohibited
22-205.1 Feeding meters
22-206 Same—When provisions applicable
22-207 Collection, etc., of deposits from meters
22-208 Proof of parking meter location and time limit
22-209 Display of permits
22-210—22-220 Reserved
Division 3: Parking Violations
22-221 Tow-away zones
22-222 Towing and impoundment of certain vehicles authorized
22-223—22-240 Reserved
Article VII: Bicycles
Division 1: Generally
22-241 Reflectors required
22-242 Riding on bicycles
22-243 Clinging to moving vehicles
22-244 Riding in reckless manner
22-245 Bicycle helmets
22-246—22-260 Reserved
Division 2: Reserved
22-261—22-280 Reserved
Article VIII: Pedestrians
22-281 Right-of-way in crosswalks
22-282 To use right half of crosswalk
22-283 Crossing at other than crosswalks
22-284 Solicitations
22-285—22-300 Reserved
Article IX: Abandoned and Junked Vehicles
Division 1: Abandoned Vehicles
22-301 Disposition of abandoned vehicles
22-302 Additional requirements
Division 2: Junked Vehicles
22-303 Junked vehicles declared to be a public nuisance; adoption of procedures for abatement and removal
22-303.1 Reserved
22-304 Notice
22-304.1 Relocation of junked vehicle after abatement proceeding has commenced
22-305 Hearing
22-306 Abatement of nuisance; removal and disposal of vehicles
22-307 Junked vehicles not to be reconstructed or made operable after removal
22-308 Notice of removal to be given to Texas department of transportation
22-309 Inapplicability of this division
22-310 Administration
22-311 Criminal complaint
22-312 Order of abatement upon conviction
22-313 Reserved
Division 3: Generally
22-314 Authority to enforce
22-315 Effect of article on other ordinances or laws
22-316—22-320 Reserved
Article X: Equipment
22-321 Mufflers, prevention of noise
22-322 Brakes
22-323 Light requirements
22-324 Engine braking
22-325—22-340 Reserved
Article XI: Mobile Vending Vehicles
22-341 Definitions
22-342 Regulations and minimum equipment
22-343—22-360 Reserved
Article XII: Street Racing and Reckless Driving Exhibitions
Division 1: Definitions
22-361 Definitions
Division 2: Spectators Prohibited At Street Races and Reckless Driving Exhibitions
22-362 Spectators prohibited at street races and reckless driving exhibitions
Division 3: Aiding Street Racing and Reckless Driving Exhibitions
22-363 Aiding street racing and reckless driving exhibitions
22-364 Penalty
Whenever the following terms are used in this chapter, they shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section.
ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE or ABANDONED VEHICLE. A motor vehicle that is inoperable and more than eight years old and left unattended on public property for more than 48 hours, or a motor vehicle that has remained illegally on public property for a period of more than 48 hours, or a motor vehicle that has remained on private property without the consent of the owner or person in control of the property for more than 48 hours.
AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLE. Vehicles of the fire department (fire patrol), police vehicles, vehicles used by City of Fort Worth employees for abandoned vehicle enforcement, vehicles used by City of Fort Worth employees for the emergency management office, public and private ambulances for which permits have been issued by the state board of health, emergency vehicles of municipal departments or public service corporations as are designated or authorized by the governing body of an incorporated city, and private vehicles operated by volunteer firefighters or certified emergency medical services volunteers while answering a fire alarm or responding to a medical emergency, and vehicles operated by blood banks or tissue banks, accredited or approved under the laws of this state or the United States, while making emergency deliveries of blood, drugs or medicines or organs.
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.201
BUS LANE. That portion of roadway devoted primarily to the use by buses of the public bus transportation system operating in the Fort Worth area, such system being commonly known as “CITRAN.”
COMMERCIAL DELIVERY ROUTE. Any street or highway so designated by the city council for the use by any commercial motor vehicle, truck-tractor, trailer, semi-trailer, or any combination thereof.
COMMERCIAL LOADING ZONE. A space or section of the curb set aside for the purpose of loading and unloading of persons or the purpose of loading, unloading, delivery or pick up of supplies or merchandise.
COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE.
(1) A motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, designed or used primarily to transport property. The term includes a passenger car reconstructed and used primarily for delivery purposes; and
(2) A motor vehicle displaying the registrant’s name and address permanently affixed in characters at least three inches high on both sides of the vehicle, with such display being in a color contrasting with that of the vehicle and placed approximately midway vertically on doors or side panels.
CROSSWALK.
(1) That part of a roadway at an intersection included within the connections of the lateral lines of the sidewalks on opposite sides of the highway measured from the curbs, or in the absence of curbs from the edges of the traversable roadway; and
(2) Any portion of a roadway at an intersection or elsewhere distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing, by lines or other markings.
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.302(3)
FREEWAY. A divided, controlled access highway for through traffic.
Statutory reference:
“Limited-access or controlled-access highway,” see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.302(8)
Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.302(3)
FRONTAGE ROAD. A street located next to a freeway and auxiliary thereto, constructed so as to provide vehicular access to and from the freeway. The following terms have the same definition as FRONTAGE ROAD and any one of these terms may be substituted for the term FRONTAGE ROAD when used in this Chapter 26: “access road,” “access street,” “frontage street,” “service road” and “service street.”
HIGHWAY. The entire width between the boundary lines of every way publicly maintained when any part thereof is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel.
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.302(5)
INTERSECTION.
(1) The area embraced within the prolongation or connection of the lateral curb lines, or if none, then the lateral boundary lines of the roadways of two or more highways which join one another at any angle, or the area within which vehicles traveling upon different highways joining at any angle may come in conflict;
(2) Where a highway includes two roadways 30 feet or more apart, then every crossing of each roadway of such divided highway by an intersecting highway shall be regarded as a separate intersection. In the event 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; and
(3) The junction of any alley with a street or highway shall not constitute an intersection.
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.303
JUNKED VEHICLE.
(1) A vehicle that is self-propelled and:
a. Does not have lawfully attached to it an unexpired registration insignia (sticker) and license plate; and
b. Is inoperable and has remained inoperable for more than 72 consecutive hours if the vehicle is on public property, or for more than 20 consecutive days if the vehicle is on private property.
(2) A vehicle that is self-propelled and is wrecked, dismantled or partially dismantled, and has remained inoperable for more than 72 consecutive hours if the vehicle is on public property, or for more than 20 consecutive days if the vehicle is on private property.
(3) The term JUNKED VEHICLE shall include any part of a junked vehicle or tarps or covers thereon, that is visible at any time of the year from any private lot, tract or parcel of land, occupied or unoccupied, improved or unimproved, other than the lot, tract or parcel of land on which the vehicle, vehicle part, tarp or cover is located or from any public place or public-right-of-way.
LARGE RECREATIONAL VEHICLE.
(1) A recreational vehicle which exceeds 26 feet in length, but is less than 40 feet in total length;
(2) A boat trailer or other trailer which exceeds 26 feet in length, but is less than 40 feet in total length; or
(3) A converted or partially converted bus which exceeds 26 feet in length, but is less than 40 feet in total length.
MOBILE HOME. A living quarters equipped and used for sleeping and eating which may be moved from one location to another over a public street by being pulled behind a motor vehicle.
MOTOR VEHICLE. Every vehicle which is self-propelled and every vehicle which is propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not operated upon rails.
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.201(11)
MOTORBUS. Every vehicle which is used in transporting persons upon the public streets of the City of Fort Worth for compensation or hire and has a passenger carrying capacity of more than 16 persons except those operated by muscular power or exclusively on stationary rails or tracks or owned by a public or governmental agency and operated for the transportation of children to and from school functions or privately owned and operated for the transportation of children to and from school functions or those operated for the transportation of persons to and from church functions.
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.201(3), (15), (16)
MOTORCYCLE. Every motor vehicle having a saddle for the use of the rider and designed to propel itself with not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, but excluding a tractor.
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.201(9)
OFFICIAL TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICE. Any sign, signal (including a traffic-control signal), marking or device not inconsistent with state statute or this chapter, placed or erected by authority of a public body or official having jurisdiction, for the purpose of regulating, warning or guiding traffic.
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.304
OVERSIZE COMMERCIAL VEHICLE.
(1) Any vehicle designed for the transport of more than 15 passengers, inclusive of the driver;
(2) Any trailer or semi-trailer that is more than 20 feet in length from end to end, more than seven feet in width at their widest point, or more than nine feet in height from the ground to its highest point; or
(3) Any motor vehicle with a gross weight, registered weight or gross weight rating, as those terms are defined in state law, of more than 15,000 pounds, including but not limited to the following:
a. Dump truck;
b. Truck-tractor;
c. Concrete-mixing truck;
d. Stake-bed truck;
e. Flat-bed tow truck; or
f. Panel truck.
OVERSIZE RECREATIONAL VEHICLE.
(1) A recreational vehicle which is 40 feet or greater in total length;
(2) A boat trailer or other trailer which is 40 feet or greater in total length; or
(3) A converted or partially converted bus which is 40 feet or greater in total length.
PARK or PARKING. The standing of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, upon a roadway, otherwise than temporarily in obedience to an official traffic-control device or for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading merchandise or passengers.
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.401(6)
PARKING METER. A device that registers the amount of time purchased for the parking of a motor vehicle in a parking zone.
PASSENGER LOADING ZONE. A space or section of the curb set aside for the exclusive use of loading and unloading of persons.
PEDESTRIAN. Any person afoot.
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.001(3)
PERMIT. A current and valid document issued by or through the department of transportation and public works that allows on-street parking at metered or un-metered locations for a specific period of time. A PERMIT may also be a handicapped tag issued by a county or state administration.
POLE TRAILER. Every vehicle without motive power designed to be drawn by another vehicle and attached to the towing vehicle by means of a reach, or pole, or by being boomed, or otherwise secured to the towing vehicle, and ordinarily used for transporting long or irregularly shaped loads such as poles, pipes or structural members capable, generally, of sustaining themselves as beams between the supporting connections.
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.201(13)
POLICE OFFICER. Every officer of the municipal police department or any officer authorized to direct or regulate traffic or to make arrests for violations of traffic regulations.
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.002(4)
PRE-ARRANGED MOTORBUS. A motorbus, that allows passengers to board and dismount the motorbus at pre-arranged times at fixed pick-up and drop-off locations. Passengers may schedule the pre-arranged appointments by telephone, electronic communication, or other available means with the motorbus owner.
PRIMA FACIE. The term PRIMA FACIE is to be defined according to the law of the State of Texas, and, to the extent that there is no conflict with state law, the following meaning shall apply:
Such as will suffice to constitute proof of a fact unless and until it is overcome, rebutted or contradicted by other evidence; no particular weight is assigned to prima facie evidence by law except that the factfinder may find a verdict based upon it; as in all criminal cases, the accused starts out with a presumption of innocence that must be overcome by evidence beyond a reasonable doubt.
Annotation: Prudence dictates that the judge define this term when he or she uses it in his or her instructions to the jury. See Thomas v. State, 474 S. W. 2d 692 (Tex. Crim. 1972).
PRIVATE ROAD OR DRIVEWAY. Every way or place in private ownership and used for vehicular travel by the owner and those having express or implied permission from the owner but not by other persons.
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.302(9)
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE. A motor vehicle primarily designed as a temporary living quarters for recreational camping or travel use. The term includes a travel trailer, camping trailer, truck camper and motor home.
RIGHT-OF-WAY. The right of one vehicle or pedestrian to proceed in a lawful manner in preference to another vehicle or pedestrian approaching under such circumstances of direction, speed and proximity as to give rise to danger of collision unless one grants precedence to the other.
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.401(8)
ROADWAY. That portion of a highway improved, designed or ordinarily used for vehicular travel, exclusive of the berm or shoulder. In the event a highway includes two or more separate roadways the term ROADWAY as used herein shall refer to any such roadway separately, but not to all such roadways collectively.
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.302(11)
SEMI-TRAILER. Every vehicle with or without motive power, other than a pole trailer, designed for carrying persons or property and for being drawn by a motor vehicle and so constructed that some part of its weight and that of its own load rests upon or is carried by another motor vehicle.
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.201(17)
SIDEWALK. That portion of a street between the curb lines, or the lateral lines of a roadway, and the adjacent property lines intended for the use of pedestrians.
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.302(16)
STAND or STANDING. The halting of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, otherwise than temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in receiving or discharging passengers.
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.401(9)
STOP or STOPPING. When prohibited, means any halting, even momentarily, of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a police officer or official traffic-control device.
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.401(10)
STREET. The entire width between the boundary lines of every way publicly maintained when any part thereof is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel.
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.302(5)
TEXAS LITTER ABATEMENT ACT. Tex. Health and Safety Code Ch. 365.
TRAFFIC. Pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles, streetcars and other conveyances either singly or together while using any highway for purposes of travel.
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.301
TRAFFIC-CONTROL SIGNAL. Any device, whether manually, electrically or mechanically operated, by which traffic is alternately directed to stop and permitted to proceed.
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.304(3)
TRAILER. Every vehicle with or without motive power designed for carrying persons or property and for being drawn by a motor vehicle and so constructed that no part of its weight rests upon the towing vehicle.
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.201(20)
TRUCK ROUTE. Any street or highway so designated by the city council for use by any commercial motor vehicle, truck-tractor, trailer, semi-trailer or any combination thereof.
TRUCK-TRACTOR. Every motor vehicle designed or used primarily for drawing other vehicles and not so constructed as to carry a load other than part of the weight of the vehicle and load so drawn.
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.201(22)
VEHICLE. Every mechanical device, in, upon or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a public highway, including motor vehicles, commercial motor vehicles, truck tractors, trailers and semi-trailers, severally, as hereinafter defined, but excepting devices moved by human power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks. The term includes self-propelled off-road vehicles designed and intended to be operated in places other than on public streets, including, but not limited to, race cars, dirt track vehicles, all-terrain vehicles and golf carts.
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.201(23)
(1964 Code, § 26-1) (Ord. 6920, § 1, passed 10-1-1973; Ord. 7015, § 1, passed 6-3-1974; Ord. 8077, § 1, passed 4-1-1980; Ord. 9252, § 1, passed 11-13-1984; Ord. 9852, § 1, passed 3-31-1987; Ord. 12938, § 1, passed 4-1-1997; Ord. 15712, § 1, passed 10-7-2003; Ord. 16539, § 1, passed 8-9-2005; Ord. 17867, § 1, passed 11-6-2007; Ord. 18162-07-2008, § 1, passed 7-8-2008; Ord. 18441-01-2009, § 1, passed 1-13-2009; Ord. 19947-10-2011, §§ 2A, 2B passed 10-25-2011; Ord. 20315-08-2012, § 1, passed 8-7-2012; Ord. 21854-09-2015, § 1, passed 9-1-2015; Ord. 23193-04-2018, § 1, passed 4-17-2018; Ord. 23478-12-2018, § 1, passed 12-4-2018; Ord. 23767-08-2019, § 1, passed 8-27-2019)
Cross-reference:
Definitions and rules of construction generally, see § 1-2
The office of city traffic engineer within the department of transportation and public works is hereby established.
(1964 Code, § 26-2) (Ord. 8658, § 2, passed 10-5-1982; Ord. 23503-12-2018, § 3, passed 12-11-2018)
Cross-reference:
Human resources, see §§ 2-176 et seq.
(a) It shall be the general duty of the city traffic engineer to determine the installation and proper timing of official traffic-control devices, to conduct engineering analyses of traffic accidents and to devise remedial measures, to conduct engineering investigation of traffic conditions and to cooperate with other city officials in the development of ways and means to improve traffic conditions, and to carry out the means to improve traffic conditions, and to carry out the additional powers and duties imposed by the ordinances.
(b) The city traffic engineer, except as otherwise directed by this chapter, and except as otherwise directed from time to time by the city council, shall have power and he or she is hereby authorized:
(1) To regulate the operation and parking of vehicles within the city, including private property used for public purposes, by the erection or placing of official traffic-control devices to indicate prohibited or limited parking, prima facie maximum and minimum reasonable and prudent speeds specified by statute or established by ordinance or other lawful manner, restricted speed areas, one-way streets, through or arterial streets, stop streets, “U” turns, school zones, loading and unloading zones and the place and manner of operating or parking vehicles;
(2) To regulate the movement of pedestrians upon the streets and sidewalks by the erection or placing of official traffic-control devices indicating the flow of pedestrian traffic where, in his or her opinion, there is a particular danger to pedestrians, and to maintain such devices, or cause them to be maintained;
(3) To designate truck routes and to regulate the parking of vehicles of various sizes and weights;
(4) To cause all such necessary official traffic-control devices to be erected or placed on any street or part of a street when he or she deems such action necessary;
(5) To mark off traffic lanes on streets and parts of streets indicating and directing the flow of traffic, when, in his or her judgment, such action is necessary;
(6) To determine and designate the character or type of, and to place and maintain, or cause to be placed and maintained, all official traffic-control devices, including all official traffic signs and signals;
(7) To determine and designate intersections where particular hazard exists and to determine whether vehicles shall stop at one or more entrances to any such stop intersection, and to erect a stop sign at every such place where a stop is required;
(8) To determine and designate intersections where particular hazard exists and to designate whether vehicles on one of the intersecting streets yield the right-of-way to vehicles on the other street and to erect a “yield” sign at every place where need is determined for such a sign;
(9) To erect or place official traffic-control devices, including appropriate signs and markings, to designate the truck routes and commercial delivery routes described in this chapter;
(10) To designate, for such period as might be necessary, alternate truck routes and commercial delivery routes whenever any street designated as a truck route or commercial delivery route is being repaired or is otherwise temporarily out of use;
(11) To determine and designate spaces and/or lanes for exclusive uses as bus zones, bus lanes, taxicab stands and passenger and freight loading zones, no parking zones and “one-way” traffic lanes in which driving is prohibited in one direction and permitted in the opposite direction, and to place or erect official traffic-control devices, indicating same, within any areaway, parkway, traffic-way or parking space owned or controlled by any public service concern, public service utility company, terminal company, railroad or other quasi-public corporation or public concern, designed for the temporary parking of patrons of such public concern, utility or corporation;
(12) To designate, upon any street or portion of any street, the parking meter zones set forth in this chapter where it is determined, upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation, that the installation of parking meters shall be necessary to aid in the regulation, control or inspection of the parking of vehicles in the exercise of the police power of regulating, operating or controlling the operation of vehicles using the public streets, to install and maintain parking meters upon the curb immediately adjacent to the individual parking spaces, in order to control and regulate such parking meter zones, to designate the maximum parking time for each parking meter, basing this designation upon the investigation above set forth; to erect or place an official traffic-control device, including lines or marks on the curb or on the street about or alongside each parking meter, in order to designate the parking space for which such meter is to be used;
(13) To establish such loading zones as are necessary for the conduct of business and to use official traffic-control devices to designate such zones; and
(14) To designate some member of his or her department to make regular collections of the money deposited in parking meters, which member shall remove these coins from the meters, place the coins in sealed or locked containers, and deliver such containers and funds to the place designated by the city secretary.
(1964 Code, § 26-3) (Ord. 6920, § 2, passed 10-1-1973; Ord. 7015, § 2, passed 6-3-1974; Ord. 9252, § 2, passed 11-13-1984)
Officers of the police department are hereby authorized to direct all traffic, either in person or by means of visible or audible signals, in conformance with the provisions of this chapter; provided that, in the event of a fire or other emergency or to expedite traffic or safeguard pedestrians, officers of the police department and fire department may direct traffic, as conditions may require, notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter.
(1964 Code, § 25-4)
Statutory reference:
Authority to regulate traffic by means of police officers, see Tex. Transportation Code § 542.202
The chief of police is hereby empowered to make and enforce regulations necessary to make effective the provisions of this chapter and to make and enforce temporary regulations to cover emergencies or special conditions.
(1964 Code, § 26-5)
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