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A. Driver's License Required: No person shall operate a motor vehicle unless the person has a valid driver's license, restricted license or instruction permit as authorized by the laws of this state. (1978 Code §23-120)
B. Registration Required: No person shall operate, nor shall an owner knowingly permit to be operated upon any street, any vehicle required to be registered and titled by state law unless there shall be attached thereto and displayed thereon, when and as required by state law, a valid registration tag and registration plate or plates issued for the current registration year and unless a certificate of title has been issued for such vehicle, except as otherwise expressly permitted by state law. (1978 Code §23-99; amd. 1994 Code)
A. Privileges Of Authorized Emergency Vehicles:
1. When responding to an emergency call or when in the pursuit of an actual or suspected perpetrator of a felony or when in response to an incident dangerous to the public or when responding to but not upon returning from a fire alarm, the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may exercise the privileges set forth in this section.
2. The driver of any authorized emergency vehicle may:
a. Park or stand an authorized emergency vehicle, irrespective of the provisions of this code.
b. Disregard laws or regulations governing direction of movement for the minimum distance necessary before an alternative otherwise lawful route is available.
3. The driver of a fire department vehicle, police vehicle or ambulance may:
a. Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation.
b. Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as the driver does not endanger life or property.
4. The exceptions authorized emergency vehicles granted under subsections A2 and A3 of this section shall apply only when such vehicle is making use of an audible signaling device meeting the requirements of the code of Iowa, as amended, or a visual signaling device approved by the department of transportation or its successor, except use of an audible or visual signaling device shall not be required when exercising the exemption granted under subsection A3b of this section when the vehicle is operated by a peace officer pursuing a suspected violator of the speed restrictions imposed by or pursuant to this code for the purpose of determining the speed of travel of such suspected violator.
5. The foregoing provisions shall not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor shall such provisions protect the driver from the consequences of the driver's reckless disregard for the safety of others. (1978 Code §23-123; amd. 1994 Code)
B. Operation Of Vehicles On Approach Of Authorized Emergency Vehicle:
1. Upon the approach of an authorized emergency vehicle with any lamp or device displaying a red light or upon the approach of an authorized emergency vehicle of a fire department displaying a blue light or when a driver is giving audible signal by siren, exhaust whistle or bell, the drivers of other vehicles shall yield the right of way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right hand edge or curb of the highway clear of any intersection and shall stop and remain in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a peace officer. For the purposes of this subsection, "red light" or "blue light" means a light or lighting device that, when illuminated, will exhibit a solid flashing or strobing red or blue light.
2. This provision shall not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the street, nor shall this provision protect the driver of any such vehicle from the consequences of an arbitrary exercise of such right of way. (1978 Code §23-169; amd. 1994 Code)
C. Following Fire Apparatus; Parking Near Fires: No driver of any vehicle, other than a driver on official business, shall follow closer than three hundred feet (300') of any fire apparatus traveling in response to a fire alarm, nor shall any driver of any vehicle drive into or stop any vehicle within the block where fire apparatus has stopped in answer to a fire alarm 1 . (1978 Code §23-133; amd. 1994 Code)
D. Crossing Fire Hose: No vehicle shall be driven over any unprotected hose of the fire department when laid down on any street or private driveway without the consent of the fire department. (1978 Code §23-134; amd. 1994 Code)
Notes
| 1 | 1. See subsection 9-4-1A13 of this title. |
A. Stop And Yield At Stop Intersection: The driver of a vehicle approaching a stop intersection indicated by a stop sign shall stop at the first opportunity at either the clearly marked stop line or before entering the crosswalk or before entering the intersection or at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering the intersection. Before proceeding, the driver shall yield the right of way to any vehicle on the intersecting roadway which has entered the intersection or is approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time the driver is moving across or within the intersection. (1978 Code §23-161)
B. Yield At Yield Signs: The driver of a vehicle approaching a yield sign shall, in obedience to such sign, slow down to a speed reasonable for the existing conditions or shall stop if necessary and shall yield the right of way to any pedestrian legally crossing the roadway on which the driver is driving and shall also yield to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another highway so closely as to constitute a hazard. Said driver, having so yielded, may proceed with caution. (1978 Code §23-162)
C. Turning Left: The driver of a vehicle attempting to turn left across the path of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction shall yield the right of way to the vehicle or vehicles approaching from the opposite direction going straight ahead. Such driver attempting to turn left shall then turn left only after giving a signal as required by law and only after affording a reasonable opportunity for the driver of the other vehicle to avoid a collision. (1978 Code §23-166; amd. 1994 Code)
D. Entering Arterial Highway: Every driver of a vehicle or other conveyance traveling upon any street intersecting any arterial highway shall bring such vehicle or conveyance to a full stop at the place where such street meets the prolongation of the nearest property line of such arterial highway, subject, however, to the direction of any traffic control sign or signal or any peace officer at such intersection. Said driver shall not proceed until the driver can do so without danger of collision, and in such instances, the driver of a vehicle on any arterial highway shall have the right of way. (1978 Code §23-163; amd. 1994 Code)
E. Entering Marked Highways: All vehicles must stop before entering any marked highway within the corporate limits of the city, as established by the state department of transportation or its successor, which signs are posted as provided by law. (1978 Code §23-164)
F. Approaching Or Entering Intersections: When two (2) vehicles are approaching on any public street or highway so that their paths will intersect and there is danger of collision, the driver of the vehicle to the right shall have the right of way. (1978 Code §23-165)
G. Entering Street From Private Roadway: The driver of a vehicle entering a public street from a private road or drive shall yield the right of way to all vehicles approaching along such public highway. (1978 Code §23-167)
H. Emerging From Alley Or Private Driveway: The driver of a vehicle emerging from an alley, driveway or building shall stop such vehicle immediately prior to driving onto a sidewalk or onto the sidewalk area extending across any alleyway and shall yield the right of way to all vehicles and pedestrians approaching on the highway or crosswalk. (1978 Code §23-168; amd. 1994 Code)
A. Turning At Intersections:
1. Right Turns: The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the right at an intersection or turn into an alley or driveway shall approach the point of turning in the lane of traffic nearest the right hand edge or curb of the street and, in turning, shall keep as closely as practicable to the right hand curb or edge of the street.
2. Left Turns:
a. The driver of a vehicle intending to turn left at any intersection or into a driveway shall approach the point of turning in the extreme left hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the same direction and after entering the intersection, the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection as soon as practicable to complete the turn into a lane of traffic lawfully available to the street or lane being entered. Whenever practicable, the left turn shall be made in that portion of the intersection to the right of the center of the intersection.
b. The approach for a left turn from a two-way street into a one- way street shall be made in that portion of the right half of the roadway nearest the centerline thereof and by passing to the right of such centerline where it enters the intersection.
c. A left turn from a one-way street into two-way street shall be made by passing to the right of the centerline of the street being entered upon leaving the intersection. (1978 Code §23-200; amd. 1994 Code)
B. Turning At Restricted Turn Intersections: The driver of a motor vehicle shall make no turn prohibited by traffic control devices at the intersection. (1994 Code)
A. Overtaking: The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle, bicycle, electric assist bicycle, electric scooter, or electric skateboard proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle, bicycle, electric assist bicycle, electric scooter, or electric skateboard. (1978 Code §23-151)
B. Duty Of Overtaken Driver: Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle and shall not increase the speed of the overtaken vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle. (1978 Code §23-151; amd. 1994 Code)
C. Passing On Right: The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle making or about to make a left turn or when the roadway is lined for at least two (2) lanes of traffic in that direction, and such movement can be made in safety.
D. Duty To Yield: When any vehicle is traveling at less than the maximum permissible speed in an area for reasons other than traffic conditions, upon audible signal from following vehicles, such vehicle shall move to the right and allow such following vehicles to overtake. (1978 Code §23-151)
E. Crossing Yellow Lines: No vehicle shall cross a yellow lane marker line at any time when such line appears on the right side of the centerline or when the centerline is composed of a double yellow line. This subsection shall not be construed to prohibit the crossing of the centerline when making a left turn into or from a street, alley, private road or driveway. (1978 Code §23-152; amd. Ord. 19-4802, 8-20-2019)
A. General Speed Limit Provisions:
1. Any person driving a motor vehicle on a highway shall drive the same at a careful and prudent speed not greater than nor less than is reasonable and proper, having due regard to the traffic, surface and width of the highway and of any other condition then existing. No person shall drive any vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than will permit the person to bring the motor vehicle to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead, such driver having the right to assume, however, that all persons using such highway will observe the law.
2. The following shall be the maximum allowable speed for any vehicles, except as otherwise modified in this title:
a. Twenty (20) miles per hour in any business district. (1978 Code §23-188)
b. Twenty five (25) miles per hour in any school district.
c. Twenty five (25) miles per hour in any residence district.
d. Forty five (45) miles per hour in any suburban area.
e. Fifteen (15) miles per hour in any public park
2.
f. Ten (10) miles per hour in any alley or other public place not specifically mentioned in this subsection.
3. Upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation conducted by the City Manager, or designee, the City may reduce or increase speed restrictions set forth in this subsection where such greater or lesser speed is reasonable and safe under the conditions presented. (1978 Code §23-188; amd. 1994 Code; Ord. 97-3765, 1-14-1997)
B. Exceptions: Upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation, the following maximum speed limits are hereby determined and declared reasonable on the following streets or portions of streets, when signs are posted giving notice thereof:
Name Of Street | Maximum Speed Limit (mph) | Where Limit Applies |
Name Of Street | Maximum Speed Limit (mph) | Where Limit Applies |
Camp Cardinal Boulevard | 35 | From Melrose Avenue to a point 550 feet south of the City limits |
Camp Cardinal Boulevard | 25 | From the City limits to a point 550 feet south |
Court Street | 35 | From the intersection with Lindemann Drive east to the City limits |
Dubuque Street | 35 | From a point just north of the intersection with Kimball Road north to the City limits |
Gilbert Street | 30 | From the intersection of Burlington to a point 1,800 feet south of the intersection of Highway 6 |
Gilbert Street | 35 | From a point 1,800 feet south of the intersection with Highway 6 south to the City limits |
Iowa Highway 1 | 50 | From a point 300 feet southwest of the intersection of Naples Road to a point 200 feet southwest of Sunset Street |
Iowa Highway 1 | 45 | From a point 200 feet southwest of Sunset Street to a point 250 feet west of Miller Avenue |
Iowa Highway 1 | 35 | From a point 250 feet west of Miller Avenue to a point 200 feet west of Orchard Street |
Iowa Highway 1 | 30 | From a point 200 feet west of Orchard Street to the intersection of U.S. Highways 6 and 218 and Iowa Highway 1 |
Iowa Highway 1 | 45 | From a point 315 feet north of the intersection of Conklin Lane to a point 670 feet north of the intersection of Northgate Drive |
Iowa Highway 1 | 35 | From a point 300 feet north of the intersection of Prairie du Chien Road to a point 315 feet north of the intersection of Conklin Lane |
Iowa Highway 1 | 55 | From a point 600 feet south of the City limits to the City limits |
Iowa Highway 1 (Burlington Street) | 25 | From its intersection with U.S. Highways 218 and 6 to a point 150 feet east of Van Buren Street |
Lower West Branch | 35 | From a point 260 feet east of the Hummingbird Lane to 150 feet west of Brentwood Drive, and from a point 200 feet east of Broadmoor Lane to the centerline of Taft Avenue |
Melrose Avenue | 35 | From the intersection with Emerald Street west to the west City limits |
Mormon Trek Boulevard | 35 | From the north City limits to a point 620 feet southeast of Iowa Highway 1 |
Mormon Trek Boulevard | 45 | From a point 620 feet southeast of Iowa Highway 1 to the intersection with Old Highway 218 |
Naples Avenue | 30 | From the intersection with Iowa Highway 1 north to the end of Naples Avenue |
Naples Avenue | 35 | From the City limits to the intersection with Iowa Highway 1 |
Old U.S. Highway 218 | 45 | From the south City limits to the northern terminus of Old U.S. Highway 218 |
Park Road | 25 | From the intersection with Rocky Shore Drive east to the intersection with North Dubuque Street |
Rochester Avenue | 35 | From a point 100 feet west of Post Road east to the City limits |
Rohret Road | 35 | From the intersection with Mormon Trek Boulevard west to the City limits |
Scott Boulevard | 35 | From the intersection with Iowa Highway 1 south to U.S. Highway 6 |
Soccer Park Road | 30 | From the intersection with Lehman Avenue to the entrance of the soccer park |
South Riverside Drive | 30 | From a point 800 feet south of the intersection with U.S. Highway 6 and Iowa Highway 1 north to the intersection with U.S. Highway 6 and Iowa Highway 1 |
South Riverside Drive | 45 | From the northern terminus of Old U.S. Highway 218 to a point 800 feet south of the intersection with U.S. Highway 6 and Iowa Highway 1 |
Sycamore Street | 30 | From the intersection with U.S. Highway 6 south to the City limits |
Taft Avenue | 35 | Between Lower West Branch Road and American Legion Road |
U.S. Highway 6 | 45 | From the east City limits to a point 500 feet west of Fairmeadows Boulevard |
U.S. Highway 6 | 40 | From a point 500 feet west of Fairmeadows Boulevard west to a point 450 feet east of Keokuk Street |
U.S. Highway 6 | 35 | From a point 450 feet east of Keokuk Street west to a point 700 feet east of the intersection of U.S. Highways 6 and 218 and Iowa Highway 1 |
U.S. Highway 6 | 30 | From a point 700 feet east of the intersection of U.S. Highways 6 and 218 and Iowa Highway 1 west and north to a point 1,150 feet west of the intersection with Riverside Drive |
U.S. Highway 6 | 35 | From a point 1,150 feet west of the intersection with Riverside Drive, west to the City limits |
First Avenue | 25 | From the intersection of Bradford Drive south to the intersection of U.S. Highway 6 |
(1978 Code §23-189; amd. Ord. 96-3748, 9-10-1996; Ord. 97-3771, 1-28-1997; Ord. 97-3772, 1-28-1997; Ord. 98-3866, 12-15-1998; Ord. 99-3876, 2-23-1999; Ord. 05-4157, 4-19-2005; Ord. 05-4177, 9-6-2005; Ord. 05-4179, 9-6-2005; Ord. 06-4231, 9-5-2006; Ord. 08-4302, 4-14-2008; Ord. 10-4379, 1-25-2010; Ord. 10-4389, 5-10-2010; Ord. 11-4453, 10-18-2011; Ord. 14-4581, 5-6-2014; Ord. 17-4716, 8-1-2017; Ord. 18-4764, 8-21-2018; Ord. 21-4865, 10-19-2021; Ord. 21-4867, 11-30-2021; Ord. 22-4889, 10-3-2022)
Name Of Street | Where Limit Applies |
Name Of Street | Where Limit Applies |
American Legion Road | From 150 feet east of Arlington Drive to a point 400 feet east of Barrington Road |
Barrington Road | From American Legion Road to a point 800 feet south |
Benton Street | From Estron Street to Sunset Street |
Church Street | From North Van Buren Street to North Dodge Street |
DeForest Street | From Ridge Street to Spruce Street |
Dodge Street | From 350 feet north of Church Street to a point 200 feet south of Fairchild Street effective during the following periods: 7:25 A.M. to 8:10 A.M. and 2:40 P.M. to 3:25 P.M. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday and 7:25 A.M. to 8:10 A.M. and 1:40 P.M. to 2:25 P.M. on Thursday when school is in session |
Eastwood Drive | From Brookside Drive to Willow Street |
Kennedy Parkway | From Camp Cardinal Boulevard to Camp Cardinal Place |
Lakeside Drive | From Lombard Street to Miami Drive |
Rider Street | From Black Spring Circle to Woolf Avenue |
River Street | From Blackhawk Street to Woolf Avenue |
Rochester Avenue | From Ashwood Drive to First Avenue |
Rohret Road | From Wild Prairie Drive to Goldenrod Drive |
Seymour Avenue | From Clark Street to Oakland Avenue |
Southlawn Drive | From Muscatine Avenue to Eastwood Drive |
Sycamore Street | From California Avenue to a point 300 feet south of Lakeside Drive |
From Lehman Avenue to a point 600 feet north of Daniel Place | |
Washington Street | From 400 feet east of Westminster Street to Ravencrest Drive |
Whiting Avenue | From Ridge Drive to Kimball Road |
Willow Street | From Muscatine Avenue to Eastwood Drive |
(1978 Code §23-189.1; amd. Ord. 97-3765, 1-14-1997; Ord. 97-3780, 4-22-1997; Ord. 04-4134, 8-3-2004; Ord. 06-4231, 9-5-2006; Ord. 12-4487, 7-31-2012; Ord. 13-4561, 10-15-2013; Ord. 16-4666, 6-21-2016; Ord. 17-4716, 8-1-2017; Ord. 17-4719, 8-15-2017; Ord. 19-4801, 8-20-2019; Ord. 23-4915, 11-6-2023)
D. Control Of Vehicle; Reduced Speed: A person operating a motor vehicle shall have the vehicle under control at all times and shall reduce the speed to a reasonable and proper rate:
1. When approaching and passing a person walking in the traveled portion of the public highway.
2. When approaching and passing an animal being led, ridden or driven upon a public highway.
3. When approaching and traversing a crossing or intersection of public highways or a bridge, sharp turn, curve or steep descent in a public highway.
4. When approaching and passing an emergency warning device displayed in accordance with rules adopted under the Code of Iowa, as amended, or an emergency vehicle displaying a revolving or flashing light.
5. When approaching and passing a slow moving vehicle displaying a reflective device as provided by the Code of Iowa, as amended.
6. When approaching and passing through a signposted construction or maintenance zone upon the public highway. (1978 Code §23-190; amd. 1994 Code)
A. No person shall turn a vehicle from a direct course upon a street unless and until such movement can be made with reasonable safety and then only after giving a clearly audible signal by sounding the horn if any pedestrian may be affected by such movement or after giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided herein where other vehicles may be affected by such movement.
B. The signals required under the provisions of this title may be given either by means of the hand and arm as provided in subsection C of this section or by a mechanical or electrical directional signal device or light of a type approved by the State Department of Transportation or its successor and conforming to the provisions of this title.
C. All signals herein required which may be given by hand and arm shall, when so given, be given from the left side of the vehicle, and the following manner of interpretation thereof is suggested:
1. Left turn: Hand and arm extended horizontally.
2. Right turn: Hand and arm extended upward.
3. Stop or decrease of speed: Hand and arm extended downward. (1994 Code)
D. A signal of intention to turn right, left or stop shall be given continuously during not less than the last one hundred feet (100') traveled by the vehicle before turning or stopping. (1978 Code §23-132)
The designation of one-way streets or alleys by the City Manager, or designee, shall not be effective until traffic control devices marking the designation are in place, whether such designation is temporary or permanent. The designation may include one or more lanes to be used by traffic moving in a particular direction, regardless of the centerline of the roadway. (1994 Code; amd. Ord. 97-3765, 1-14-1997)
A. Driving On Right Hand Side Of Roadway; Exception: Upon all streets, except one-way streets, the driver of a vehicle shall drive upon the right side of the street, and the driver of a slow moving vehicle shall drive as closely as possible to the right hand edge or curb of the street. (1978 Code §23-124; amd. 1994 Code; Ord. 97-3788, 6-3-1997)
B. Driving On Laned Roadways: A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has first ascertained that the movement can be made with safety. (1978 Code §23-125; amd. Ord. 97-3788, 6-3-1997)
C. Responsibility For Unattended Motor Vehicles: A person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall not permit the vehicle to stand unattended upon any perceptible grade without effectively setting the brake and turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway. (Ord. 17-4725, 9-19-2017)
D. Moving Vehicle Backward On Highway: A person shall not cause a vehicle to be moved in a backward direction on a highway unless and until the vehicle can be backed with reasonable safety and shall yield the right-of-way to any approaching vehicle on the highway or intersecting highway which is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. (1978 Code §23-127; amd. 1994 Code; Ord. 97-3788, 6-3-1997)
E. Driving On Sidewalk: The driver of a motor vehicle shall not drive within any sidewalk area except at a permanent or temporary driveway. This subsection shall not apply to any vehicle performing maintenance or construction in a sidewalk area. (1978 Code §23-128; amd. Ord. 97-3788, 6-3-1997)
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