For the purpose of this title, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. Whenever any words and phrases used herein are not defined herein, but are defined in the state laws regulating the operation of vehicles, any such definition therein shall be deemed to apply to such words and phrases used herein, except when the context otherwise requires.
ALLEY. A street intended to provide access to the rear or side of lots or buildings in urban districts and not intended for the purpose of through vehicular traffic.
AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLE. Vehicles of the Fire Department, police vehicles and such ambulances as are owned by persons, firms or corporations other than hospitals and are used in emergency services, are designated as emergency vehicles, if such vehicles are authorized to operate as such by the office of traffic safety of the state, or which are approved by the State Emergency Medical Services Commission.
BICYCLE. Any foot propelled vehicle, irrespective of the number of wheels in contact with the ground.
BUSINESS DISTRICT. The territory contiguous to and including a street when 50% or more of the frontage thereon for a distance of 500 feet or more is occupied by buildings in use for business.
CROSSWALK.
(1) The part of a roadway at an intersection included within the connections of the lateral lines of the sidewalks on opposite sides of the street measured from the curbs or, in the absence of curbs, from the edges of the traversable roadway, regardless of the presence of pavement markings.
(2) Any portion of a roadway at an intersection or elsewhere distinctly indicated for pedestrians crossing by lines or other markings on the surface.
DEFINITIONS IN STATE LAW. Where state law has defined terms or phrases included in this chapter, the definition of those terms or phrases presented in this chapter are to conform with the definition set forth by state law. If the definition of a term or phrase included in this chapter, is altered by state law, the definition set forth in this chapter is intended to coincide with the definition included in state law.
DRIVER. Every person who drives or is in actual physical control of a vehicle.
HOLIDAY. The following days of the year shall be designated as holidays: January 1, commonly known as New Year’s Day; the last Monday of May, commonly known as Memorial Day; July 4, commonly known as Independence Day; the first Monday of September, commonly known as Labor Day; the fourth Thursday of November, commonly known as Thanksgiving Day; and December 25, commonly known as Christmas Day.
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 streets which join one another at, or approximately at, right angles or the area within which the vehicles traveling upon difference streets joining at any other angle may come in conflict.
(2) The junction of any alley with a street shall not constitute an INTERSECTION.
LOADING ZONE. A space reserved for the exclusive use of vehicles during the loading or unloading of passengers or property.
MOTOR VEHICLE. Every vehicle, except a motorized bicycle which is self-propelled.
MOTORIZED BICYCLE. A two- or three-wheeled vehicle which may be propelled by an internal combustion engine or a battery powered motor and when powered by internal combustion engine, having:
(1) An engine rating of no more than two horsepower and its cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters;
(2) An automatic transmission; and
(3) A maximum design speed of no more than 25 mph on a flat surface.
OFF ROAD VEHICLE. A motor driven vehicle capable of cross country travel, without benefit of a road or trail, on or immediately overland, water, snow, ice, marsh, swampland or other natural terrain. Includes, but not limited to, a multi-wheeled drive or low pressure tire vehicle, amphibious machine, ground effect air cushion vehicle, or other means of transportation deriving motor power from a source other than muscle or wind.
OFFICER or POLICE OFFICER. Every officer authorized to direct or regulate traffic or to make arrests for violations of traffic regulations.
OFFICIAL TIME STANDARD. Standard time or daylight-saving time, as may be in current use in the town.
OFFICIAL TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES. All signs, signals, markings and devices not inconsistent with this act placed or erected, by authority of a public body or official having jurisdiction, for the purpose of regulating, warning or guiding traffic.
PARK or PARKING. The standing of a vehicle whether occupied or not, otherwise than temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading merchandise or passengers.
PARKING SPACE or PARKING PLACE. A designated portion of the surface of a street of sufficient length and depth to accommodate a vehicle of reasonable dimensions to be parked. Such designated portion shall be specified and marked off as provided in this chapter.
PEDESTRIAN. Any person afoot.
PERSON. Every natural person, firm, co-partnership, association or corporation.
RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT. The territory contiguous to and including a street not comprising a business district, when the property on such street for a distance of 500 feet or more is, in the main, improved with residences or residences and buildings in use for business.
RIGHT-OF-WAY. The privilege of the immediate use of the street.
ROADWAY. The portion of a street improved, designed or ordinarily used for vehicular travel.
SIDEWALK. The portion of a street between the curb lines or the lateral lines of a roadway and the adjacent property lines, intended for use by pedestrians.
STAND or STANDING. The halting 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 traffic control sign or signal.
STREET. The entire width between boundary lines of every way publicly maintained, when any part thereof is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel.
TRAFFIC. Pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles, streetcars and other conveyances, either singly or together, while using any street for purposes of property.
TRUCK. Every motor vehicle designed, used or maintained primarily for the transportation of property.
VEHICLE. Every device in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a street, excepting devices moved by human power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.
(2008 Code, § 3.1)