For the purpose of this traffic code, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ALLEY. A thoroughfare through the middle of a block.
AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLE. Vehicles of the Fire Department, police vehicles and ambulances and emergency vehicles of municipal departments or public service corporation as are designed or authorized by the Chief of Police.
BICYCLE. Every device propelled by human power upon which any person may ride, having two tandem wheels, either of which is over 20 inches in diameter.
BLOCK. A portion of any street located between any two intersections of any two streets or public alleyways next adjacent to each other.
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE. Every vehicle designed, maintained or used primarily for the transportation of property.
CROSSWALK. The portion of any street or roadway ordinarily included within the prolongation or connection of the lateral lines of sidewalks at intersections. Any portion of a roadway or street distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface of the street or roadway.
CURB LOADING ZONE. A space adjacent to a curb reserved for the exclusive use of vehicles during the loading or unloading of passengers or materials.
DRIVER. Every person who shall drive or who shall be in actual physical control of the operation of any vehicle.
FREIGHT CURB LOADING ZONE. A space adjacent to a curb for the exclusive use of vehicles during the loading or unloading of freight or passengers.
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 the two highways which join one another at or approximately at right angles, or the area within which vehicles traveling upon different highways joining at any other angle may come in conflict.
(2) 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 the intersecting highway also includes two roadways 30 feet or more apart, then every crossing of two roadways of the highways shall be regarded as a separate INTERSECTION.
LANED ROADWAY. A roadway which is divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for vehicular traffic.
MOTOR VEHICLE. Every vehicle which is self-propelled and every vehicle designed to run upon the streets which is pulled by a self-propelled vehicle.
MOTORCYCLE. Every motor vehicle having a saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, but excluding a tractor.
OFFICIAL TIME STANDARD. Whenever certain hours are named herein they shall mean standard time or daylight saving time as may be in current use in this town.
OFFICIAL TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICE. Any sign, signal, marking or device, not inconsistent with this traffic code, placed or erected by authority of the governing body by a designated official having jurisdiction through authority given by the governing body, for the purpose of regulating, warning, prohibiting or guiding traffic upon the public streets and thoroughfares of the town.
OFFICIAL TRAFFIC SIGNALS. Any device, whether manually, electrically or mechanically operated, whereby traffic is alternately directed to stop and to proceed, or to turn, or to proceed with caution.
PARK. The standing of any vehicle, whether occupied or unoccupied, otherwise than temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading passengers or cargo.
PASSENGER CURB LOADING ZONE. A place adjacent to a curb reserved for the exclusive use of vehicles during the loading or unloading of passengers.
PEDESTRIAN. Any person afoot.
POLICE OFFICER. Every peace officer of the town, including every employee of the town authorized and empowered to regulate traffic and to make arrests for any violations of the provisions of this traffic code.
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.
PUBLIC CONVEYANCE. Any vehicle other than a taxicab or railroad train for transporting persons for a fare.
RIGHT-OF-WAY. The privilege of the immediate use of the street or roadway.
ROADWAY. The portion of a street or 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 roadways separately, but not to all roadways collectively.
SAFETY ZONE. The area or space officially set apart within any roadway for the exclusive use of pedestrians, and which space shall be so protected or marked or indicated by visible and adequate markers or signs as shall be visible at all times while so set apart as a SAFETY ZONE for pedestrians.
SIDEWALK. The 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.
STANDING. Any stopping of any vehicle, whether or not the vehicle is occupied during the period of stopping.
STOP. When required, means the complete cessation of movement of any vehicle.
STOPor STOPPING. When prohibited, means any stopping of any vehicle, except when the stopping means that it shall be necessary to stop the vehicle to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with direction of any peace officer of the town or by reason of any traffic-control sign or signal or by reason of any emergency.
STREET and HIGHWAY. The entire width between property 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.
THROUGH HIGHWAY. Every street or highway or portion thereof at the entrances to which vehicular traffic from intersecting streets or highways is required by law to stop before entering or crossing the same and when stop signs are erected as provided in this traffic code.
TRAFFIC. Pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles of all kinds, conveyances, tractors, bicycles, motorcycles and the like, either singly or together, while using any street or alleyway for travel, including the operation of, the loading or unloading of, or the parking of any vehicle upon any of the public streets of the town.
VEHICLE. Every device used in, upon or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon any street within the corporate limits, and, for the purposes of this traffic code, any bicycle shall be deemed a VEHICLE.
(1979 Code, § 7-1001)
Statutory reference:
Motor vehicles, see G.S. Ch. 20
Municipal authority to regulate traffic generally, see G.S. § 160A-300