(a) When thaws or excessive moisture render the improved streets and highways of the City or any sections of them inadequate to bear the traffic thereon, or when such streets and highways would be damaged or destroyed by heavy traffic during the period of thawing or excessive moisture, the maximum weight of vehicle and load, or the maximum speed, or both, for motor vehicles as prescribed in this chapter shall be reduced in the following manner.
(b) On improved streets and highways and all other public ways in the City, other than State routes, the Director of Public Safety shall prescribe such reduction as the condition of the road or highway justifies, but in no case shall the reduction be more than fifty percent (50%).
(c) The schedule of the reduction of maximum weights and speeds shall be filed, for the information of the public in the office of the Division of Police. The Director, at least one day before such reduction becomes effective, shall cause to be placed and retained on such streets and highways, at both ends and at the points of intersections by principal roads, during the period of such reduced limitation of weight, speed or both, signs of substantial construction, which will conspicuously indicate the limitations of weight and speed allowed on the street or highway and the date on which such limitations shall go into effect. No person shall operate upon any such street or highway, a motor vehicle whose maximum weight or speed is in excess of the limitations prescribed. The expense of the purchase and erection of signs provided for in this section shall be paid from funds for the maintenance and repair of roads.
(Ord. 1987-8. Passed 2-24-87.)
(d) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
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