(a) Hazard Warning Signal Flashers. Whenever a motor vehicle is stopped upon the traveled portion of a highway or shoulder of a highway for any cause other than necessary traffic stops, the driver of the stopped vehicle shall immediately activate the vehicular hazard warning signal flashers and continue the flashing until the driver places the warning devices required by subsection (b) hereof. The flashing signals shall be used during the time the warning devices are picked up for storage before movement of the vehicle. The flashing lights may be used at other times while a vehicle is stopped in addition to, but not in lieu of, the warning devices required by subsection (b) hereof.
(b) Placement of Warning Devices.
(1) General rule. Except as provided in paragraph (b)(2) hereof, whenever a vehicle is stopped upon the traveled portion of a highway or the shoulder of a highway for any cause other than necessary traffic stops, the driver shall as soon as possible, but in any event within ten minutes, place the warning devices with which his or her vehicle is equipped in conformity with the requirements of CFR 393.95, either three emergency reflective triangles, three electric emergency lanterns, three liquid-burning emergency flares or three red emergency reflectors, in the following manner:
A. One at the traffic side of the stopped vehicle, within ten feet of the front or rear of the vehicle;
B. One at a distance of approximately 100 feet from the stopped vehicle in the center of the traffic lane or shoulder occupied by the vehicle and in the direction toward traffic approaching in that lane; and
C. One at a distance of approximately 100 feet from the stopped vehicle in the opposite direction from those placed in accordance with paragraphs (b)(1)A. and B. hereof in the center of the traffic lane or shoulder occupied by the vehicle.
(2) Special rules.
A. Fuses. The driver of a vehicle equipped with liquid-burning flares (pot torches) shall first place a fuse at the location specified in paragraph (b)(1)B. hereof, before placing the liquid-burning flares as specified in paragraph (b)(1) hereof.
B. Daylight hours. Except as provided in paragraph (b)(2)C. hereof during the period lighted lamps are not required, three emergency triangles shall be placed as specified in paragraph (b)(1) hereof or two red flags as specified in paragraph (b)(1)B. and C. hereof and within a time of ten minutes.
C. Business and Residential Districts. The placement of warning devices is not required within a Business or Residential District except during the time lighted lamps are required and when street or highway lighting is insufficient to make a vehicle clearly discernible at a distance of 500 feet to persons on the highway.
D. Hills, curves, and obstructions. If a motor vehicle is stopped within 500 feet of a curve, crest of a hill, or other obstruction to view, the driver shall place the warning signal required by paragraph (b)(1) hereof in the direction of the obstruction to view at a distance of 100 feet to 500 feet from the stopped vehicle so as to afford ample warning to other users of the highway.
E. Divided or one-way roads. If a motor vehicle is stopped upon the traveled portion or the shoulder of a divided or one-way highway, the driver shall place the warning devices required by paragraph (b)(1) hereof, one warning device at a distance of 200 feet and one warning device at a distance of 100 feet in the direction toward approaching traffic in the center of the lane or shoulder occupied by the vehicle. The driver shall place one warning device at the traffic side of the vehicle within ten feet of the rear of the vehicle.
F. Leaking, flammable material. If gasoline or any other flammable liquid, combustible liquid or gas seeps or leaks from a fuel container of a motor vehicle stopped upon a highway, no emergency warning signal producing a flame shall be lighted or placed except at such a distance from any such liquid or gas as will assure the prevention of a fire or explosion.
G. Exemption for lightweight vehicles. The rules in subsection (b) hereof do not apply to the operations of a lightweight vehicle.
(Ord. 97-10. Passed 11-5-97.)