§ 11-1. Definitions.

When used in this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings herein ascribed to them.

Whenever any words and phrases used in this chapter 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.

(1)

Authorized emergency vehicle. Vehicles of the fire department (fire patrol), police vehicles, public and private ambulances for which permits have been issued by the state board of health, emergency vehicles of city departments or public service corporations as are designated and authorized by the city council, and private vehicles operated by volunteer firemen while answering a fire alarm.

(2)

Bicycle. A device propelled by human power upon which any person may ride having two tandem wheels either of which is over 20 inches in diameter, and including any device generally recognized as a bicycle though equipped with two front or two rear wheels.

(3)

Commercial vehicle. Any vehicle, including a truck, truck-tractor, or tractor-trailer combination, which is self-propelled and designed, maintained or used for the transportation of property, and which has a factory-rated carrying capacity of 3,000 pounds or more.

(4)

Crosswalks. That part of the roadway at an intersection included within the connections of the lateral lines of the sidewalk on opposite sides of the street, whether marked or not, measured from the curbs or, in the absence of curbs, from the edge of the traversable roadway. The word "crosswalk" also includes any portion of a roadway at an intersection or elsewhere distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface.

(5)

Driver. That person who drives or is in actual physical control of the movements of a vehicle.

(6)

Intersection. The area embraced within the prolongation or connection of the lateral curblines, 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 vehicles traveling upon different streets adjoining at any other angle may come in conflict. Where a street includes two roadways 30 feet or more apart, then every crossing of each roadway of such divided street by an intersecting street shall be regarded as a separate intersection. In the event such intersecting street shall also include two roadways 30 feet or more apart, then every crossing of the two roadways of such streets shall be regarded as separate intersections.

(7)

Loading zones. That portion of any roadway set apart, marked and numbered for the sole use of the public as a place for loading and unloading passengers, merchandise or other cargo.

(8)

Local commercial vehicle. Any commercial vehicle whose origin and/or destination is within the city and any locally operated commercial vehicle.

(9)

Motorcycle. Every motor vehicle having a saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on no more than three wheels in contact with the ground, but excluding a tractor.

(10)

Motor vehicle. Every vehicle which is self-propelled and every vehicle which is propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not operated upon rails.

(11)

Official traffic-control devices. All signs, signals, markings, and devices not inconsistent with this chapter placed or erected by authority of a public body or official having jurisdiction, for the purpose of regulating, warning or guiding traffic.

(12)

Parking or standing. The standing of a vehicle whether occupied or not, otherwise than a temporary stopping of such vehicle for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading passengers, merchandise or other cargo; except an involuntary stopping of such vehicle by reason of mechanical failure or direction of a policeman.

(13)

Pedestrian. Any person afoot.

(14)

Policeman or police officer. Any member of the police department of the city authorized to direct or regulate traffic or to make arrests for violations of traffic regulations.

(15)

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.

(16)

Railroad. A carrier of persons or property upon cars, other than streetcars, operated upon stationary rails.

(17)

Railroad train. A steam engine, electric or other motor, with or without cars coupled thereto, operated upon rails, except streetcars.

(18)

Right-of-way. The privilege of the immediate lawful use of the roadway.

(19)

Roadway. That portion of a street improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel. In the event a street includes two or more separate roadways, the term "roadway" as used herein shall refer to any such roadway separately but not to all roadways collectively.

(20)

Safety zone. The area or space officially set apart within a roadway for the exclusive use of pedestrians and which is protected or is so marked or indicated by adequate signs as to be plainly visible at all times while set apart as a safety zone.

(21)

Sidewalk. That portion of a street between the curblines, or the lateral lines of a roadway, and the adjacent property lines and intended for the use of pedestrians.

(22)

Stop. When required means complete cessation of movement.

(23)

Stop, stopping or standing. When prohibited, means any stopping or standing 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.

(24)

Street or highway. The entire width between the boundary lines of every way publicly maintained when any part thereof is open to the use of the public for the purpose of vehicular travel.

(25)

Through commercial vehicle. Any commercial vehicle whose origin and destination is other than the city.

(26)

Traffic. Pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles and other conveyances either singly or together while using any street for the purposes of travel.

(27)

Traffic control signal. Any device, whether manually, electrically, or mechanically operated, by which traffic is alternately directed to stop and to proceed.

(28)

Vehicle. Any device in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon any street within the city limits of the city, except devices moved by human power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.

(Code 1968, § 24-1)