Chapter 10.05 TRAFFIC REGULATIONS

The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall for the purpose of this chapter have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this article. Whenever any words or phrases used herein are not defined, but are defined in the Vehicle Code of the State of California and amendments thereto, such definitions shall apply.

“Central traffic district” means all streets and portions of streets within the area described as follows: Wildwood Avenue lying between the southerly limit of the City of Rio Dell and the interchange of Wildwood Avenue with State Highway Route 101.

“Coach” means any motor bus, motor coach, trackless trolley, or passenger stage used as a common carrier of passengers.

“Council” means the City Council of the City of Rio Dell.

“Curb” means the lateral boundary of the roadway, whether such curb be marked by curbing construction or not so marked. The word “curb” as herein used shall not include the line dividing the roadway of a street from parking strips in the center of a street nor from tracks or rights-of-way of public utility companies.

“Divisional island” means a raised island located in the roadway and separating opposing or conflicting streams of traffic.

Holidays. Within the meaning of this chapter, holidays are New Year’s Day, Lincoln’s Birthday, Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Admissions Day, Columbus Day, Veterans’ Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

“Loading zone” means the space adjacent to a curb reserved for the exclusive use of vehicles during the loading or unloading of passengers or materials.

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 City.

“Parking meter” means a mechanical device installed within or upon the curb or sidewalk area immediately adjacent to a parking space, for the purpose of controlling the period of time of occupancy of such parking meter space by any vehicle.

“Parkway” means that portion of a street other than a roadway or sidewalk.

“Passenger loading zone” means the space adjacent to a curb reserved for the exclusive use of vehicles during the loading or unloading of passengers.

“Pedestrian” means any person afoot.

“Police officer” means every officer of the Police Department of this City or any officer authorized to direct or regulate traffic or to make arrests for violation of traffic regulations.

“Stop,” when required, means complete cessation of movement.

“Vehicle Code” means the Vehicle Code of the State of California. [Ord. 173 §§ 33-02.010 – 33-02.170, 1983.]

Article II. Traffic Administration

10.05.030 Police administration.

There is hereby established in the Police Department of this City a Traffic Division to be under the control of an officer of police appointed by and directly responsible to the Chief of Police. [Ord. 173 § 33-03.010, 1983.]

10.05.040 Duty of Traffic Division.

It shall be the duty of the Traffic Division with such aid as may be rendered by other members of the Police Department to enforce the street traffic regulations of this City and all of the State vehicle laws applicable to street traffic in this City, to make arrests for traffic violations, to investigate traffic accidents and to cooperate with the City Traffic Specialist and other officers of the City in the administration of the traffic laws and in developing ways and means to improve traffic conditions and to carry out those duties specially imposed upon said division by this chapter and the traffic ordinances of this City. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-03.020, 1983.]

10.05.050 Traffic accident studies.

Whenever the accidents at any particular location become numerous, the Traffic Division shall cooperate with the City Traffic Specialist in conducting studies of such accidents and determining remedial measures. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-03.030, 1983.]

10.05.060 Traffic accident reports.

The Traffic Division shall maintain a suitable system of filing traffic accident reports. Accident reports or cards referring to them shall be filed alphabetically by location. Such reports shall be available for the use and information of the City Traffic Specialist. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-03.040, 1983.]

10.05.070 Traffic Division to submit annual traffic safety report.

The Traffic Division shall annually prepare a traffic report which shall be filed with the City Council. Such report shall contain information on traffic matters in this City as follows:

(1) The number of traffic accidents, the number of persons killed, the number of persons injured and other pertinent traffic accident data;

(2) The number of traffic accidents investigated and other pertinent data on the safety activities of the Police Department;

(3) The plans and recommendations of the division for future traffic safety activities. [Ord. 173 § 33-03.050, 1983.]

10.05.080 City Traffic Specialist.

The office of City Traffic Specialist is hereby established. The City Traffic Specialist shall be appointed by the City Manager and he shall exercise the powers and the duties as provided in this chapter and in the traffic ordinances of this City. Whenever the City Traffic Specialist is required or authorized to place or maintain official traffic control devices or signals, he may cause such devices or signals to be placed or maintained. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-03.060, 1983.]

10.05.090 Powers and duties of City Traffic Specialist – Delegation.

It shall be the general duty of the City Traffic Specialist to determine the installation and proper timing and maintenance of traffic control devices and signals, to conduct engineering analyses of traffic accidents and to devise remedial measures to conduct engineering and traffic investigations of traffic conditions and to cooperate with other City officials in the development of ways and means to improve traffic conditions, and to carry out the additional powers and duties imposed by ordinances of this City. Whenever by the provisions of this chapter a power is granted to the City Traffic Specialist or a duty imposed upon him, the power may be exercised or the duty performed by his deputy or by a person authorized in writing by him. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-03.070, 1983.]

10.05.100 Traffic Committee.

The Traffic Committee consists of the City Manager as chairman, the City Traffic Specialist, Public Works Director and/or Streets Superintendent, Community Development Director, a member of the City Council and one alternate member, and a representative of the Volunteer Fire Department. The alternate City Council member shall only participate when the regular City Council member is unable to serve due to scheduling concerns or a conflict of interest. The Traffic Committee shall meet on call to consider traffic control and parking problems. The Traffic Committee shall submit reports on their activities through the City Manager to the Council at suitable intervals. [Ord. 333 § 1, 2015; Ord. 181 § 2, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-03.080, 1983.]

10.05.110 Duties of Traffic Committee.

It shall be the duty of the Traffic Committee to suggest the most practicable means for coordinating the activities of all officers and agencies of this City having authority with respect to the administration or enforcement of traffic regulations; to stimulate and assist in the preparation and publication of traffic reports; to receive complaints having to do with traffic matters; and to recommend to the legislative body of this City and to the City Traffic Specialist, the chief of the Traffic Division and other City officials ways and means for improving traffic conditions and the administration and enforcement of traffic regulations. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-03.090, 1983.]

Article III. Enforcement and Obedience to Traffic Regulations

10.05.120 Authority of Police and Fire Department officials.

Officers of the Police Department and such officers as are assigned by the Chief of Police are hereby authorized to direct all traffic by voice, hand, audible or other signal in conformance with traffic laws, except that in the event of a fire or other emergency or to expedite traffic or to safeguard pedestrians, officers of the Police Department or members of the Fire Department may direct traffic as conditions require, notwithstanding the provisions to the contrary contained in this chapter or the Vehicle Code. [Ord. 173 § 33-04.010, 1983.]

10.05.130 Persons other than officials shall not direct traffic.

No person other than an officer of the Police Department or members of the Fire Department or a person authorized by the Chief of Police or a person authorized by law shall direct or attempt to direct traffic by voice, hand or other signal, except that persons may operate, when and as herein provided, any mechanical pushbutton signal erected by order of the City Traffic Specialist. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-04.020, 1983.]

10.05.140 Obedience to police or authorized officers.

No person shall fail or refuse to comply with or to perform any act forbidden by any lawful order, signal, or direction of a traffic or police officer, or a member of the Fire Department, or a person authorized by the Chief of Police or by law. [Ord. 173 § 33-04.030, 1983.]

10.05.150 Traffic regulations apply to persons riding bicycles or animals.

Every person riding a bicycle or riding or driving an animal upon a highway has all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter, except those provisions which by their very nature can have no application. [Ord. 173 § 33-04.040, 1983.]

10.05.160 Obstruction or interference with police or authorized officers.

No person shall interfere with or obstruct in any way any police officer or other officer or employee of this City in their enforcement of the provisions of this chapter. The removal, obliteration or concealment of any chalk mark or other distinguishing mark used by any police officer or other employee or officer of this City in connection with the enforcement of the parking regulations of this chapter shall, if done for the purpose of evading the provisions of this chapter, constitute such interference or obstruction. [Ord. 173 § 33-04.050, 1983.]

10.05.170 Public employees to obey traffic regulations.

The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the operator of any vehicle owned by or used in the service of the United States government, this State, any county or city, and it shall be unlawful for any said operator to violate any of the provisions of this chapter except as otherwise permitted in this chapter or by the Vehicle Code. [Ord. 173 § 33-04.060, 1983.]

10.05.180 Exemption of certain vehicles.

(1) The provisions of this chapter regulating the operation, parking and standing of vehicles shall not apply to vehicles operated by the Police or Fire Department, any public ambulance or any public utility vehicle or any private ambulance, which public utility vehicle or private ambulance has qualified as an authorized emergency vehicle, when any vehicle mentioned in this section is operated in the manner specified by the Vehicle Code in response to an emergency call.

(2) The foregoing exemptions shall not, however, relieve the operator of any such vehicle from obligation to exercise due care for the safety of others or the consequences of his willful disregard of the safety of others.

(3) The provisions of this chapter regulating the parking or standing of vehicles shall not apply to any vehicle of a City department or public utility while necessarily in use for construction or repair work or any vehicle owned or operated by the United States Post Office Department while in use for the collection, transportation or delivery of United States mail. [Ord. 173 § 33-04.070, 1983.]

10.05.190 Report of damage to certain property.

(1) The operator of a vehicle or the person in charge of any animal involved in any accident resulting in damage to any property publicly owned or owned by a public utility, including but not limited to any fire hydrant, parking meter, lighting post, telephone pole, electric light or power pole, or resulting in damage to any tree, traffic control device or other property of a like nature located in or along any street, shall within 24 hours after such accident make a written report of such accident to the Police Department of this City.

(2) Every such report shall state the time when and the place where the accident took place, the name and address of the person owning and of the person operating or in charge of such vehicle or animal, the license number of every such vehicle, and shall briefly describe the property damage in such accident.

(3) The operator of any vehicle involved in an accident shall not be subject to the requirements or penalties of this section if and during the time he is physically incapable of making a report, but in such event he shall make a report as required in subsection (1) of this section within 24 hours after regaining ability to make such report. [Ord. 173 § 33-04.080, 1983.]

10.05.200 When vehicles may be removed from streets.

Any regularly employed and salaried officer of the Police Department of this City may remove or cause to be removed:

(1) Any vehicle that has been parked or left standing upon a street or highway for 72 or more consecutive hours.

(2) Any vehicle which is parked or left standing upon a street or highway between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. when such parking or standing is prohibited by ordinance or resolution of this City and signs are posted giving notice of such removal.

(3) Any vehicle which is parked or left standing upon a street or highway where the use of such street or highway or a portion thereof is necessary for the cleaning, repair or construction of the street or highway or for the installation of underground utilities or where the use of the street or highway or any portion thereof is authorized for a purpose other than the normal flow of traffic or where the use of the street or highway or any portion thereof is necessary for the movement of equipment, articles or structures of unusual size, and the parking of such vehicle would prohibit or interfere with such use or movement; provided, that signs giving notice that such vehicle may be removed are erected or placed at least 24 hours prior to the removal. [Ord. 173 § 33-04.090, 1983.]

Article IV. Traffic Control Devices

10.05.210 Authority to install traffic control devices.

(1) The City Traffic Specialist shall have the power and duty to place and maintain or cause to be placed and maintained official traffic control devices when and as required to make effective the provisions of this chapter.

(2) Whenever the Vehicle Code requires for the effectiveness of any provision thereof that traffic control devices be installed to give notice to the public of the application of such law, the City Traffic Specialist is hereby authorized to install or cause to be installed the necessary devices subject to any limitations or restrictions set forth in the law applicable thereto.

(3) The City Traffic Specialist may also place and maintain or cause to be placed and maintained such additional traffic control devices as he may deem necessary or proper to regulate traffic or to guide or warn traffic, but he shall make such determination only upon the basis of traffic engineering principles and traffic investigations and in accordance with such standards, limitations, and rules as may be set forth in this chapter or as may be determined by ordinance or resolution of the Council. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-05.010, 1983; Ord. 24 §§ 1, 2, 1965.]

10.05.220 Traffic control signs required for enforcement purposes.

No provision of the Vehicle Code or of this chapter for which signs are required shall be enforced against an alleged violator unless appropriate legible signs are in place giving notice of such provisions of the traffic laws. [Ord. 173 § 33-05.020, 1983.]

10.05.230 Obedience to traffic control devices.

The operator of any vehicle or train shall obey the instructions of any official traffic control device placed in accordance with this chapter unless otherwise directed by a police officer or other authorized person subject to the exceptions granted the operator of an authorized emergency vehicle when responding to emergency calls. [Ord. 173 § 33-05.030, 1983.]

10.05.240 Installation of traffic signals.

(1) The City Traffic Specialist is hereby directed to install and maintain official traffic signals at those intersections and other places where traffic conditions are such as to require that the flow of traffic be alternately interrupted and released in order to prevent or relieve traffic congestion or to protect life or property from exceptional hazard.

(2) The City Traffic Specialist shall ascertain and determine the locations where such signals are required by field investigation, traffic counts and other traffic information as may be pertinent and his determinations therefrom shall be made in accordance with those traffic engineering and safety standards and instructions set forth in the California Maintenance Manual issued by the Division of Highways of the State Department of Public Works.

(3) Whenever the City Traffic Specialist installs and maintains an official traffic signal at any intersection, he shall likewise erect and maintain at such intersection street name signs clearly visible to traffic approaching from all directions unless such street name signs have previously been placed and are maintained at any said intersection. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-05.040, 1983.]

10.05.250 Lane marking.

The City Traffic Specialist is hereby authorized to mark centerlines and lane lines upon the surface of the roadway to indicate the course to be traveled by vehicles and may place signs temporarily designating lanes to be used by traffic moving in a particular direction, regardless of the centerline of the highway. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-05.050, 1983.]

10.05.260 Distinctive roadway markings.

The City Traffic Specialist is authorized to place and maintain distinctive roadway markings as described in the Vehicle Code on those streets or parts of streets where the volume of traffic or the vertical or other curvature of the roadway renders it hazardous to drive on the left side of such markings or signs and markings. Such markings or signs and markings shall have the same effect as similar markings placed by the State Department of Public Works pursuant to provisions of the Vehicle Code. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-05.060, 1983.]

10.05.270 Authority to remove, relocate and discontinue traffic control devices.

The City Traffic Specialist is hereby authorized to remove, relocate or discontinue the operation of any traffic control device not specifically required by the Vehicle Code or this chapter whenever he shall determine in any particular case that the conditions which warranted or required the installation no longer exist or obtain. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-05.070, 1983.]

10.05.280 Traffic control devices – Hours of operation.

The City Traffic Specialist shall determine the hours and days during which any traffic control device shall be in operation or be in effect, except in those cases where such hours or days are specified in this chapter. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-05.080, 1983.]

10.05.290 Unauthorized painting of curbs.

No person, unless authorized by this City, shall paint any street or curb surface; provided, however, that this section shall not apply to the painting of numbers on a curb surface by any person who has complied with the provisions of any resolution or ordinance of this City pertaining thereto. [Ord. 173 § 33-05.090, 1983.]

Article V. Turning Movements

10.05.300 Authority to place turning markers – Intersections – Multiple lanes.

The City Traffic Specialist is authorized to place official traffic control devices within or adjacent to intersections and indicating the course to be traveled by vehicles turning at such intersections and the City Traffic Specialist is authorized to locate and indicate more than one lane of traffic from which drivers of vehicles may make right-hand or left-hand turns, and the course to be traveled as so indicated may conform to or be other than as prescribed by law or ordinance. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-06.010, 1983.]

10.05.310 Authority to place restricted turn signs.

The City Traffic Specialist is hereby authorized to determine those intersections at which drivers of vehicles shall not make a right, left, or U turn, and shall place proper signs at such intersections. The making of such turns may be prohibited between certain hours of any day and permitted at other hours, in which event the same shall be plainly indicated on the signs or they may be removed when such turns are permitted. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-06.020, 1983.]

10.05.320 Signal controlled intersections – Right turns.

(1) No driver of a vehicle shall make a right turn against a red or stop signal at any intersection which is sign-posted giving notice of such restriction as hereinafter provided in this section.

(2) The City Traffic Specialist shall post appropriate signs giving effect to this section where he determines that the making of right turns against traffic signal “stop” indication would seriously interfere with the safe and orderly flow of traffic. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-06.030, 1983.]

Article VI. One-Way Streets and Alleys

10.05.330 The City Traffic Specialist to sign one-way streets and alleys.

Whenever any ordinance or resolution of this City designates any one-way street or alley, the City Traffic Specialist shall place and maintain signs giving notice thereof, and no such regulations shall be effective unless such signs are in place. Signs indicating the direction of lawful traffic movement shall be placed at every intersection where movement of traffic in the opposite direction is prohibited. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-07.010, 1983.]

Article VII. Special Stops Required

10.05.340 The City Traffic Specialist to erect stop signs.

Whenever any ordinance or resolution of this City designates and describes any street or portion thereof as a through street, or any intersection at which vehicles are required to stop at one or more entrances thereto, or any railroad grade crossing at which vehicles are required to stop, the City Traffic Specialist shall erect and maintain stop signs as follows:

A stop sign shall be erected on each and every street intersecting such through street or portion thereof so designated and at those entrances to other intersections where a stop is required and at any railroad grade crossing so designated; provided, however, stop signs shall not be erected or maintained at any entrance to an intersection when such entrance is controlled by an official traffic control signal. Every such sign shall conform with, and shall be placed as provided in, the Vehicle Code. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-08.010, 1983.]

10.05.350 Stop at through street or stop sign.

(1) Those streets and parts of streets established by resolution of the Council are hereby declared to be through streets for the purposes of this section.

(2) The provisions of this section shall also apply at one or more entrances to the intersections as such entrances and intersections are established by resolution of the Council.

(3) The provisions of this section shall apply at those railway grade crossings as established by resolution of the Council. [Ord. 173 § 33-08.020, 1983.]

10.05.360 Emerging from alley, driveway or building.

The driver of a vehicle emerging from an alley, driveway or building shall stop such vehicle immediately prior to driving onto a sidewalk or into the sidewalk area extending across any alleyway or driveway. [Ord. 173 § 33-08.030, 1983.]

Article VIII. Miscellaneous Driving Rules

10.05.370 Driving through funeral procession.

No operator of any vehicle shall drive between the vehicles comprising a funeral procession or a parade; provided, that such vehicles are conspicuously so designated. The directing of all vehicles and traffic on any street over which such funeral procession or parade wishes to pass shall be subject to the orders of the Police Department. [Ord. 173 § 33-09.010, 1983.]

10.05.380 Clinging to moving vehicle.

No person shall attach himself with his hands, or catch, or hold onto with his hands or by other means, any moving vehicle or train for the purpose of receiving motive power therefrom. [Ord. 173 § 33-09.020, 1983.]

10.05.390 Commercial vehicles using private driveways.

No person shall operate or drive a commercial vehicle in, on or across any private driveway approach or sidewalk area or the driveway itself without the consent of the owner or occupant of the property if a sign or markings are in place indicating that the use of such driveway is prohibited.

For the purpose of this section, a “commercial vehicle” shall mean a vehicle having a rated capacity in excess of one-half ton. [Ord. 173 § 33-09.030, 1983.]

10.05.400 Riding or driving on sidewalk.

No person shall ride, drive, propel, or cause to be propelled any vehicle or animal across or upon any sidewalk excepting over permanently constructed driveways and excepting when it is necessary for any temporary purpose to drive a loaded vehicle across a sidewalk; provided further, that said sidewalk area be substantially protected by wooden planks two inches thick, and written permission be previously obtained from the City Traffic Specialist. Such wooden planks shall not be permitted to remain upon such sidewalk area during the hours from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-09.040, 1983.]

10.05.410 New pavement and markings.

No person shall ride or drive any animal or vehicle over or across any newly made pavement or freshly painted markings in any street when a barrier sign, cone marker or other warning device is in place warning persons not to drive over or across such pavement or marking, or when any such device is in place indicating that the street or any portion thereof is closed. [Ord. 173 § 33-09.050, 1983.]

10.05.420 Obedience to barriers and signs.

No person, public utility or department in the City shall erect or place any barrier or sign on any street unless of a type approved by the City Traffic Specialist or disobey the instructions, remove, tamper with or destroy any barrier or sign lawfully placed on any street by any person, public utility or by any department of this City. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-09.060, 1983.]

10.05.430 No entrance into intersection that would obstruct traffic.

No operator of any vehicle shall enter any intersection or a marked crosswalk unless there is sufficient space on the other side of the intersection or crosswalk to accommodate the vehicle he is operating without obstructing the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians, notwithstanding any traffic-control signal to proceed. [Ord. 173 § 33-09.070, 1983.]

10.05.440 Limited access.

No person shall drive a vehicle onto or from any limited access roadway except at such entrances and exits as are lawfully established. [Ord. 173 § 33-09.080, 1983.]

10.05.450 Restrictions on use of freeways.

No person shall drive or operate any bicycle, motor-driven cycle, or any vehicle which is not drawn by a motor vehicle upon any street established as a freeway, as defined by State law, nor shall any pedestrian walk across or along any such street so designated and described except in space set aside for the use of pedestrians, provided official signs are in place giving notice of such restrictions. [Ord. 173 § 33-09.090, 1983.]

Article IX. Pedestrian Regulations

10.05.460 Traffic Specialist to establish marked crosswalks.

(1) The City Traffic Specialist shall establish, designate and maintain crosswalks at intersections and other places by appropriate devices, marks or lines upon the surface of the roadway as follows: Crosswalks shall be established and maintained at all intersections within the central traffic district and at such intersections outside such district and at other places within or outside said district where the City Traffic Specialist determines that there is particular hazard to pedestrians crossing the roadway subject to the limitation contained in subsection (2) of this section.

(2) Other than crosswalks at intersections, no crosswalk shall be established in any block which is less than 400 feet in length and such crosswalk shall be located as nearly as practicable at mid-block.

(3) The City Traffic Specialist may place signs at or adjacent to an intersection in respect to any crosswalk directing that pedestrians shall not cross in the crosswalk so indicated. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-10.010, 1983.]

10.05.470 When pedestrians must use crosswalks.

No pedestrian shall cross a roadway other than by a crosswalk in the central traffic district or in any business district. [Ord. 173 § 33-10.020, 1983.]

10.05.480 Standing in roadway.

No person shall stand in any roadway other than in a safety zone or in a crosswalk if such action interferes with the lawful movement of traffic. This section shall not apply to any public officer or employee or employee of a public utility necessarily upon a street in the line of duty. [Ord. 173 § 33-10.030, 1983.]

Article X. Stopping, Standing and Parking for Certain Purposes or in Certain Places

10.05.490 Application of regulations.

(1) The provisions of this chapter prohibiting the stopping, standing or parking of a vehicle shall apply at all times or at those times herein specified, except when it is necessary to stop a vehicle to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a police officer or official traffic control device.

(2) The provisions of this chapter imposing a time limit on standing or parking shall not relieve any person from the duty to observe other and more restrictive provisions of the Vehicle Code or the ordinances of this City prohibiting or limiting the standing or parking of vehicles in specified places or at specified times. [Ord. 173 § 33-11.010, 1983.]

10.05.500 Stopping or standing in parkways prohibited.

No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle within any parkway. [Ord. 173 § 33-11.020, 1983.]

10.05.510 Traffic Specialist to maintain no stopping zones and no parking areas.

The City Traffic Specialist is hereby authorized to maintain, by appropriate signs or by paint upon the curb surface, all no stopping zones, no parking areas, and restricted parking areas, as defined and described in this chapter.

When said curb markings or signs are in place, no operator of any vehicle shall stop, stand or park such vehicle adjacent to any such legible curb marking or sign in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-11.030, 1983.]

10.05.520 No parking areas.

No operator of any vehicle shall stop, stand, park, or leave standing such vehicle in any of the following places, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the direction of a police officer or other authorized officer, or traffic sign or signal:

(1) Within any divisional island unless authorized and clearly indicated with appropriate signs or markings.

(2) On either side of any street between the projected property lines of any public walk, public steps, street, or thoroughfare terminating at such street, when such area is indicated by appropriate signs or by red paint upon the curb surface.

(3) In any area where the City Traffic Specialist determines that the parking or stopping of a vehicle would constitute a traffic hazard or would endanger life or property, when such area is indicated by appropriate signs or by red paint upon the curb surface.

(4) In any area established by resolution of the Council as a no parking area, when such area is indicated by appropriate signs or by red paint upon the curb surface.

(5) Upon, along or across any railway track in such manner as to hinder, delay, or obstruct the movement of any car traveling upon such track.

(6) In any area where the parking or stopping of any vehicle would constitute a traffic hazard or would endanger life or property.

(7) On any street or highway where the use of such street or highway or a portion thereof is necessary for the cleaning, repair or construction of the street or highway or the installation of underground utilities or where the use of the street or highway or any portion thereof is authorized for purposes other than the normal flow of traffic or where the use of the street or highway or any portion thereof is necessary for the movement of equipment, articles or structures of unusual size, and the parking of such vehicle would prohibit or interfere with such use or movement; provided, that signs giving notice of such no parking are erected or placed at least 24 hours prior to the effective time of such no parking.

(8) At any place within 20 feet of a point on the curb immediately opposite the midblock end of a safety zone, when such place is indicated by appropriate signs or by red paint upon the curb surface.

(9) At any place within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection in the central traffic district when such place is indicated by appropriate signs or by red paint upon the curb surface except that a bus may stop at a designated bus stop.

(10) Within 20 feet of the approach to any traffic signal, boulevard stop sign, or official electric flashing device. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-11.040, 1983.]

10.05.530 Use of streets for storage of vehicles prohibited.

(1) No person who owns or has possession, custody or control of any vehicle, including trailers, recreational vehicles and boats, shall park such vehicle upon any street or alley for more than a period of 72 consecutive hours.

(2) After any vehicle including trailers, recreational vehicles and boats has been parked or left standing in the same location on a street or alley for 72 or more consecutive hours, such vehicle must be moved at least one block or 300 lineal feet, whichever is more, to avoid violation of California Vehicle Code Section 22651(k) or this section.

(3) In the event a vehicle is parked, including trailers, recreational vehicles and boats stored or left standing upon a street or alley in excess of 72 hours, the City may cause to be removed such vehicle from the street or alley subject to the requirements of the California Vehicle Code. [Ord. 398 § 1, 2023; Ord. 173 § 33-11.050, 1983.]

10.05.540 Parking for demonstration.

No operator of any vehicle shall park said vehicle upon any street in this City for the principal purpose of advertising or displaying it for sale, unless authorized by resolution of the Council. [Ord. 173 § 33-11.060, 1983.]

10.05.550 Repairing or greasing vehicles on public streets.

No person shall construct or cause to be constructed, repair or cause to be repaired, grease or cause to be greased, dismantle or cause to be dismantled any vehicle or any part thereof upon any public street in this City. Temporary emergency repairs may be made upon a public street. [Ord. 173 § 33-11.070, 1983.]

10.05.560 Washing or polishing vehicles.

No person shall wash or cause to be washed, polish or cause to be polished any vehicle or any part thereof upon any public street in this City when a charge is made for such service. [Ord. 173 § 33-11.080, 1983.]

10.05.570 Parking adjacent to schools.

(1) The City Traffic Specialist is hereby authorized to erect signs indicating no parking upon that side of any street adjacent to any school property when such parking would, in his opinion, interfere with traffic or create a hazardous situation.

(2) When official signs are erected prohibiting parking upon that side of a street adjacent to any school property, no person shall park a vehicle in any such designated place. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-11.090, 1983.]

10.05.580 Parking prohibited on narrow streets.

(1) The City Traffic Specialist is hereby authorized to place signs or markings indicating no parking upon any street when the width of the roadway does not exceed 20 feet, or upon one side of a street as indicated by such signs or markings when the width of the roadway does not exceed 30 feet.

(2) When official signs or markings prohibiting parking are erected upon narrow streets as authorized herein, no person shall park a vehicle upon any such street in violation of any such sign or marking. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-11.100, 1983.]

10.05.590 Parking on grades.

No person shall park or leave standing any vehicle unattended on a highway when upon any grade exceeding three percent within any business or residence district without blocking the wheels of said vehicle by turning them against the curb or by other means. [Ord. 173 § 33-11.110, 1983.]

10.05.600 Unlawful parking – Peddlers and vendors.

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, no person shall stand or park any vehicle, wagon or pushcart from which goods, wares, merchandise, fruits, vegetables or other food stuffs are sold, displayed, solicited or offered for sale or bartered or exchanged, or any lunch wagon or eating car or vehicle, on any portion of any street within this City, except that such vehicles, wagons or pushcarts may stand or park only at the request of a bona fide purchaser for a period of time not to exceed 10 minutes at any one place. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to persons delivering such articles upon order of or by agreement with a customer from a store or other fixed place of business or distribution.

(2) No person shall park or stand on any street any lunch wagon, eating cart or vehicle, or pushcart from which tamales, peanuts, popcorn, candy, ice cream or other articles of food are sold or offered for sale without first obtaining a written permit to do so from the City Traffic Specialist which shall designate the specific location in which such cart shall stand.

(3) No person shall park or stand any vehicle or wagon used or intended to be used in the transportation of property for hire on any street while awaiting patronage for such vehicle or wagon without first obtaining a written permit to do so from the City Traffic Specialist which shall designate the specific location where such vehicle may stand.

(4) Whenever any permit is granted under the provisions of this section and a particular location to park or stand is specified therein, no person shall park or stand any vehicle, wagon, or pushcart on any location other than as designated in such permit. In the event that the holder of any such permit is convicted in any court of competent jurisdiction for violating any of the provisions of this section, such permit shall be forthwith revoked by the City Traffic Specialist upon the filing of the record of such conviction with the police department and no permit shall thereafter be issued to such person until six months have elapsed from the date of such revocation. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-11.120, 1983.]

10.05.610 Emergency parking signs.

(1) Whenever the City Traffic Specialist shall determine that an emergency traffic congestion is likely to result from the holding of public or private assemblages, gatherings or functions, or for other reasons, the City Traffic Specialist shall have power and authority to order temporary signs to be erected or posted indicating that the operation, parking or standing of vehicles is prohibited on such streets and alleys as the City Traffic Specialist shall direct during the time such temporary signs are in place. Such signs shall remain in place only during the existence of such emergency and the City Traffic Specialist shall cause such signs to be removed promptly thereafter.

(2) When signs authorized by the provisions of this section are in place giving notice thereof, no person shall operate, park or stand any vehicle contrary to the directions and provisions of such signs. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-11.130, 1983.]

10.05.620 Display of warning devices when commercial vehicle disabled.

Every motor truck having an unladen weight of 4,000 pounds or more, and every truck tractor irrespective of weight when operated upon any street or highway during darkness, shall be equipped with and carry at least two flares or two red lanterns or two warning lights or reflectors, which reflectors shall be of a type approved by the Department of the California Highway Patrol. When any vehicle above mentioned or any trailer or semi-trailer is disabled upon streets or highways outside of any business or residence district within this City and upon which street or highway there is insufficient street lighting to reveal a vehicle at a distance of 200 feet during darkness, a warning signal of the character indicated above shall be immediately placed at a distance of approximately 100 feet in advance of, and 100 feet to the rear of, such disabled vehicle by the driver thereof. The continuous flashing of at least four approved class A-Type I turn signal lamps, at least two toward the front and at least two toward the rear of the vehicle, shall be considered to meet the requirements of this section until the devices mentioned above can be placed in the required locations. The warning signals herein mentioned shall be displayed continuously during darkness while such vehicle remains disabled upon such street or highway. [Ord. 173 § 33-11.140, 1983.]

Article XI. Stopping, Standing or Parking Restricted or Prohibited on Certain Streets

10.05.630 Twenty-four-minute parking.

Green curb marking shall mean no standing or parking for a period of time longer than 24 minutes at any time between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on any day except Sundays and holidays.

When authorized signs or curb markings have been determined by the City Traffic Specialist to be necessary and are in place giving notice thereof, no operator of any vehicle shall stop, stand or park said vehicle adjacent to any such legible curb marking or sign in violation thereof. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-12.010, 1983.]

10.05.640 One-hour parking.

When authorized signs or curb markings have been determined by the City Traffic Specialist to be necessary and are in place giving notice thereof, no operator of any vehicle shall stop, stand or park said vehicle between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. of any day except Sundays and holidays for a period of time longer than one hour. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-12.020, 1983.]

10.05.650 Two-hour parking.

When authorized signs or curb markings have been determined by the City Traffic Specialist to be necessary and are in place giving notice thereof, no operator of any vehicle shall stop, stand or park said vehicle between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. of any day except Sundays and holidays for a period of time longer than two hours. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-12.030, 1983.]

10.05.660 Parking parallel on one-way streets.

(1) Subject to other and more restrictive limitations, a vehicle may be stopped or parked within 18 inches of the left-hand curb facing in the direction of traffic movement upon any one-way street unless signs are in place prohibiting such stopping or standing.

(2) In the event a highway includes two or more separate roadways and traffic is restricted to one direction upon any such roadway, no person shall stand or park a vehicle upon the left-hand side of such one-way roadway unless signs are in place permitting such standing or parking.

(3) The City Traffic Specialist is authorized to determine when standing or parking shall be prohibited upon the left-hand side of any one-way street or when standing or parking may be permitted upon the left-hand side of any one-way roadway of a highway having two or more separate roadways and shall erect signs giving notice thereof.

(4) The requirement of parallel parking imposed by this section shall not apply in the event any commercial vehicle is actually engaged in the process of loading or unloading freight or goods, in which case such vehicle may be backed up to the curb; provided, that such vehicle does not extend beyond the centerline of the street and does not block traffic thereby. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-12.040, 1983.]

10.05.670 Diagonal parking.

On any of the streets or portions of streets established by resolution of the Council as diagonal parking zones, when signs or pavement markings are in place indicating such diagonal parking, it shall be unlawful for the operator of any vehicle to park said vehicle except:

(1) At the angle to the curb indicated by signs or pavement markings allotting space to parked vehicles and entirely within the limits of said allotted space;

(2) With the front wheel nearest the curb within six inches of said curb.

The provisions of this section shall not apply when such vehicle is actually engaged in the process of loading or unloading passengers, freight or goods, in which event the provisions applicable in RDMC 10.05.660 shall be complied with. [Ord. 173 § 33-12.050, 1983.]

10.05.680 Parking space markings.

The City Traffic Specialist is authorized to install and maintain parking space markings to indicate parking spaces adjacent to curbings where authorized parking is permitted.

When such parking space markings are placed on the highway, subject to other and more restrictive limitations, no vehicle shall be stopped, left standing or parked other than within a single space unless the size or shape of such vehicle makes compliance impossible. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-12.060, 1983.]

10.05.690 No stopping zones.

The City Traffic Specialist shall designate established no stopping zones by placing and maintaining appropriate signs indicating that stopping of vehicles is prohibited and indicating the hours and days when stopping is prohibited.

During the hours and on the days designated on the signs, it shall be unlawful for the operator of any vehicle to stop said vehicle on any of the streets or parts of streets established by resolution of the Council as no stopping zones. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-12.070, 1983.]

10.05.700 All-night parking prohibited.

No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle on any street for a period of time longer than 30 minutes between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. of any day; provided, that this section shall not apply to a vehicle of any regularly licensed physician when actually engaged in making professional calls. [Ord. 173 § 33-12.080, 1983.]

Article XII. Stopping for Loading or Unloading Only

10.05.710 Authority to establish loading zones.

(1) The City Traffic Specialist is hereby authorized to determine and to mark loading zones and passenger loading zones as follows:

(a) At any place in the central traffic district or any business district;

(b) Elsewhere in front of the entrance to any place of business or in front of any hall or place used for the purpose of public assembly.

(2) In no event shall more than one-half of the total curb length in any block be reserved for loading zone purposes.

(3) Loading zones shall be indicated by yellow paint upon the top of all curbs within such zones.

(4) Passenger loading zones shall be indicated by white paint upon the top of all curbs in said zones. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-13.010, 1983.]

10.05.720 Curb markings to indicate no stopping and parking regulations.

(1) The City Traffic Specialist is hereby authorized, subject to the provisions and limitations of this chapter, to place, and when required herein shall place, the following curb markings to indicate parking or standing regulations, and said curb markings shall have the meanings as herein set forth:

(a) Red shall mean no stopping, standing or parking at any time except as permitted by the Vehicle Code, and except that a bus may stop in a red zone marked or signed as a bus zone.

(b) Yellow shall mean no stopping, standing or parking at any time between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. of any day except Sundays and holidays for any purpose other than the loading or unloading of passengers or materials; provided, that the loading or unloading of passengers shall not consume more than three minutes nor the loading or unloading of materials more than 20 minutes.

(c) White shall mean no stopping, standing or parking for any purpose other than loading or unloading of passengers, or for the purpose of depositing mail in an adjacent mailbox, which shall not exceed three minutes and such restrictions shall apply between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. of any day except Sundays and holidays and except as follows:

(i) When such zone is in front of a hotel or in front of a mailbox, the restrictions shall apply at all times.

(ii) When such zone is in front of a theater, the restrictions shall apply at all times except when such theater is closed.

(d) When the City Traffic Specialist as authorized under this chapter has caused curb markings to be placed, no person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle adjacent to any such legible curb marking in violation of any of the provisions of this section. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-13.020, 1983.]

10.05.730 Effect of permission to load or unload.

(1) Permission herein granted to stop or stand a vehicle for purposes of loading or unloading of materials shall apply only to commercial vehicles and shall not extend beyond the time necessary therefor, and in no event for more than 20 minutes.

(2) The loading or unloading of materials shall apply only to commercial deliveries, also the delivery or pickup of express and parcel post packages and United States mail.

(3) Permission herein granted to stop or park for purposes of loading or unloading passengers shall include the loading or unloading of personal baggage but shall not extend beyond the time necessary therefor and in no event for more than three minutes.

(4) Within the total time limits above specified, the provisions of this section shall be enforced so as to accommodate necessary and reasonable loading or unloading but without permitting abuse of the privileges hereby granted. [Ord. 173 § 33-13.030, 1983.]

10.05.740 Standing for loading or unloading only.

No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle in any yellow loading zone for any purpose other than loading or unloading passengers or material for such time as is permitted in RDMC 10.05.730. [Ord. 173 § 33-13.040, 1983.]

10.05.750 Standing in passenger loading zone.

No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle in any passenger loading zone for any purpose other than loading or unloading of passengers for such time as is specified in RDMC 10.05.730. [Ord. 173 § 33-13.050, 1983.]

10.05.760 Standing in any alley.

No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle for any purpose other than the loading or unloading of persons or materials in any alley. [Ord. 173 § 33-13.060, 1983.]

10.05.770 Coach zones to be established.

The City Traffic Specialist is hereby authorized to establish bus zones opposite curb space for the loading and unloading of buses or common carriers of passengers and to determine the location thereof.

Coach zones shall normally be established on the far side of an intersection. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-13.070, 1983.]

10.05.780 Parking commercial vehicles in residential districts.

No person shall park any commercial vehicle more than five hours in any residential district except as follows:

(1) While loading or unloading property and time in addition to such five-hour period is required to complete such loading or unloading; or

(2) When such vehicle is parked in connection with and in aid of the performance of a service to or on a property in the block in which such vehicle is parked and time in addition to such five-hour period is reasonably necessary to complete such service. [Ord. 173 § 33-13.080, 1983.]

Article XIII. Restricted Use of Certain Streets

10.05.790 Certain vehicles prohibited in central traffic district.

(1) No person shall operate any of the following vehicles in the central traffic district between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. of any day:

(a) Any freight vehicle more than eight and one-half feet in width, with load, or any freight vehicle so loaded that any part of its load extends more than 20 feet to the front or rear of said vehicle;

(b) Any vehicle carrying building material that has not been loaded, or is not to be unloaded, at some point within the central traffic district;

(2) Provided, that the City Traffic Specialist may by written permit authorize the operation of any such vehicle for the purpose of making necessary emergency deliveries to or from points within the central traffic district. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-14.010, 1983.]

10.05.800 Advertising vehicles.

No person shall operate or drive any vehicle used for advertising purposes or any advertising vehicle equipped with a sound-amplifying or loud-speaking device upon any street or alley at any time within the central traffic district. [Ord. 173 § 33-14.020, 1983.]

10.05.810 Horse-drawn vehicles.

No person shall drive any animal-drawn vehicle into or within the central traffic district between the hours of 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. of any day. [Ord. 173 § 33-14.030, 1983.]

10.05.820 Truck routes.

(1) Whenever any resolution of this City designates and describes any street or portion thereof as a street the use of which is permitted by any vehicle exceeding a maximum gross weight limit of three tons, the City Traffic Specialist is hereby authorized to designate such street or streets by appropriate signs as truck routes for the movement of vehicles exceeding a maximum gross weight limit of three tons.

(2) When any such truck route or routes are established and designated by appropriate signs, the operator of any vehicle exceeding a maximum gross weight limit of three tons shall drive on such route or routes and none other, except that nothing in this section shall prohibit the operator of any vehicle exceeding a maximum gross weight of three tons coming from a truck route having ingress and egress by direct route to and from restricted streets when necessary for the purpose of making pickups or deliveries of goods, wares and merchandise from or to any building or structure located on such restricted streets or for the purpose of delivering materials to be used in the actual and bona fide repair, alteration, remodeling or construction of any building or structure upon such restricted streets for which a building permit has previously been obtained therefor.

(3) The provisions of this section shall not apply to:

(a) Passenger buses under the jurisdiction of the Public Utilities Commission;

(b) Any vehicle owned by a public utility while necessarily in use in the construction, installation or repair of any public utility;

(d) Vehicles used for the purpose of collecting trash or garbage from premises located on or near such restricted street.

(4) Those streets and parts of streets established by resolution of the Council are hereby declared to be truck routes for the movement of vehicles exceeding a maximum gross weight of three tons. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-14.040, 1983.]

10.05.830 Commercial vehicles prohibited from using certain streets.

(1) Whenever any resolution of this City designates and describes any street or portion thereof as a street the use of which is prohibited by any commercial vehicle, the City Traffic Specialist shall erect and maintain appropriate signs on those streets effected by such resolution.

(2) Those streets and parts of streets established by resolution of the Council are hereby declared to be streets the use of which is prohibited by any commercial vehicle. The provisions of this section shall not apply to passenger buses under the jurisdiction of the Public Utilities Commission. [Ord. 181 § 1, 1984; Ord. 173 § 33-14.050, 1983.]

Article XIV. Special Speed Zones

10.05.840 Increasing State speed limit in certain zones.

It is hereby determined upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation that the speed permitted by State law upon the following streets is less than is necessary for safe operation of vehicles thereon by reason of the designation and sign-posting of said streets as through highways or by reason of widely spaced intersections, and it is hereby declared that the prima facie speed limit shall be as hereinafter set forth on those streets or parts of streets herein designated when signs are erected giving notice thereof:

Name of Street or Portion Affected	Declared Prima Facie Speed Limit
None

[Ord. 173 § 33-17.010, 1983.]

10.05.850 Decrease of State law maximum speed.

It is hereby determined upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation that the speed permitted by State law outside of business and residence districts as applicable upon the following streets is greater than is reasonable or safe under the conditions found to exist upon such streets, and it is hereby declared that the prima facie speed limit shall be as hereinafter set forth on those streets or parts of streets herein designated when signs are erected giving notice thereof:

Name of Street or Portion Affected	Declared Prima Facie Speed Limit
None

[Ord. 173 § 33-17.020, 1983.]

10.05.860 Decrease of State law speed between districts.

Reference is hereby made to the following portions of streets where the State speed law of 55 miles per hour is applicable for a distance of not exceeding 2,000 feet in length between districts, either business or residence, and it is hereby determined upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation that the speed permitted by State law upon the following described portions of said streets which are not State highways is greater than is reasonable or safe under the conditions found to exist upon the described portions of such streets, and it is hereby declared that the prima facie speed limit shall be as herein set forth on those portions of streets herein designated when signs are erected giving notice thereof:

Portion of Street Affected

Not Exceeding 2,000 Feet Between Districts

Declared Prima Facie Speed Limit

None

[Ord. 173 § 33-17.030, 1983.]