Chapter 5.20
TRAFFIC
Sections:
5.20.020 Additions or modifications.
5.20.010 Adoption.
Pursuant to parts 1 and 2 of article 16 of title 31 and part 4 of article 15 of title 30, C.R.S, and Section 6.6 of the City of Gunnison Municipal Home Rule Charter, there is hereby adopted by reference the 2020 Edition of the “Model Traffic Code,” promulgated and published as such by the Colorado Department of Transportation, Safety and Traffic Engineering Branch, 2829 W. Howard Place, Denver, CO 80204. The subject matter of the Model Traffic Code relates primarily to comprehensive traffic control regulations for the city. The purpose of this chapter and the code adopted herein is to provide a system of traffic regulations consistent with state law and generally conforming to similar regulations throughout the state and the nation. Three copies of the Model Traffic Code adopted herein are now filed in the office of the clerk of the city of Gunnison, Colorado, and may be inspected during regular business hours. (Ord. 4-2020 § 1; Ord. 8-2010 § 1; Ord. 8-2003 § 1; Code 1997 § 5-2-1).
5.20.015 Deletions.
The 2020 Edition of the Model Traffic Code is adopted as if set out at length, save and except the following articles and/or sections which are declared to be inapplicable to this municipality and are therefore expressly deleted:
A. Part 17, Penalties and Procedure;
B. Appendix, Part A, Instructions for Adopting the Model Traffic Code by Reference;
C. Appendix, Part B, Specimen Ordinance for Adopting Model Traffic Code by Reference;
D. Appendix, Part C, Specimen Notice of Hearing;
E. Appendix, Part D, Specimen Certification – Posting of Ordinance;
F. Appendix, Part E, Instructions for Amending Model Traffic Code Previously Adopted by Reference;
G. Appendix, Part F, Listing of Amendments for Updating Previous Edition of Model Traffic Code Adopted by Reference;
H. Appendix, Part G, Specimen Certification of Model Traffic Code. (Ord. 4-2020 § 2; Ord. 8-2010 § 2).
5.20.020 Additions or modifications.
The said adopted code is subject to the following additions or modifications:
Part 1, Section 109(9), Low-power scooters, animals, skis, skates, and toy vehicles on highways, is hereby amended to read as follows:
(9)(a) Except as provided in subsection b of this section, it shall be lawful for persons to use any street or highway within this municipality for traveling on roller skis, coasters, roller skates, skateboards, or similar devices. Similar devices includes skis and coasters equipped with a gas or electric, engine manufactured to carry one person in a standing position, having a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour, equipped with a handlebar type steering mechanism and breaking system.
(b) It shall be unlawful for persons to use U.S. Highway 50, also known as Tomichi Avenue, and Colorado Highway 135, also known as Main Street, for traveling on roller skis, coasters, roller skates, skateboards, or similar devices, except while crossing these streets in a crosswalk, and when so crossing, such person shall be granted all the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to pedestrians. Roller skis, coasters, roller skates, skateboards, or similar devices may not be used on any street during the hours of sunset to sunrise or when visibility is limited to less than 500 feet for any reason.
(c) Every person traveling on roller skis, coasters, roller skates, skateboards, or similar devices upon a roadway where their travel is permitted shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties and penalties applicable to the driver of a vehicle as set forth in this code, except those provisions of this code which, by their very nature, can have no application. Said persons shall also comply with special rules set forth in this article. Whenever the word “vehicle” is used in any of the driving rules set forth in this code that are applicable to users of roller skis, coasters, roller skates, skateboards, and other similar devices, such term shall include the aforementioned.
(d) Every person traveling on roller skis, coasters, roller skates, skateboards, or similar devices shall obey the instructions of official traffic control devices applicable to vehicles, unless otherwise directed by a police officer.
(e) Persons traveling on roller skis, coasters, roller skates, skateboards, or similar devices shall not impede the normal flow of traffic or travel in such a manner as to disrupt the normal flow of traffic.
(f) Every person traveling on roller skis, coasters, roller skates, skateboards, or similar devices upon a street or highway shall ride as close to the right side of the street as practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.
(g) Persons traveling on roller skis, coasters, roller skates, skateboards, or similar devices shall not ride more than two abreast except on lanes or parts of roadways set aside for their use.
(h) No person traveling on roller skis, coasters, roller skates, skateboards, or similar devices shall attach the same or himself to any vehicle being operated upon the roadway.
(i) No person shall travel on roller skis, coasters, roller skates, skateboards, or similar devices on sidewalks or areas designated for pedestrian use.
(j) No person shall use any street or highway within this municipality for traveling on toboggans or coasting sleds, and it shall be unlawful for any person to use the roadways within this municipality as a sled course for the purpose of coasting on sleds or toboggans.
(k) A snowmobile may be operated on streets and highways under the jurisdiction of this municipality only when such operation is authorized by special ordinance or addition to this code and appropriate notice is given thereof, and then only in the manner and on such streets prescribed by such ordinance consistent with the provisions of State law.
Part 1, Traffic Regulation – Generally, is hereby amended by the addition of Section 119:
119 Use of motorized golf cars.
(1) The operation of motorized golf cars by permit is hereby authorized on streets within the City of Gunnison. Any person operating a motorized golf car under permit has all the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any vehicle, except when those provisions cannot reasonably be applied to motorized golf cars. This provision does not authorize use of golf cars on any state highway. Except that golf cars may cross a state highway at a right angle at any cross street, after complying with traffic control devices present and if none present shall yield the right of way to any vehicles or pedestrians on state highway.
(2) Authorization to operate a motorized golf car on city streets is by permit only. Permits shall be issued by the chief of police or designee. Any person holding a valid, current driver’s license may apply for a permit. All permits shall expire annually, on June 1. The fee for a permit shall be thirty dollars ($30.00).
(3) Each application for a permit to operate a motorized golf car on the city street shall include:
(a) The name, address, phone and drivers license number of the applicant;
(b) Proof of inspection, by the Gunnison Police Department, to insure the golf car has all required equipment;
(c) Proof of current liability insurance;
(d) Such other information as the chief of police or City Council may from time to time require.
(4) The following equipment is required on any motorized golf car during operation on any city street.
(a) The slow moving vehicle emblem provided for by state statute, properly mounted on the rear of the golf car pursuant to state regulations;
(b) A rear view mirror, properly mounted on the golf car so as to reflect to the operator a view of the street for a distance of at least two hundred (200) feet to the rear of the golf car;
(c) One red safety flag mounted 4 foot from the ground and properly attached to the rear of the golf cart.
(5) It is unlawful for any person to operate a motorized golf car on any city street where:
(a) The operator does not have in his possession a valid adult driver’s license;
(b) The operator does not have in his possession a valid, current, and un-revoked permit issued to the operator;
(c) The motorized golf car is operated between sunset and sunrise;
(d) The motorized golf car is being operated during inclement weather or when visibility is impaired by weather, smoke, fog, or other condition, or at any time when there is insufficient light to clearly see persons or vehicles on the roadway at a distance of five hundred (500) feet;
(e) The motorized golf car is not equipped with required equipment;
(f) The operator does not have current insurance coverage;
(7) The operator fails to observe all traffic laws and regulations, except when those provisions cannot reasonably be applied to motorized golf cars.
(8) A permit issued under the section may be revoked or modified at any time by the chief of police or designee if there is evidence that the permit holder cannot safely operate a motorized golf car on the city street.
(9) Any person whose permit to operate a motorized golf car has been revoked may appeal the revocation to the city manager. Appeals shall be submitted in writing to the city manager within twenty (20) days of the date of revocation.
(10) Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a class B traffic infraction.
Part 6, Section 612, When signals are inoperative or malfunctioning, is hereby amended to read as follows:
(1)(a) When a driver approaches an intersection and faces a traffic control signal that is inoperative, that remains on steady red or steady yellow during several time cycles, or that does not recognize a motorcycle that is operated by the driver, the provisions controlling entrance to a through street or highway from a stop sign or highway, as provided under section 42-4-703, apply until a police officer assumes control of traffic or until the traffic control signal resumes normal operation.
(b) If a traffic control signal at a place other than an intersection ceases to operate or malfunctions as specified in subsection (1)(a) of this section, drivers may proceed past the signal only with caution, as if the signal were flashing yellow.
(2) Whenever a pedestrian faces a pedestrian-control signal as provided in section 42-4-802 which is inoperative or which remains on “Don’t Walk” or “Wait” during several time cycles, such pedestrian shall not enter the roadway unless the pedestrian can do so safely and without interfering with any vehicular traffic.
(3) Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a class A traffic infraction.
Part 11, Speed Regulations, Section 1101(2)(c) is modified to read as follows:
(c) Twenty five miles per hour in any residence district, as defined in section 42-1-102(80), C.R.S.
Part 12, Section 1202, Parking or abandonment of vehicles, is hereby amended to read as follows:
(1) No person shall stop, park, or leave standing any vehicle, either attended or unattended, outside of a business or a residential district, upon the paved or improved and main traveled part of the highway. Nothing contained in this section shall apply to the driver of any vehicle which is disabled while on the paved or improved and main-traveled portion of a highway in such manner and to such extent that it is impossible to avoid stopping and temporarily leaving such disabled vehicle in such position, subject, when applicable, to the emergency lighting requirements set forth in section 230.
(2) No person shall park any vehicle on the maintained portion of a roadway, including any portion of the roadway right-of-way, that is not legally licensed, in safe operating condition, or to perform mechanical work or repairs.
(3) Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a class B traffic infraction.
Part 12, Parking, is amended by the addition of the following:
Section 1203, Parking Not to Obstruct Traffic or Maintenance.
(1) No person shall park any vehicle upon a street or highway in such a manner or under such conditions as to interfere with the free movement of vehicular traffic or proper street or highway maintenance.
(2) No person shall park any vehicle on any street or highway so as to interfere with scheduled road maintenance. Notice of scheduled road maintenance may be by written or verbal notice to property occupants adjoining street or highway, by posting of temporary signs on affected street, or any combination, 24 hours prior to the start of the maintenance.
(3) Vehicles parked in violation of this section may be towed pursuant to Part 18, Section 1803(2).
(4) Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a class B traffic infraction.
Part 12, Section 1204, Stopping, standing, or parking prohibited in specific places, is amended to read as follows:
(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (4) of this section, no person shall stop, stand, or park a vehicle, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a police officer or an official traffic control device, in any of the following places:
(a) On a sidewalk;
(b) Within an intersection;
(c) On a crosswalk;
(d) Between a safety zone and the adjacent curb or within thirty feet of points on the curb immediately opposite the ends of a safety zone, unless the traffic authority indicates a different length by signs or markings;
(e) Alongside or opposite any street excavation or obstruction when stopping, standing, or parking would obstruct traffic;
(f) On the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a street;
(g) Upon any bridge or other elevated structure upon a highway or within a highway tunnel;
(h) On any railroad tracks;
(i) On any controlled-access highway;
(j) In the area between roadways of a divided highway, including crossovers;
(k) At any other place where official signs prohibit stopping.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (4) of this section, in addition to the restrictions specified in subsection (1) of this section, no person shall stand or park a vehicle, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a police officer or an official traffic control device, in any of the following places:
(a) Within five feet of a public or private driveway;
(b) Within fifteen feet of a fire hydrant;
(c) Within twenty feet of a crosswalk at an intersection;
(d) Within thirty feet upon the approach to any flashing beacon or signal, stop sign, yield sign, or traffic control signal located at the side of a roadway;
(e) Within twenty feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station or, on the side of a street opposite the entrance to any fire station, within seventy-five feet of said entrance when properly signposted;
(f) At any other place where official signs prohibit standing.
(3) In addition to the restrictions specified in subsections (1) and (2) of this section, no person shall park a vehicle, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a police officer or official traffic control device, in any of the following places:
(a) Within fifty feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing;
(b) At any other place where official signs prohibit parking.
(4)(a) Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of this section shall not prohibit persons from parking bicycles or electrical assisted bicycles on sidewalks in accordance with the provisions of section 1412(11)(a) and (11)(b).
(b) Paragraph (f) of subsection (I) of this section shall not prohibit persons from parking two or more bicycles or electrical assisted bicycles abreast in accordance with the provisions of section 1412(11)(d).
(c) Paragraphs (a), (c), and (d) of subsection (2) of this section shall not apply to bicycles or electrical assisted bicycles parked on sidewalks in accordance with section 1412(11)(a) and (11)(b).
(5) No person shall move a vehicle not lawfully under such person’s control into any such prohibited area or away from a curb such distance as is unlawful.
(6) This local authority, with respect to highways under its jurisdiction, may place official traffic control devices prohibiting, limiting, or restricting the stopping, standing, or parking of vehicles on any highway where it is determined, upon the basis of a traffic investigation or study, that such stopping, standing, or parking is dangerous to those using the highway or where the stopping, standing, or parking of vehicles would unduly interfere with the free movement of traffic thereon. No person shall stop, stand, or park any vehicle in violation of the restrictions indicated by such devices.
(7)(a) No person shall park any vehicle upon a street or highway in such a manner or under such conditions as to interfere with the free movement of vehicular traffic or proper street or highway maintenance.
(b) No person shall park any vehicle on any street or highway so as to interfere with scheduled road maintenance. Notice of scheduled road maintenance may be by written or verbal notice to property occupants adjoining a street or highway, by posting of temporary signs on the affected street, or any combination, 24 hours prior to the start of the maintenance.
(c) Vehicles parked in violation of this section may be towed pursuant to Part 18, Section 1803(2).
(10)(a) No person shall park, where time-limited parking is posted, for longer than the time specified or during the hours specified.
(b) It shall be unlawful to move from one time-limited parking space to another time-limited parking space within one hundred yards of the original space in order to avoid a violation of (10)(a).
(11) Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a class B traffic infraction.
Part 12, Section 1205, Parking at curb or edge of roadway, is amended by the addition of:
(3)(a). On those streets which have been approved and signed or marked for angle parking, no person shall stop, stand, or park a vehicle other than at an angle to the curb at the edge of the roadway indicated by such signs or markings with its right front wheel within twelve (12) inches of the curb or edge of the roadway.
Part 12, Section 1205, Parking at Curb or Edge of Roadway, is amended by the repeal and reenactment of subsection (4) to read as follows:
(4) No person shall stop, park, or leave standing any vehicle for a period of time longer than permitted by official signs.
Part 12, Section 1205, Parking at Curb or Edge of Roadway, is amended by the addition of:
(5) Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a Class B traffic infraction.
Part 12, Section 1206, Unattended motor vehicle, is hereby amended to read as follows:
(1) No person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first removing the key from the ignition or locking the doors, and when standing upon any grade, said person shall effectively set the brake thereon, and turn the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway in such a manner as to prevent the vehicle from rolling onto the traveled way.
(2) No person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to idle, whether attended or unattended, for a period in excess of thirty (30) minutes in any one (1) hour period anywhere within the city, other than a location designated for such activities by either the City Manager or the Chief of Police.
(3) Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a class B traffic infraction.
Part 14, Other Offenses, is amended by the addition of:
1412.5. Local adoption of alternative regulation of bicycles and electric scooters approaching intersections - alternative regulation described - validity of existing local ordinance or resolution - definitions.
(1)(a) A person riding a bicycle, electrical assisted bicycle, or electric scooter and approaching an intersection of a roadway with a stop sign shall slow down and, if required for safety, stop before entering the intersection. If a stop is not required for safety, the person shall slow to a reasonable speed and yield the right-of-way to any traffic or pedestrian in or approaching the intersection. After the person has slowed to a reasonable speed and yielded the right-of-way if required, the person may cautiously make a turn or proceed through the intersection without stopping.
(b) For purposes of this subsection (1), a reasonable speed is fifteen miles per hour or less. A municipality, by ordinance, or a county, by resolution, may reduce the maximum reasonable speed at any individual intersection to ten miles per hour or raise the maximum reasonable speed to twenty miles per hour if the municipality or county also posts signs at the intersection stating that lower or higher speed limitation.
(c) A person riding a bicycle, electrical assisted bicycle, or electric scooter and approaching an intersection of a roadway with an illuminated red traffic control signal shall stop before entering the intersection and shall yield to all other traffic and pedestrians. Once the person has yielded, the person may cautiously proceed in the same direction through the intersection or make a right-hand turn. When a red traffic control signal is illuminated, a person shall not proceed through the intersection or turn right if an oncoming vehicle is turning or preparing to turn left in front of the person.
(d) A person riding a bicycle, electrical assisted bicycle, or electric scooter approaching an intersection of a roadway with an illuminated red traffic control signal may make a left-hand turn only if turning onto a one-way street and only after stopping and yielding to other traffic and pedestrians. However, a person shall not turn left if a vehicle is traveling in the same direction as the person and the vehicle is turning or preparing to turn left. If the person is not turning left onto a one-way street, the person shall not make a left-hand turn at an intersection while a red traffic control signal is illuminated.
(2) As used in this section:
(a) “Electrical assisted bicycle” means the term as it is defined in section 42-1-102(28.5).
(b) “Municipality” means a home rule or statutory city, town, or city and county.
Part 18, Section 1804(4), Report of abandoned motor vehicles – owner’s opportunity to request hearing: is hereby amended to read as follows:
(4)(a) If the responsible law enforcement agency does not use an operator to store the motor vehicle, the responsible law enforcement agency, within ten working days after the receipt of the report from the department required in subsection (2) of this section, shall notify by certified mail the owner of record, if ascertained, and any lien holder, if ascertained, of the fact of such report and the claim of any lien under section 42-4-1806. The notice shall contain information that the identified motor vehicle has been reported abandoned to the department, the location of the motor vehicle and the location from where it was towed, and that, unless claimed within thirty calendar days after the date the notice was sent as determined from the postmark on the notice, the motor vehicle is subject to sale.
(b) If the responsible law enforcement agency uses an operator to store the motor vehicle, the responsible law enforcement agency, within ten working days after the receipt of the report from the department required in subsection (2) of this section, shall notify by first-class mail the owner of record, if ascertained, and any lien holder, if ascertained, of the fact of the report and the claim of any lien under section 42-4-1806. The notice shall contain information that the identified motor vehicle has been reported abandoned to the department, the location of the motor vehicle and the location from where it was towed, and that, unless claimed within thirty calendar days after the date the notice was sent as determined from the postmark on the notice, the motor vehicle is subject to sale.
(c) The responsible law enforcement agency shall include in the notices sent pursuant to either paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection (4) a statement informing the owner of record of the opportunity to request a hearing concerning the legality of the towing of the abandoned motor vehicle, and the responsible law enforcement agency to contact for that purpose.
(d) If an owner or lien holder requests a hearing, the owner or lien holder shall make the request in writing to the responsible law enforcement agency within ten days after the notice was sent, as determined by the postmark. Such hearing, if requested, shall be conducted pursuant to section 24-4-105, C.R.S., if the responsible law enforcement agency is the Colorado state patrol. If a local political subdivision is the responsible law enforcement agency, such hearing shall be conducted pursuant to local hearing procedures. If it is determined at the hearing that the motor vehicle was illegally towed upon request from a law enforcement agency, all towing charges and storage fees assessed against the vehicle shall be paid by such law enforcement agency.
Part 18, Section 1805, Appraisal of abandoned motor vehicle – sale, is amended by the addition of:
1805(5) Vehicles which do not sell at a private or public sale shall be deemed to have no value except for the purpose of junking, scrapping or dismantling. The police department shall cause to be executed and delivered a bill of sale, together with a copy of the report described in section 1804(2), to a company to provide disposal of abandoned motor vehicles.
Appendices, Definitions, is amended by the addition of the following:
(29.1) “Electric personal assistive mobility device” or “EPAMD” means a self-balancing, non-tandem two-wheeled device, designed to transport only one person, that is powered solely by an electric propulsion system producing an average power output of no more than seven hundred fifty watts.
(39.1) “Golf Cart” means a gas or electric powered vehicle having three or four wheels designed and intended to transport golf equipment and people while playing golf and not designed primarily for travel on the public street.
(105.4) “Street” means the entire width of any publicly owned property which has been established for the movement of vehicular traffic. On streets not defined by curbs width shall be determined by existing maintenance and vehicular use.
(Ord. 7-2020 § 1; Ord. 4-2020 § 3; Ord. 6-2015 § 1; Ord. 10-2011 §§ 1, 2; Ord. 8-2010 § 2; Ord. 8-2003 § 2; Ord. 2-2003 § 1; Code 1997 § 5-2-2).
5.20.030 Penalties.
The following penalties, herewith set forth in full, shall apply to this chapter:
A. It is unlawful for any person to violate any of the provisions adopted in this chapter.
B. Violations of any provision of this code that are classified as a traffic infraction shall constitute a civil matter and are punishable by a fine of not less than $15.00 nor more than $100.00, according to the fine schedule as published by the Colorado State Patrol.
C. Every person convicted of a violation of any provision adopted in this chapter, which is classified as a misdemeanor, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $1,000.00 or by imprisonment not exceeding 90 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
D. If a person receives a penalty assessment notice for a violation under this code and such person pays the fine and surcharge for the violation on or before the date the payment is due, the points assessed for the violation are reduced as provided for in Section 42-2-127(5.5), C.R.S. (Ord. 4-2020 § 3; Ord. 8-2010 § 3; Ord. 8-2003 § 3; Code 1997 § 5-2-3).
5.20.040 Application.
This chapter shall apply to every street, alley, sidewalk area, driveway, park, and to every other public way or public place or public parking area, either within or outside the corporate limits of this municipality, the use of which the municipality has jurisdiction and authority to regulate. The provisions of Sections 1206(2), 1401, 1402, 1413, and 606 of the adopted Model Traffic Code, concerning unattended motor vehicles, reckless driving, careless driving, eluding a police officer, and unauthorized devices, respectively, shall apply not only to public places and ways, but also throughout this municipality. (Ord. 4-2020 § 4; Ord. 8-2010 § 4; Ord. 8-2003 § 4; Code 1997 § 5-2-4).
5.20.050 Validity.
If any part or parts of this chapter are for any reason held to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this chapter. The city council hereby declares that it would have passed the ordinance codified in this chapter and each part or parts thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one part or parts be declared invalid. (Ord. 4-2020 § 5; Ord. 8-2010 § 5; Ord. 8-2003 § 5; Code 1997 § 5-2-5).
5.20.060 Repeal.
Existing or parts of ordinances covering the same matters as embraced in this chapter are hereby repealed, and all ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter are hereby repealed, except that this repeal shall not affect or prevent the prosecution or punishment of any person for any act done or committed in violation of any ordinance hereby repealed prior to the taking effect of the ordinance codified in this chapter. (Ord. 4-2020 § 6; Ord. 8-2010 § 6; Ord. 8-2003 § 6; Code 1997 § 5-2-6).
5.20.070 Interpretation.
This chapter shall be so interpreted and construed as to effectuate its general purpose to conform with the state’s uniform system for the regulation of vehicles and traffic. Article and section headings of this chapter and the adopted Model Traffic Code shall not be deemed to govern, limit, modify, or in any manner affect the scope, meaning, or extent of the provisions of any article or section thereof. (Ord. 4-2020 § 7; Ord. 8-2010 § 7; Ord. 8-2003 § 7; Code 1997 § 5-2-7).
5.20.080 Certification.
The city clerk shall certify to the passage of the ordinance codified in this chapter and make not less than three copies of the adopted code available for inspection by the public during regular business hours. (Ord. 4-2020 § 8; Ord. 8-2010 § 8; Ord. 8-2003 § 9; Code 1997 § 5-2-8).