Chapter 9.48 RULES OF THE ROAD

(1) “Park or parking” means the standing of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, otherwise than temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading property or passengers.

(2) “Stand” or “standing” means the halting of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, other than temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in receiving or discharging passengers.

(3) “Stop” or “stopping,” when prohibited by this chapter, means any halting even momentarily of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic in compliance with the direction of a police officer or traffic-control signal.

(Ord. 10-2017 (part), 2017: Ord. 3-1992 §§ 2 (part), 3, 1992).

9.48.010 Vehicles to be Driven on Right Side.

Whenever a roadway is sufficiently wide, vehicles shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway except:

(1) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction;

(2) When an obstruction exists making it necessary to drive to the left of the center of the roadway; provided, any person so doing shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles traveling in the proper direction upon the unobstructed portion of the roadway within such distance as to constitute an immediate hazard;

(3) Upon a roadway divided into three marked lanes for traffic;

(4) Upon a roadway designated and signposted for one- way traffic.

(Ord. 10-2017 (part), 2017: Ord. 1-1971 Ch. VII §1, 1971).

9.48.020 Vehicles Going Opposite Directions.

Drivers of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions shall pass to the right of each other and upon roadways having width for not more than one line of traffic in each direction each driver shall give to the other at least one- half of the main-traveled portion of the roadway as nearly as possible.

(Ord. 10-2017 (part), 2017: Ord. 1-1971 Ch. VII §2, 1971).

9.48.030 Overtaking Vehicle on the Left.

The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle.

(Ord. 10-2017 (part), 2017: Ord. 1-1971 Ch. VII §3, 1971).

9.48.040 Duty of Driver of Overtaken Vehicle.

Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle on audible signal and shall not increase the speed of his vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.

(Ord. 10-2017 (part), 2017: Ord. 1-1971 Ch. VII §4, 1971).

9.48.050 Care Required in Passing.

No driver shall attempt to overtake or pass another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless the roadway is clearly visible and free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking or passing to be completely made without interfering with the operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction or any vehicle overtaken. The driver must return the overtaking vehicle to an authorized lane of travel as soon as practicable and in the event the passing movement involves the use of a lane authorized for vehicles approaching from the opposite direction, before coming within two hundred feet of any approaching vehicle.

(Ord. 10-2017 (part), 2017: Ord. 1-1971 Ch. VII §5, 1971).

9.48.060 Passing on Right.

The driver of a vehicle may overtake, and pass upon the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions:

(1) When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn;

(2) Upon a road with unobstructed pavement not occupied by parked vehicles of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles in each direction;

(3) Upon a one-way road, or any roadway on which traffic is restricted to one direction of movement, where the roadway is free from obstructions and of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles.

In no event shall a driver pass on the right by driving off the pavement or main-traveled portion of the roadway.

(Ord. 10-2017 (part), 2017: Ord. 1-1971 Ch. VII §6, 1971).

9.48.070 Driving on Left – General Rules.

(1) No person shall drive a vehicle on the left side of any road, under any of the following conditions:

(a) When approaching the crest of a grade or upon a curve in the highway where the driver’s view is obstructed within such distance as to create a hazard in the event another vehicle might approach from the opposite direction;

(b) When approaching within one hundred feet of or traversing any intersection or railroad grade crossing;

(d) When within a no-passing zone, indicated by means of a solid barrier paint line of contrasting color parallel, adjacent, and to the right of the painted barrier line of the traffic lane in which the vehicle is operating.

(2) These provisions shall not apply upon a one-way roadway.

(Ord. 10-2017 (part), 2017: Ord. 1-1971 Ch. VII §7, 1971).

9.48.080 One-Way Roads.

No person shall drive a vehicle on any public road which has been designated and signposted for one-way traffic except in the direction designated.

(Ord. 10-2017 (part), 2017: Ord. 1-1971 Ch. VII §8, 1971).

9.48.090 Two Lane Roads.

Every vehicle driven on a road which has been divided into two clearly marked lanes shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane, and shall not be moved from such lane until and unless the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety.

(Ord. 10-2017 (part), 2017: Ord. 1-1971 Ch. VII §9, 1971).

9.48.100 Three Lane Roads.

No vehicle shall be driven in the center lane of a two- way road which has been divided into three lanes except when preparing to make a left turn; or except where such center lane is officially allocated exclusively to use by traffic moving in the same direction as the vehicle is proceeding; or except when overtaking and passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction, and then only when such center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance.

(Ord. 10-2017 (part), 2017: Ord. 1-1971 Ch. VII §10, 1971).

9.48.110 Following Too Closely.

No driver of a motor vehicle shall follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of the vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the roadway, nor shall any driver, when driving upon any roadway outside of a business or residential district in a caravan or motorcade, whether or not towing other vehicles, fail to allow sufficient space between each such vehicle or combination of vehicles so as to enable any other vehicle to enter and occupy such space without danger. This provision shall not apply to funeral processions.

(Ord. 10-2017 (part), 2017: Ord. 1-1971 Ch. VII §11, 1971).

9.48.120 Divided Roadways.

Whenever any road has been divided into two or more roadways by leaving an intervening space or by a physical barrier or clearly indicated dividing section or by two parallel yellow barrier stripes four inches or more apart installed to control vehicular traffic, every vehicle shall be driven only upon the right-hand roadway unless directed or permitted to use another roadway by official traffic control devices or police officers. No vehicle shall be driven over, across or within any such dividing space, barrier or section, or yellow barrier stripes, except through an opening in such physical barrier or dividing section or space or yellow barrier stripes, or at a crossover or intersection as established.

(Ord. 10-2017 (part), 2017: Ord. 1-1971 Ch. VII §12, 1971).

9.48.130 Restricted Access.

No person shall drive a vehicle onto or from any limited access highway except at such entrances and exits as are established by public authority.

(Ord. 10-2017 (part), 2017: Ord. 1-1971 Ch. VII §13, 1971).

9.48.140 Intersection Right-of-Way.

Except insofar as this rule is modified by this title with respect to specific types of intersections, the driver of every vehicle approaching an intersection shall look out for and yield the right-of-way to any vehicle on his right simultaneously approaching the intersection regardless of which vehicle first reaches and enters the intersection.

(Ord. 10-2017 (part), 2017: Ord. 1-1971 Ch. VII §14, 1971).

9.48.150 Right-of-Way – Stop Signed Intersections.

Except when directed to proceed by a police officer or traffic control signal, every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop intersection indicated by a stop sign shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, in the event there is no crosswalk, shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway; and, having so stopped, shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection from another roadway or which is approaching so closely on said roadway as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time when such driver is moving across or within the intersection.

(Ord. 10-2017 (part), 2017: Ord. 1-1971 Ch. VII §15, 1971).

9.48.160 Right-of-Way – Yield Signed Intersections.

Except when directed to proceed by a police officer or traffic control signal, every driver of a vehicle approaching a yield intersection indicated by a yield sign shall slow down to a speed reasonable for the existing conditions and shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another highway so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time such driver is moving across or within the intersection.

(Ord. 10-2017 (part), 2017: Ord. 1-1971 Ch. VII §16, 1971).

9.48.170 Right-of-Way – Vehicle Turning Left.

The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left within an intersection or into an alley, private road, or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is within the intersection or so close thereto as to constitute an immediate hazard.

(Ord. 10-2017 (part), 2017: Ord. 1-1971 Ch. VII §17, 1971).

9.48.180 Right-of-Way – Vehicle Entering from Private Road.

Every driver of a vehicle about to enter or cross a public roadway from a private road or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on the public roadway.

(Ord. 10-2017 (part), 2017: Ord. 1-1971 Ch. VII §18, 1971).

9.48.190 Right-of-Way – Emergency Vehicles.

Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle making proper use of audible and visual signals which meet the requirements of state law, or of a police vehicle properly and lawfully making use of an audible or visual signal, the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection and shall stop and remain in such position until the emergency or police vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer.

(Ord. 10-2017 (part), 2017: Ord. 1-1971 Ch. VII §19, 1971).

9.48.200 Emerging From Driveway, Alley or Building.

Every vehicle driver, when emerging from a driveway, alley or building onto a public highway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles on the roadway; and in the event the vehicle goes upon a sidewalk or sidewalk area the driver shall stop the vehicle before going upon the sidewalk or sidewalk area and shall yield the right-of-way to such pedestrians as may be necessary to avoid collision.

(Ord. 10-2017 (part), 2017: Ord. 1-1971 Ch. VII §20, 1971).

9.48.210 Turning Vehicle.

No driver, while his vehicle is upon a public road, shall turn his vehicle, whether at an intersection or to enter a private road or driveway or in order to move right or left upon the roadway unless and until such turning or movement can be made with reasonable safety.

(Ord. 10-2017 (part), 2017: Ord. 1-1971 Ch. VII §21, 1971).

9.48.220 U-Turns on Curve or Crest of Grade Prohibited.

No vehicle shall be turned so as to proceed in the opposite direction upon any curve, or upon the approach to or near the crest of a grade, where such vehicle cannot be seen by the driver of any other vehicle approaching from either direction within five hundred feet within residence or business districts and within one thousand feet in all other locations.

(Ord. 10-2017 (part), 2017: Ord. 1-1971 Ch. VII §22, 1971).

9.48.230 Signaling Required.

No vehicle driver shall stop, turn or suddenly decrease the speed of his vehicle without having given an appropriate signal by means of the hand and arm or by signal lamps. A signal of intention to turn right or left shall be given continuously during not less than the last one hundred feet traveled by the vehicle before turning. Signals given by hand and arm shall be given from the left side of the vehicle in the following manner, and such signals shall indicate as follows:

(1) Left Turn. Left hand and arm extended horizontally;

(2) Right Turn. Left hand and arm extended upward;

(3) Stop or Decrease Speed. Left hand and arm extended downward.

(Ord. 10-2017 (part), 2017: Ord. 1-1971 Ch. VII §23, 1971).

9.48.240 Signals Indicating Approach of Train.

Whenever a vehicle driver approaches a railroad grade crossing and an approaching railroad train is plainly visible and in hazardous proximity to the crossing, or a clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device gives warning of the immediate approach of a railroad train, or a crossing gate is lowered, or a human flagman gives a signal of the approach or passage of a railroad train, the driver shall stop within fifty feet but not less than fifteen feet from the nearest rail of such railroad, and shall not proceed until be can do so safely.

(Ord. 10-2017 (part), 2017: Ord. 1-1971 Ch. VII §24, 1971).

9.48.250 Certain Vehicles Required to Stop at Railroad Crossings.

When a vehicle is required by federal or state law to stop at railroad crossings, the driver shall stop the vehicle within fifty feet but not less than fifteen feet from the nearest rail of such railroad and shall proceed only upon exercising due care.

(Ord. 10-2017 (part), 2017: Ord. 1-1971 Ch. VII §25, 1971).

9.48.260 Crossing Gates and Barriers.

No person shall drive any vehicle through, around or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad crossing while such gate or barrier is closed or is being opened or closed.

(Ord. 10-2017 (part), 2017: Ord. 1-1971 Ch. VII §26, 1971).

9.48.270 Meeting and Passing School Bus.

Whenever a school bus is stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school children, and there are in operation on the bus such visual signals as are required by state law, the driver of a vehicle overtaking or meeting the bus from either direction shall stop the vehicle before reaching the bus and shall not proceed until the bus resumes motion or until the visual signals are no longer activated or until the bus driver signals the driver to proceed.

(Ord. 10-2017 (part), 2017: Ord. 1-1971 Ch. VII §27, 1971).

9.48.280 Backing Vehicle.

No driver of a vehicle shall back the same unless the backing movement can be made with safety and without interfering with other traffic.

(Ord. 10-2017 (part), 2017: Ord. 1-1971 Ch. VII §28, 1971).

9.48.290 Obstructed View.

No person shall drive a vehicle when it is so loaded, or when there are in the front seat such a number of persons, exceeding three, as to obstruct the view of the driver to the front or sides of the vehicle or as to interfere with the driver’s control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle.

(Ord. 10-2017 (part), 2017: Ord. 1-1971 Ch. VII §29, 1971).