Chapter 14 · Traffic

Article 2. Local Traffic Regulations

Sections 14-201 to 14-213 · 13 sections

14-201 Traffic control devices and markings.

The Standard Traffic Ordinance as adopted is hereby modified by adding thereto the following: The governing body may, by resolution, establish and fix the location of such traffic control devices as may be deemed necessary to guide and warn traffic under the provisions of this chapter, other traffic ordinances and the state laws. The city shall place and maintain such traffic control signs, signals and devices when and as may be required by the authority of the governing body to make effective the provisions of this chapter and other ordinances for the regulation of traffic. Any official traffic control device placed pursuant to this section shall be marked and labeled on a map of the city for the purpose of displaying all such traffic control devices and shall be filed with the city clerk to be open to inspection and available to the public at all reasonable hours of business.

(Code 1991)

14-202 Careless driving.

It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or halt a vehicle within the city in such a manner as to indicate a careless or heedless disregard for the rights and safety of others, or in such a manner as to endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property.

(Ord. 226, Sec. 1)

14-203 Traffic emergency.

Whenever snow has accumulated or there exists a definite possibility that snow will accumulate to such a depth that traffic will be impeded or serious congestion may occur and snow removal operations are required, the mayor, or in his or her absence, the vice-mayor of the city, may declare a traffic emergency. At all times while a traffic emergency is in effect, it shall be unlawful for any person to park a vehicle within any dedicated street easement within the corporate limits of the city.

(Ord. 260, Sec. 1)

14-204 Same; notice of traffic emergency; termination.

Upon declaring a traffic emergency, the mayor shall forthwith cause appropriate notice of the traffic emergency to be given through the local press, cable TV and other media available in the area. Termination of the traffic emergency shall be given by notice in the same manner as the declaration of the emergency.

(Ord. 260, Sec. 1)

14-205 Same; removal of parked vehicles.

All vehicles parked in violation of this article must be removed within two hours after the giving of notice of a traffic emergency. Any vehicle remaining parked illegally after such period of time may be removed or caused to be removed by the city marshal or any other designated city employee to the nearest garage or place of safety. No vehicle may be recovered or returned until towing charges, if any, have been paid.

(Ord. 260, Sec. 3)

14-206 Snow removal.

Any snow removed from the driveways or sidewalks of private property shall be placed on unpaved right-of-way or the individual’s property in such a fashion as to avoid impeding or interfering with traffic upon the city streets.

(Ord. 260, Sec. 4)

14-207 Truck traffic; prohibited.

It shall be unlawful for any truck or other commercial vehicle to be operated upon the streets of the city, except the streets as shall be designated as usable for truck traffic. Those streets designated for use by truck traffic are as follows:

Litson-Main to Kansas

Kansas-Litson to Benton

Benton-Kansas to Main

(Ord. 219, Sec. 2)

14-208 Same; definitions.

(a)Truck or Other Commercial Vehicles. Any truck tractor, trailer or other vehicle, whether self-propelled by an engine or other motor, or towed behind or pushed ahead of a motor vehicle which has a gross weight in excess of 38,000 pounds.

(b)Gross Weight. The total weight of a truck or trailer or combination thereof being towed or pushed by a propelling vehicle.

(Ord. 219, Sec. 1; Code 1991)

14-209 Same; truck parking prohibited.

It shall be unlawful to park and/or leave unattended any truck or other commercial vehicle on the streets of the city, except the streets as shall be designated as usable for truck traffic. Nothing herein shall deny the right to park the vehicles for emergency refueling or repair or for the purpose of making delivery or pickup within the prohibited areas so long as the vehicle is removed as soon as is practical under the circumstances.

(Ord. 219, Sec. 3)

14-210 Parking unlawful; when.

It shall be unlawful to park any vehicle of any description larger than 3/4- ton on Main Street within the city limits of the city unless the vehicle is in the process of loading or unloading its cargo.

(Ord. 183, Sec. 1)

14-211 Same; impounding vehicle in violation.

Any vehicle found in violation of section 14--210 shall be deemed a traffic hazard and shall be removed from its resting place and impounded. All fees and costs of impounding shall be the burden of the registered owner. Impounded vehicle shall be released upon payment of all fees and costs of impounding.

(Ord. 183, Sec. 3)

14-212 J-Turns.

(a)In the area designated as the central business district, the driver of a vehicle shall not cross the center line of any street to enter a parking space on the opposite side of the street. This section shall not in any way limit the ability of a driver to cross the center line to enter a driveway, alley, or the like. The central business district shall be designated as one block of Main Street between Benton Street and Henry Street.

(b)Notwithstanding the penalty provisions contained within the Standard Traffic Ordinance, a violation of this section shall be punishable by the assessment of a $10 fine for the first offense within one year, a $15 fine for the second offense within one year, and a $25 fine for the third offense or any subsequent offenses within one year.

(Ord. 283, Sec. 4)

14-213 Authorization of diagonal parking.

It is hereby found and determined to be advisable and in the best interests and for the general health and welfare of the public, that angle/diagonal parking be authorized on Main Street between Henrie and Benton streets on the east and west side of Main Street.

(Ord. 2006-03, Sec. 1; Code 2010; Code 2023)