HomeMy WebLinkAboutPart 15 Traffic and Vehicles
Traffic and Vehicles
PART 15
TRAFFIC AND VEHICLES
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 15-101 Citation of Chapter
Section 15-102 Traffic Code Controlling
Section 15-103 Definitions
Section 15-104 Adoption of State Traffic Code
Section 15-105 Mail Vehicles Exempted
CHAPTER 2
ENFORCEMENT
Section 15-201 Enforcement of Traffic Laws; Establishment of Traffic Control Division
Section 15-202 Direction of Traffic by Hand or Voice
Section 15-203 Direction of Traffic by Unauthorized Persons
Section 15-204 Obedience to Police and Fire Officials
Section 15-205 Emergency and Experimental Regulations
Section 15-206 Push Carts, Riding Animals, or Driving Animal Drawn Vehicles to Comply
With Code
Section 15-207 Use of Coasters, Rollerskates, and Similar Devices Restricted
Section 15-208 Public Officers and Employees to Obey Traffic Regulations
Section 15-209 Persons Working on Streets, Exceptions
Section 15-210 Maintenance and Construction Zones
Section 15-211 Possession of Valid driver's License Required; Employing Unlicensed
Chauffeur
Section 15-212 Operation of Vehicle on Invalid License Prohibited
Section 15-213 Unlawful to Operate Vehicle Without State Vehicle License
Section 15-214 Permitting Unauthorized Person to Drive Prohibited
Section 15-215 Authorized Emergency Vehicles
Section 15-216 Operation of Vehicles on Approach of Authorized Emergency Vehicles
Section 15-217 Accidents, Duty to Stop
Section 15-217.1 Motor Vehicle Accidents Occurring on Private Property
Section 15-218 Issuance of Citation Tags
Section 15-219 Failure to Obey Citation
Section 15-220 Failure to Comply With Traffic Citations Attached to Parked Vehicle
Section 15-221 Presumption in Reference to Illegal Parking
Section 15-222 Illegal Cancellation of Traffic Citations
Section 15-223 Disposition and Records of Traffic Citations, Warrants, and Complaints
Section 15-224 Court Records; Abstract to be Sent to State Department of Public Safety
Section 15-225 Insurance or Certificate Required
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CHAPTER 3
VEHICLE EQUIPMENT
Section 15-301 Certain Vehicles Prohibited; Vehicles Injurious to Streets
Section 15-302 Obstructive and Dangerous Vehicles
Section 15-303 Equipment
Section 15-304 Mufflers; Modifications Prohibited
Section 15-305 Width, Height, Length and Load
Section 15-306 Inspection of Vehicles
Section 15-307 Maintenance and Adjustment of Brakes – REPEALED
Section 15-308 Mandatory Seat Belt Use
Section 15-309 Loud Sound Amplification Systems Prohibited
Section 15-310 Rear License Plate Lamps
CHAPTER 4
SPEED REGULATIONS
Section 15-401 Speed Limits Generally; Exceptions
Section 15-402 School Zones
Section 15-403 Speed Never to Exceed That Which is Reasonable or Prudent for Existing
Conditions
Section 15-404 Minimum Speed Requirements; Exception
Section 15-405 Obedience to Maximum and Minimum Speed Limits
Section 15-406 Speed Limit for Trains
CHAPTER 5
DRIVING, OVERTAKING, PASSING
Section 15-501 Changing Lanes; Driving Over Medians
Section 15-502 Driving on Right Side of Roadway Required; Exceptions
Section 15-503 When Overtaking on the Right is Permitted
Section 15-504 Passing Vehicle Proceeding in Same Direction
Section 15-505 Limitations on Overtaking on the Left; Exception
Section 15-506 Passing Vehicles Proceeding in Opposite Directions
Section 15-507 One-way Roadways and Rotary Traffic Islands
Section 15-508 Following Too Close
Section 15-509 No Passing Zones
Section 15-510 Following Fire Apparatus Prohibited
Section 15-511 Crossing Fire Hose
Section 15-512 Driving Through Funeral or Other Procession Prohibited; Exceptions
Section 15-513 Drivers in a Procession
Section 15-514 Funeral Processions to be Identified
Section 15-515 Overtaking and Passing in School Zones
Section 15-516 Overtaking and Passing School Bus
Section 15-517 School Bus Requirements; Lights; Signs; Painting
Section 15-518 Driving of Vehicles on Sidewalk Prohibited; Exception
Section 15-519 Limitations on Backing
Section 15-520 Clinging to Vehicles Prohibited
Section 15-521 Entering and Leaving Controlled Access Highways
Section 15-522 Reckless Driving
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Section 15-523 Careless or Negligent Driving, Stopping, or Parking
Section 15-524 Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
Section 15-525 Driving While Intoxicated
Section 15-526 Evidence of Intoxication or Impaired Ability in Prosecution of DUI
Section 15-527 Driving Under the Influence While Under Age
Section 15-528 Attention to Driving Required
Section 15-529 Speed Contest Prohibited
Section 15-530 Permits Required for Parades and Processions
Section 15-531 Driving Through Safety Zone
Section 15-532 Starting Parked Vehicle
Section 15-533 Opening and Closing Vehicle Doors
Section 15-534 Obstructions to Driver's View or Driving Mechanism
Section 15-535 Boarding or Alighting from Vehicles
Section 15-536 Unlawful Riding
Section 15-537 Railroad Trains Not to Block Streets
Section 15-538 Private Service Drives
Section 15-539 Designation of Truck Routes
Section 15-540 Loads on Vehicles
Section 15-541 Vehicle Approaching or Entering Intersection
Section 15-542 Vehicle Turning Left at Intersection
Section 15-543 Vehicle Approaching a "Yield Right-of-Way" Sign
Section 15-544 Vehicle Entering Through Highway
Section 15-545 Vehicles Facing Stop, Slow, Warning or Caution Signal
Section 15-546 Through Streets
Section 15-547 Intersections Where Stop or Yield Required
Section 15-548 Stop or Yield Sign Construction and Placement
Section 15-549 Vehicle Entering Stop Intersection
Section 15-550 Vehicle Entering Yield Intersection
Section 15-551 Vehicle Entering Highway from Private Road or Driveway
Section 15-552 Vehicles Entering Traffic from Parking
Section 15-553 Emerging from the Alley, Driveway, or Building
Section 15-554 Stop When Traffic Obstructed
Section 15-555 Obedience to Signal Indicating Approach of Train
Section 15-556 Certain Vehicles to Stop at all Railroad Grade Crossings
Section 15-557 Approaching a Stationary Emergency Vehicle
Section 15-558 Texting While Driving
CHAPTER 6
TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES
Section 15-601 Authority to Install Traffic Control Devices
Section 15-602 Traffic Control Devices; Uniform Requirements
Section 15-603 Obedience to Official Traffic Control Devices
Section 15-604 When Official Traffic Control Devices Required for Enforcement Purposes
Section 15-605 Traffic Control Signal Legend
Section 15-606 Pedestrians; Signal Indicators; Regulations
Section 15-607 Flashing Signals
Section 15-608 Unauthorized Traffic Control Devices Prohibited
Section 15-609 Defacement of Traffic Control Devices
Section 15-610 Play Streets, Authority to Establish
Section 15-611 Play Streets, Restriction on Use
Section 15-612 Designation of Crosswalks and Safety Zones
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Section 15-613 Traffic Lanes
CHAPTER 7
STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING GENERALLY
Section 15-701 Illegal Parking Declared Public Nuisance
Section 15-702 Application of Standing or Parking Regulations
Section 15-703 Parking Time Limits May be Established, Signs
Section 15-704 Parking More Than Forty-Eight (48) Hours
Section 15-705 Brakes; Motor Not to be Left Running; Unattended Vehicles
Section 15-706 Signs or Markings Indicating Angle Parking
Section 15-707 Obedience to Angle Parking Signs or Markings
Section 15-708 Parking in Spaces Marked Off
Section 15-709 Permits for Loading or Unloading at an Angle to the Curb
Section 15-710 Hazardous or Congested Places; Stopping, Standing, Parking
Section 15-711 Stopping, Standing or Parking Prohibited in Specified Places
Section 15-712 Blocking of Intersection or Crosswalk Prohibited
Section 15-713 Standing or Parking on One-Way Roadway
Section 15-714 Standing or Parking on Left Side of One-Way Streets
Section 15-715 Parking Prohibited at Intersections
Section 15-716 Parking in Alleys, Blocking Driveways
Section 15-717 Entry on Private Property; Trespass; Evidence; Burden of Proof
Section 15-718 Parking of Certain Vehicles and Trailers on Public Streets in Residential
and Commercial Areas
Section 15-719 Handicapped Parking
Section 15-720 Parking for Certain Purposes Prohibited
Section 15-721 Method of Parking, Standing or Parking Close to Curb
Section 15-722 Parking Permits
Section 15-723 Negligent Parking
Section 15-724 Right-of-Way to Parallel Parking Space
Section 15-725 Parking Time Limited
Section 15-726 Fire Lanes
CHAPTER 8
LOADING
Section 15-801 Definitions
Section 15-802 Curb Loading Zones, Designation
Section 15-803 Loading Zones to be Used Only for Designated Purpose
Section 15-804 Stopping, Standing or Parking in Passenger Curb Loading Zone
Section 15-805 Stopping, Standing or Parking in Freight Curb Loading Zone
Section 15-806 Designation of Public Carrier Stops and Stands
Section 15-807 Use of Bus and Taxicab Stands Restricted
Section 15-808 Stopping, Standing and Parking of Buses and Taxis
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CHAPTER 9
TURNING MOVEMENTS
Section 15-901 Turning Markers or Indicators
Section 15-902 Designation of Restricted Turns
Section 15-903 U-Turns
Section 15-904 Position and Method of Turning
Section 15-905 Turning Movements and Required Signals
Section 15-906 Means of Giving Turn Signals
Section 15-907 Method of Giving Hand and Arm Signals
Section 15-908 Turns Into or From Alleys
CHAPTER 10
PEDESTRIANS
Section 15-1001 Pedestrians Subject to Traffic Control Signals
Section 15-1002 Pedestrians' Right-of-Way at Crosswalks
Section 15-1003 Pedestrians to Use Right Half of Crosswalk
Section 15-1004 Crossing at Right Angles
Section 15-1005 When Pedestrians Shall Yield
Section 15-1006 Pedestrians Walking Along Roadways
Section 15-1007 Pedestrians Prohibited from Soliciting Rides, Business or Donations from
Vehicle Occupants
Section 15-1008 Drivers to Exercise Due Care
Section 15-1009 Crossing Prohibited
Section 15-1010 Obedience of Pedestrians to Railroad Signals
CHAPTER 11
BICYCLES
Section 15-1101 Application of Bicycle Regulations
Section 15-1102 Application of Traffic Laws to Bicycles
Section 15-1103 Obedience to Traffic Control Devices
Section 15-1104 Riding on Bicycles
Section 15-1105 Riding on Roadways and Bicycle Paths
Section 15-1106 Speed of Bicycle
Section 15-1107 Emerging from Alley or Driveway
Section 15-1108 Carrying Articles
Section 15-1109 Parking
Section 15-1110 Riding on Sidewalks
Section 15-1111 Lamps and Equipment on Bicycles
Section 15-1112 Impoundment of Bicycles
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CHAPTER 12
MOTOR VEHICLE ESCORT GUIDES
Section 15-1200 Duties and Authority of Motor Vehicle Escort Guides and Agencies
Section 15-1201 Escort Guides - Uniforms and Equipment Requirements and Limitations
Section 15-1202 Equipment Requirements for Escort Vehicles
Section 15-1203 Advertisements - Limitations
Section 15-1204 Functions, Powers and Duties of the Police Department
Section 15-1205 Escorts Required
Section 15-1206 Funerals - Driving
Section 15-1207 Parades
Section 15-1208 Driving Through Procession
Section 15-1209 Penalty
Section 15-1210 Funeral Parking Meter Hoods
CHAPTER 13
MOTORCYCLES
Section 15-1301 Operator to Ride on Permanent Seat
Section 15-1302 Carrying Passengers
Section 15-1303 Head Gear for Operators and Riders
Section 15-1304 Windshield; Goggles or Face Shield for Operator
Section 15-1305 Maximum Height of Handlebars
Section 15-1306 Rear View Mirrors
Section 15-1307 Brakes
Section 15-1308 Lights Generally
Section 15-1309 Stop Lamp
Section 15-1310 Speedometer
Section 15-1311 Fenders
Section 15-1312 Rider Not to Hold to Other Moving Vehicles
Section 15-1313 Passing Other Vehicles Between Traffic Lanes
Section 15-1314 Speed Limit
Section 15-1315 Nighttime Driving of Scooters - REPEALED
Section 15-1316 Racing Motors
Section 15-1317 Ignition and Mechanical Adjustments
Section 15-1318 Carrying Passengers Less Than Ten (10) Years of Age Prohibited
Section 15-1319 Carrying Passengers on Lightweight Motorcycles Prohibited
CHAPTER 14
IMPOUNDMENT OF VEHICLES
Section 15-1401 Definitions
Section 15-1402 Purpose and Effect of Removal and Impoundment Provisions
Section 15-1403 Authority to Impound Vehicles
Section 15-1404 Vehicles on Bridge
Section 15-1405 Arrest and Detention of Driver of Vehicle
Section 15-1406 Illegal Trespass by Vehicle
Section 15-1407 Vehicles Parked Overtime
Section 15-1408 Vehicles Blocking Fire Exits or Hydrants
Section 15-1409 Vehicles Parked in Intersection
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Section 15-1410 Recovered Stolen Vehicles
Section 15-1411 Motor Vehicle Collisions
Section 15-1412 Vehicles not Bearing or Displaying Proper License Plate
Section 15-1413 Impoundment of Vehicles for Evidence
Section 15-1414 Seizure and Forfeiture of Vehicles used in Crime
Section 15-1415 Abandoned, Junked Vehicles Prohibited
Section 15-1416 Abandoned, Junked Vehicles Considered a Nuisance
Section 15-1417 Vehicles Obstructing Traffic or Highly Susceptible to Damage
Section 15-1418 Abandoned Vehicles on Public Property
Section 15-1419 Removal of Dismantled, Junked, Abandoned or Inoperable Vehicles
Located on Private Property
Section 15-1420 Place of Impoundment
Section 15-1421 Notice of Removal
Section 15-1422 Payment of Cost of Removal and Storage
Section 15-1423 Contesting Validity of Removal or Storage
Section 15-1424 Penalty
CHAPTER 15
PENALTIES
Section 15-1501 Obedience to Traffic Code
Section 15-1502 Penalties
CHAPTER 16
SKATEBOARDS
Section 15-1601 Definitions
Section 15-1602 Rules of the Road
Section 15-1603 Parental Responsibilities
Section 15-1604 Compliance with Other Laws
Section 15-1605 Violations and Penalties
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CHAPTER 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 15-101 Citation of Chapter
Section 15-102 Traffic Code Controlling
Section 15-103 Definitions
Section 15-104 Adoption of State Traffic Code
Section 15-105 Mail Vehicles Exempted
SECTION 15-101 CITATION OF CHAPTER
This chapter and all amendments hereto may be cited or referred to as the "Traffic Code, City
of Owasso" and may so appear upon all official documents, records or instruments. (Prior
Code, Chapter 20)
SECTION 15-102 TRAFFIC CODE CONTROLLING
Except as specifically provided by law as set forth in this chapter, the traffic code shall be
controlling in the use of city streets, alleys, thoroughfares, parks, parkways or any other public
right-of-way or municipally owned land, by pedestrians and by vehicles of every kind whether
self-propelled or otherwise and whether moving or at rest. (Prior Code, Chapter 20)
SECTION 15-103 DEFINITIONS
As used herein:
1. means any narrow highway ordinarily located in the interior portion of platted blocks
"Alley"
and ordinarily used for service or delivery purposes at the rear of stores, dwellings, or buildings;
2. " means a motor vehicle constructed, reconstructed or arranged for the
Ambulance"
purpose of transporting ill, sick, or injured persons;
3. means a device propelled by human power upon which any person may ride,
"Bicycle"
having two (2) tandem wheels, either of which is more than twenty (20) inches in diameter;
4. means every motor vehicleincluding church buses, designed for carrying more than
"Bus"
,
ten (l0) passengers and used for the transportation of persons, and every motor vehicle, other
than a taxicab, designed and used for the transportation of persons for compensation. A
“church bus” is any bus operated by a nonprofit religiousorganization which transports persons
including school-age children to and from religious activities;
5. means every highway, street or roadway in respect to which
"Controlled access highway"
owners or occupants of abutting lands and other persons have no legal right of access to or
from the same except at such points only and in such manner as may be determined by the
public authority having jurisdiction over such highway, street or roadway;
6. " means every vehicle designed, maintained, or used primarily for the
"Commercial vehicles
transportation of property;
7. means any clearly marked center lane. If the center lane is not marked and
"Center lane"
no cars are parked on the roadway, then the center lane is equally distanced between the
curbs or traveled portion of the roadway. In the event a vehicle or vehicles are parked on one
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side of the roadway only, then the center lane is equally distanced from the side of the parked
vehicle or vehicles toward the street and curb on the opposite roadway. If vehicles are
parked on each side of the roadway, then the center lane is equally distanced from the edges
of the parked vehicles;
8. means that part of a roadway at an intersection included within the
"Cross walk"
connections of the lateral lines of the sidewalks on opposite sides of the street measured from
the curbs; or in the absence of curbs from the edges of the traversable roadway. "Cross walk"
also means any portion of a roadway at an intersection or elsewhere distinctly indicated for
pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface;
9. " or means to drive, operate or be in actual physical control of a vehicle;
Drive""to drive"
10. " means a person who drives or is in actual physical control of a vehicle;
Driver or operator"
11. means an unforeseeable occurrence of temporary duration causing or
"Emergency"
resulting in an abnormal increase in traffic volume, cessation or stoppage of traffic movement,
or creation of conditions hazardous to normal traffic movement, including fire, storm, accident,
riot, or spontaneous assembly of large numbers of pedestrians in such a manner as to impede
the flow of traffic;
12. or " means vehicles of the fire
"Emergency vehicle""authorized emergency vehicle
department, police vehicles and ambulances;
13. " See Street;
Highway,"
14. means:
"Intersection"
a. The area embraced within the prolongation or connection of the lateral curb lines, or,
if none, then the lateral boundary lines of the roadway of two (2) streets, which join one
another at, or approximately at, right angles, or the area within which vehicles traveling
upon different streets join at any other angle, may come in conflict; or
b. Where a street includes two (2) roadways thirty (30) feet or more apart, then every
crossing of each roadway of such divided street by an intersecting street, shall be
regarded as a separate intersection. In the event such intersecting street also includes
two (2) roadways thirty (30) feet or more apart, then every crossing of two (2) roadways of
such streets shall be regarded as separate intersections;
15. means a roadway which is divided into two (2) or more clearly marked
"Laned roadway"
lanes for vehicular traffic;
16. see controlled access highway;
"Limited access highway",
17. means a space adjacent to a curb reserved for the exclusive use of
"Loading zone"
vehicles during the loading or unloading of passengers or material. A freight curb loading
zone is a loading zone for the exclusive use of vehicles during the loading or unloading of
freight; a passenger curb loading zone is a loading zone for the exclusive use of vehicles during
the loading or unloading of passengers;
18. means boundaries of parking areas, loading zones and non-traffic areas and
"Limit lines"
lines indicating the proper place for stopping where stops are required;
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19. mean a motor vehicle, other than a
"Motor cycle, motor scooter, and motor bicycle"
tractor, having a seat or saddle for the use of the driver and designed to travel on not more
than three (3) wheels in contact with the ground, but excluding a tractor;
20. means every vehicle which is self-propelled and every vehicle which is
"Motor vehicle"
propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not operated upon rails;
21. shall mean whenever certain hours are named herein they shall mean
"Official time"
Central Standard Time, or Daylight Savings Time, as may be in current use in the city;
22. means all signs, signals, markings, and devices not
"Official traffic control device"
inconsistent with this ordinance, placed or erected by authority of a public body or official
having jurisdiction, for the purpose of regulating, warning, or guiding traffic;
23. means the standing of a vehicle whether occupied or not, otherwise than
"Park or parking"
temporarily for the purpose of, and while actually engaged in loading or unloading
merchandise or passengers, providing such loading and unloading is in an authorized place;
24. means any person afoot;
"Pedestrian"
25. means every officer of the municipal police department, or any officer
"Police officer"
authorized to direct or regulate traffic, or to make arrests for violation of traffic regulations
including authorized officers from other law enforcement agencies and officers who have
been cross-deputized by the City of Owasso;
26. means a way or place in private ownership or leading to
"Private road or roadway"
property in private ownership and used for vehicular traffic by the owner and those having
express or implied permission from the owner;
27. means a carrier of persons or property upon cars other than streetcars operated
"Railroad"
upon stationary rails;
28. means a steam engine, electric or other motor, with or without cars coupled
"Railroad train"
thereto, operated upon rails, except streetcars;
29. means the territory contiguous to and including a highway not
"Residence district"
comprising a business district;
30. means the privilege of the immediate use of the roadway. It is the right of
"Right-of-way"
one vehicle or pedestrian to proceed in a lawful manner in preference to another vehicle or
pedestrian approaching under such circumstances of direction, speed and proximity as to
give rise to danger of collision unless one grants precedence to the other;
31. means that portion of a street improved, designed, ordinarily used for
"Roadway"
vehicular travel, exclusive of the shoulders. In the event a street includes two (2) or more
separate roadways, the term roadway, as used herein, shall refer to any such roadway,
separately, but not to all such roadways, collectively;
32. means the area or space officially set apart within a roadway for the exclusive
"Safety zone"
use of pedestrians and which is protected or is so marked or indicated by adequate signs as to
be plainly visible at all times, while set apart as a safety zone;
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33. means every motor vehicle owned by a public or governmental agency and
"School bus"
operated for the transportation of children to or from school or privately owned and operated
for compensation for the transportation of children to or from school; provided, however, that
this definition of "school bus" shall not be extended to include buses normally used in city transit
which may be used part time for the transportation of school children during some portion of
the day;
34. means all streets or portions of streets immediately adjacent to a school, or
"School zone"
school ground, where same is adjacent and for a distance of three hundred (300) feet in each
direction;
35. means that portion of a street between the curb lines or at lateral lines of the
"Sidewalk"
roadway and adjacent property lines, intended for use of pedestrians;
36. means any stopping or halting of a vehicle whether occupied or not,
"Stand" or "standing”
otherwise than temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in receiving or
discharging passengers;
37. "Stop when required,” shall mean the complete cessation from movement;
38. when prohibited, means any halting even momentarily of a vehicle
"Stop or stopping,"
whether occupied or not, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in
compliance with the direction of a police officer or traffic signal;
39. means the entire width between the boundary lines of every way when
"Street" or "highway"
any part thereof is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel;
40. means a street, or boulevard or highway or portion thereof at
"Through street or highway"
the entrances to which:
a. Vehicular traffic from intersecting streets or highways is required by law to
come to a full stop before entering or crossing; and
b. Stop signs are erected as provided in this part;
4l. means pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles and other conveyances,
"Traffic"
either singularly or together, while using any highway or street for purpose of travel;
42. mean any device legally authorized and used for the
"Traffic control devices or signals"
purpose of regulating, warning or guiding traffic;
43. shall be defined as, but not limited to, a boat trailer with or without boat, travel
“Trailer”
trailer, job trailer, moving storage container, lawn or home maintenance trailer, contractor
trailer, horse or animal transport, flatbed trailer, vehicle transport or any other trailer as
determined by the City of Owasso; (Ord No. 1036, 9/2/2014)
44. means a turn by which a vehicle reverses its course of travel on the same street;
"U-turn"
45. " means every device in, upon, or by which any person or property is, or may be
"Vehicle
transported, or drawn, upon a highway or street, except devices moved by human power or
used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks. (Ord No. 981, 4/5/11)
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State Law Reference: Definitions, state traffic code, 47 O.S. Sections 1-101 et seq.
SECTION 15-104 ADOPTION OF STATE TRAFFIC CODE
There is hereby adopted by reference and made a part of this code all of the provisions
of the Oklahoma Highway Safety Code, all as found in Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes. All of
these provisions are hereby made a part of the traffic ordinances of the city. All of the
provisions found in this title are hereby vitalized as provided in the laws by this section, specific
reference to which is hereby made, as well as all subsequent amendments to the laws, and all
of the laws as well as amendments thereto shall be in full force and effect within the city insofar
as the same are not modified by other provisions in this part or amendments thereto. (Prior
Code, Chapter 20; Ord. No. 438, 10/1/91)
State Law Reference: State rules of the road, 47 O.S. Sections 10-101 et seq; state motor
vehicle code, 47 O.S. Sections 1-101 et seq.
SECTION 15-105 MAIL VEHICLES EXEMPTED
Nothing in this code shall be construed to prevent the vehicles of the United States Postal
Department, while engaged in the business of the department, or the duly authorized and
licensed operators of such vehicles in pursuance of their duties under the department from:
1. Double parking such vehicles while engaged in collecting and delivering U.S. mail;
2. Leaving the vehicle while the motor is running in a double parked condition without
a licensed operator therein;
3. Using areas designated as "loading zones" and "taxi zones" for the collection and
delivery of the U.S. mail;
4. Leaving the vehicle parked in an alley where less than ten (10) feet of alley width
remains for the use of through traffic;
5. The use of designated passenger loading zones, however, such exemption shall
apply only for the purpose of momentary stops for mail pickup and delivery, and shall not
permit the use of such areas for the general mail delivery.
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CHAPTER 2
ENFORCEMENT
Section 15-201 Enforcement of Traffic Laws; Establishment of Traffic Control Division
Section 15-202 Direction of Traffic by Hand or Voice
Section 15-203 Direction of Traffic by Unauthorized Persons
Section 15-204 Obedience to Police and Fire Officials
Section 15-205 Emergency and Experimental Regulations
Section 15-206 Push Carts, Riding Animals, or Driving Animal Drawn Vehicles to Comply
With Code
Section 15-207 Use of Coasters, Rollerskates, and Similar Devices Restricted
Section 15-208 Public Officers and Employees to Obey Traffic Regulations
Section 15-209 Persons Working on Streets, Exceptions
Section 15-210 Maintenance and Construction Zones
Section 15-211 Possession of Valid Driver's License Required; Employing Unlicensed
Chauffeur
Section 15-212 Operation of Vehicle on Invalid License Prohibited
Section 15-213 Unlawful to Operate Vehicle without State Vehicle License
Section 15-214 Permitting Unauthorized Person to Drive Prohibited
Section 15-215 Authorized Emergency Vehicles.
Section 15-216 Operation of Vehicles on Approach of Authorized Emergency Vehicles
Section 15-217 Accidents, Duty to Stop
Section 15-217.1 Motor Vehicle Accidents Occurring on Private Property
Section 15-218 Issuance of Citation Tags
Section 15-219 Failure to Obey Citation
Section 15-220 Failure to Comply With Traffic Citations Attached to Parked Vehicle
Section 15-221 Presumption in Reference to Illegal Parking
Section 15-222 Illegal Cancellation of Traffic Citations
Section 15-223 Disposition and Records of Traffic Citations, Warrants, and Complaints
Section 15-224 Court Records; Abstract to be Sent to State Department of Public Safety
Section 15-225 Insurance or Certificate Required
SECTION 15-201 ENFORCEMENT OF TRAFFIC LAWS; ESTABLISHMENT OF TRAFFIC CONTROL
DIVISION
It is the duty of the officers of the police department or any officers that are assigned by the
chief of police to enforce all street traffic laws of this city and all the state vehicle laws
applicable to street traffic in this city. Officers of the department shall make arrests for traffic
violations, investigate accidents, and cooperate with other officers 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 the department by this part and any other traffic
ordinances of this city. (Prior Code, Chapter 20)
SECTION 15-202 DIRECTION OF TRAFFIC BY HAND OR VOICE
A. Officers of the police department or any officers designated by the chief of police are
hereby authorized to direct traffic by voice, hand, or signal in conformance with traffic laws
and ordinances. In the event of a fire or other emergency or to expedite traffic or to
safeguard pedestrians, officers of the police department may direct traffic as conditions may
require notwithstanding the provisions of the traffic laws and ordinances.
B. Officers of the fire department, when at the scene of a fire, or other emergency, may
direct or assist the police in directing traffic in the immediate vicinity.
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C. Duly authorized school crossing guards, when at a duly designated school zone, as
defined herein, may direct traffic at such school zone to safeguard pedestrians therein. (Prior
Code, Chapter 20; Ord. No. 385, 4/5/88)
SECTION 15-203 DIRECTION OF TRAFFIC BY UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS
No unauthorized person shall direct or attempt to direct traffic, except in case of emergency
where no officer is present. (Prior Code, Chapter 20)
SECTION 15-204 OBEDIENCE TO POLICE AND FIRE OFFICIALS
No person shall willfully fail or refuse to comply with any lawful order or direction of a police
officer, fire department official, or authorized school crossing guard. (Prior Code, Chapter 20;
Ord. No. 385, 4/5/88)
SECTION 15-205 EMERGENCY AND EXPERIMENTAL REGULATIONS
The city manager, subject to any directions which the city council may give by motion or
resolution, is empowered to make regulations necessary to make effective the provisions of the
traffic ordinances of this city and to make temporary or experimental regulations to cover
emergencies or special conditions. No such temporary or experimental regulation shall remain
in effect for more than ninety (90) days. (Prior Code, Chapter 20)
SECTION 15-206 PUSH CARTS, RIDING ANIMALS, OR DRIVING ANIMAL DRAWN VEHICLES TO
COMPLY WITH CODE
Every person propelling any push cart or riding an animal upon a roadway, and every person
driving any animal-drawn vehicle, is subject to the provisions of this part applicable to the
driver of any vehicle, except those provisions of this part which by their very nature can have
no application. (Prior Code, Chapter 20)
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. Section 11-104.
SECTION 15-207 USE OF COASTERS, ROLLERSKATES, AND SIMILAR DEVICES RESTRICTED
No person upon rollerskates, or riding in or by means of any coaster, toy vehicle, or similar
device, shall go upon any roadway except while crossing a street on a cross walk; and when
so crossing, such person is subject to all of the duties applicable to pedestrians. This section
shall not apply upon any street while set aside as a play street as authorized by ordinances of
this city. (Prior Code, Chapter 20)
SECTION 15-208 PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES TO OBEY TRAFFIC REGULATIONS
The provisions of this part shall apply to the driver of any vehicle owned by or used in the
service of the United States Government, any state, county, city, or governmental unit or
agency, as well as to other vehicles. It is unlawful for any such driver to violate any of the
provisions of this part, except as otherwise permitted in this part by state statute. This part shall
not apply to the military forces of the United States and organizations of the National Guard
when performing any military duty. (Prior Code, Chapter 20)
State Law Reference: Municipal drivers to obey state rules of road, 47 O.S. Section 16-103.
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SECTION 15-209 PERSONS WORKING ON STREETS, EXCEPTIONS
Unless specifically made applicable, the provisions of this part, except those relating to reckless
driving and driving while intoxicated, shall not apply to persons, teams, motor vehicles, and
other equipment while actually engaged in work upon the surface of a street, or to persons,
motor vehicles, and other equipment while actually engaged in construction, maintenance, or
repair of public utilities. All street or highway and public utility operations shall be protected by
adequate warning signs, signals, devices, or flagpersons. The provisions of this part shall apply
to any of the persons and vehicles exempted by this section when traveling to and from such
work. (Prior Code, Chapter 20)
SECTION 15-210 MAINTENANCE AND CONSTRUCTION ZONES
A. City personnel or contractors, while repairing or improving or maintaining the streets
of the city, and City personnel and utility companies, when installing, improving, or repairing
lines or other utility facilities in the streets, are hereby authorized as may be necessary, subject
to control by the City Manager, to close any street or section thereof to traffic during such
repair, maintenance, or construction. In exercising this authority, the appropriate personnel,
contractor or utility company shall erect or cause to be erected proper control devices and
barricades to warn and notify the public that the street has been closed to traffic.
B. When any street has been closed to traffic under the provisions of Subsection A of
this section and traffic control devices or barricades have been erected, it is unlawful for any
person to drive any vehicle through, under, over, or around such traffic control devices or
barricades, or otherwise to enter the closed area. The provisions of this subsection shall not
apply to persons entering the closed area or zone for the purpose of protecting lives or
property, or to those engaged in the construction, maintenance or repair of the street or utility.
Persons having their places of residence or places of business within the closed area may
travel, when possible to do so, through the area at their own risk.
C. Whenever construction, repair, or maintenance of any street or utility line or any
other facility is being performed at or near a place where vehicles travel, the City personnel,
contractor, or utility company concerned shall erect, or cause to be erected, traffic control
devices to warn and guide the public. Every person using the street shall obey all signs, signals,
markings, flag persons, or other traffic control devices which are placed to regulate, control,
and guide traffic through the construction or maintenance area. “Construction or
maintenance area” means any area upon or around any street or alley that is visibly marked
as an area where street or utility construction, repair or maintenance is temporarily occurring,
and where workers engaged in the construction, maintenance or repair may be present. The
construction area also includes the lanes of a street leading up to the area where construction,
repair or maintenance is occurring, starting at the point where properly posted traffic control
devices begin to warn and guide the public into and through the construction area, including,
but not limited to, instructions to merge from one lane into another lane, or reduce speed or to
follow the directions given by flag persons.
D. The maximum speed a vehicle may be driven in a construction area shall be plainly
posted in the construction area. Violation of the posted speed limit in the repair, maintenance
or construction area, or violation of any other provision within this ordinance, shall result in the
doubling of the appropriate fine.
(Ord. No. 896, 6/19/07)
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(State Law Reference: 47 O.S. §11-1302-Maintenance and Construction Zones; 47 O.S. §11-
806-Special Speed Limitations.)
SECTION 15-211 POSSESSION OF VALID DRIVER'S LICENSE REQUIRED; EMPLOYING
UNLICENSED CHAUFFEUR
A. No person shall operate any motor vehicle on the streets without a valid driver’s
license, unless such person is specifically exempt from such laws by the provisions thereof. Any
person operating a motor vehicle on the streets shall have the valid license in his or her
possession at all times. No person charged with violating this section shall be convicted if he
or she produces in court a license issued to him or her that was valid at the time of thearrest.
B. No person shall operate a motor vehicle in any manner in violation of any restriction
that may be imposed in a restricted license issued to him with respect to the type of, or special
mechanical control devices required on a motor vehicle or any other restriction applicable to
the licensee as the state may determine.
C.No person shall employ, or permit to remain in his employment as a chauffeur or
driver of a motor vehicle calculated to be driven upon the streets, alleys, roads, public places
or private places open to public use within the corporate limits of the city, any person not then
the holder and in the lawful possession of a valid class A, B, C or Dlicense as may be required
by state law. (Ord 985, 4/19/11)
State Law Reference: Driver's licenses, 47 O.S. Section 6-101.
SECTION 15-212 OPERATION OF VEHICLE ON INVALID LICENSE PROHIBITED
No person shall operate a motor vehicle when his privilege to do so is canceled, suspended,
revoked or denied. Any person convicted of violating this section shall be punished by a fine
as provided in Section 1-108 of this code. Each act of driving on the streets or highways as
prohibited by this section shall constitute a separate offense. (Prior Code, Chapter 20)
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. Section 6-303.
SECTION 15-213 UNLAWFUL TO OPERATE VEHICLE WITHOUT STATE VEHICLE LICENSE
It is unlawful to operate a vehicle of any kind upon a street of the city without a state vehicle
license as may be required by law or to fail to display the state vehicle license as required by
law. (Prior Code, Chapter 20)
SECTION 15-214 PERMITTING UNAUTHORIZED PERSON TO DRIVE PROHIBITED
No person shall authorize or knowingly permit any vehicle owned by him, registered in his
name, or under his control to be driven, parked or stopped upon any highway, by any person
who is not authorized under the provisions of this part and the laws of the state to operate such
vehicle.
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SECTION 15-215 AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLES
A. The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle, when responding to an
emergency call or when in the pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law or
ordinance or when responding to but not upon returning from a fire alarm, may exercise the
privileges set forth in this section, but subject to the conditions stated in this section.
B. The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may do any of the following
when in pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law or ordinance or when responding
to but not upon returning from a fire alarm:
l. Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this part;
2. Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as
may be necessary for safe operation;
3. Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as life or property is not endangered;
or
4. Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specific
directions.
C. The exemptions granted in this section to an authorized emergency vehicle shall
apply only when the driver of any such vehicleis properly and lawfully making use of an
audible signal or of flashing red or blue lights or a combination of flashing red and blue lights
except that an authorized emergency vehicle operated as a police vehicle need not be
equipped with or display a red light visible from in front of the vehicle.
D. The provisions of this section shall not relieve the driver of an authorized
emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor shall
such provisions protect the driver from the consequences of his reckless disregard for the safety
of others. (Ord No. 981, 4/5/2011)
State Law Reference: Emergency vehicle driving rules, 47 O.S. Section 11-106.
SECTION 15-216 OPERATION OF VEHICLES ON APPROACH OF AUTHORIZED
EMERGENCY VEHICLES
A. Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle making
use of audible and visual signals meeting the requirements of the laws of this state, or of a
police vehicle properly and lawfully making use of an audible signal only, 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 authorized emergency vehicle
has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer.
B. This section shall not be construed to require an officer operating a police
vehicle properly and lawfully in response to a crime in progress to use audible signals, nor shall
it operate to relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with
due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway. (Ord No. 981, 4/5/11)
State Law Reference: Authorized emergency vehicles and their equipment, 47 O.S. Sections
11-106, 12-218; approach of emergency vehicles, 47 O.S. Section 11-405.
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SECTION 15-217 ACCIDENTS, DUTY TO STOP
A. The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of
any person or damage to any vehicle or property shall immediately stop his vehicle at the
scene of such accident, or as close thereto as possible, return to and remain at the scene of
the accident until he has given his name, address and the registration of his vehicle and shall
upon request exhibit his driver's license to the person injured or the driver or occupant of, or
person attending, any vehicle collided with, and shall render to any person injured in such
accident reasonable assistance, including the carrying or making arrangement for the carrying
of such persons to a physician, surgeon or hospital for medical and surgical treatment if it is
apparent that this treatment is necessary, or if such is requested by the injured person. Each
such stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.
B. The driver of a vehicle which is in any manner involved in an accident resulting
in bodily injury to or death of any person, or in which it is apparent that damage to one
vehicle or other property is in excess of the amount provided for by state law,shall, as soon as
practicable, report such accident to a police officer or to the police department. If a driver
makes out a written report of the accident in the office of the police department as soon as
practicable after the accident, which report is to be forwarded to the state department of
public safety in accordance with state law, the driver shall be deemed to be in compliance
with this section.
C. Any person failing to stop or to comply with any of the requirements of this
section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof may be fined as
provided in Section 1-108 of this code. (Ord No. 981, 4/5/11)
State Law Reference: Accident reports, 47 O.S. Sections 10-101 et. seq.
SECTION 15-217.1 MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS OCCURRING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
Police officers shall not complete a written collision report for motor vehicle accidents that
occur on private property within this jurisdiction except when:
1. A personal injury or fatality is involved;
2. A driver that may be under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substance is
involved;
3. The collision involves a vehicle that is the property of the state or a political
subdivision of the state;
4. A hit-and-run is involved;
5. Prosecution or follow-up investigation is contemplated;
6. There is damage to public property;
7. Directed by a supervisor.
Police officers shall provide assistance to motorists as a public service, such as exchanging
information or arranging for the removal of vehicles. (Ord No. 1200, 11/15/2022)
SECTION 15-218 ISSUANCE OF CITATION TAGS
A. The chief of police is hereby authorized and directed to supply police officers with
citation tags in sets, each set consisting of an original and duplicate copies, for the purpose of
giving notice to persons violating any provision of this part.
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B. Notice may be given by delivering the tags to the violator or by affixing it to the
vehicle involved in the violation.
C. Each citation tag shall direct the violator to appear and to present such tag at a
designated place on or before a date and hour specified thereon.
D. Nothing in this section shall be construed to abridge the power of a police officer to
arrest any violator and take him into custody. (Prior Code, Chapter 20)
SECTION 15-219 FAILURE TO OBEY CITATION
It is unlawful and an offense for any person to violate his written promise to appear, given to an
officer upon the issuance of a traffic citation regardless of the disposition of the charge for
which citation was originally issued.
SECTION 15-220 FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH TRAFFIC CITATIONS ATTACHED TO PARKED
VEHICLE
If a violator of the restrictions on stopping, standing, or parking under the traffic laws or
ordinances does not appear in response to a traffic citation affixed to such motor vehicle
within a period of as specified in the citation, the clerk of the municipal court may send to the
owner of the motor vehicle to which the traffic citation was affixed a letter informing him of the
violation and warning him that in the event such letter is disregarded for a period as specified,
a warrant of arrest may be issued. On any occasion where two (2) or more such traffic
citations have been affixed on the same motor vehicle and the traffic citations have been
disregarded, a warrant of arrest may be issued without sending the letter provided in this
section.
SECTION 15-221 PRESUMPTION IN REFERENCE TO ILLEGAL PARKING
A. In any prosecution charging a violation of any law or regulation governing the
standing or parking of a vehicle, proof that the particular vehicle described in the complaint
was parked in violation of any law or regulation, together with proof that the defendant
named in the complaint was at the time of the parking the registered owner of the vehicle,
shall constitute in evidence a prima facie presumption that the registered owner of the vehicle
was the person who parked or placed the vehicle at the point where, and for the time during
which, the violation occurred.
B. The presumption in Subsection A of this section shall apply only when the procedure
as prescribed in this chapter has been followed.
SECTION 15-222 ILLEGAL CANCELLATION OF TRAFFIC CITATIONS
It is unlawful for any person to cancel or solicit the cancellation of any traffic citation in any
manner other than is provided by this chapter.
SECTION 15-223 DISPOSITION AND RECORDS OF TRAFFIC CITATIONS, WARRANTS, AND
COMPLAINTS
A. Every police officer upon issuing a traffic citation to an alleged violator of any
provision of the motor vehicle laws of this state or any traffic law of this city shall deposit the
original and a duplicate copy of the citation with the municipal court.
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B. Upon the filing of the original citation in the municipal court, the citation may be
disposed of only by trial in the court or by other official action by a judge of the court,
including forfeiture of bail or by payment of a fine.
C. The chief of police shall maintain a record of all warrants issued by the municipal
court which are delivered to the police department for service, and of the final disposition of
the warrants.
D. No member of the police department or other officer or public employee shall
dispose of, alter, or deface a traffic citation or any copy thereof, or the record of the issuance
or disposition of any traffic citation, complaint, or warrant, other than to correct or supplement
information contained in the document, in a manner other than as required in this chapter.
(Ord No. 981, 4/5/11)
SECTION 15-224 COURT RECORDS; ABSTRACT TO BE SENT TO STATE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC
SAFETY
A. The municipal judge shall keep a record of every traffic citation deposited with or
presented to the court and shall keep a record of every official action by the court or its traffic
violations bureau in reference thereto, including but not limited to a record of every
conviction, forfeiture of bail, judgment of acquittal, and the amount of fine or forfeiture.
B. Within ten (10) days after the conviction or forfeiture of bail of a person upon a
charge of violating any provision of this chapter or other law regulating the operation of
vehicles on highways, the municipal judge or clerk of the court in which the conviction was
had or bail was forfeited shall prepare and immediately forward to the State Department of
Public Safety a certified abstract of the court's record of the case. An abstract need not be
made of any conviction involving the illegal parking or standing of a vehicle.
C. The abstract must be made upon a form furnished by the State Department of
Public Safety and shall include the name and address of the party charged, the number of his
operator's or chauffeur's license, the registration number of the vehicle involved, the nature of
the offense, the date of hearing, the plea, the judgment, whether bail was forfeited, and the
amount of the fine or forfeiture. (Prior Code, Chapter 20)
SECTION 15-225 INSURANCE OR CERTIFICATE REQUIRED
A. The owner of a motor vehicle registered in this state and operating the vehicle
within the city's boundaries, shall carry in such vehicle at all times a current owner's security
verification form listing the vehicle, or an equivalent form which has been used by the State
Department of Public Safety which shall be produced by any driver thereof upon request for
inspection by any law enforcement officer, and, in case of a collision, the form shall be shown
upon request to any person affected by the collision.
B. The following shall not be required to carry an owner's or operator's security
verification form or an equivalent form from the department during operation of the vehicle
and shall not be required to surrender such form for vehicle registration purposes:
1. Any vehicle owned or leased by the federal or state government, or any
agency or political subdivision thereof;
2. Any vehicle bearing the name, symbol or logo of the business, corporation or
utility on the exterior and which is in compliance with the Compulsory Insurance Law
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according to records of the Department of Public Safety which reflect a deposit, bond,
self insurance, or fleet policy;
3. Any vehicle authorized for operation under a permit number issued by the
Interstate Commerce Commission, or the Oklahoma Corporation Commission;
4. Any licensed taxicab; and
5. Any vehicle owned by a licensed motor vehicle dealer.
C. For the purpose of this section, the following terms shall have the meanings
respectively ascribed to them in this section:
1. "Owner's Policy" means an owner's policy of liability insurance which:
a. Shall designate by explicit description or by appropriate reference all
vehicles with respect to which coverage is thereby to be granted;
b. Shall insure the person named therein and insure any other person,
except as provided in Subparagraph C of this paragraph, using an insured vehicle
with the express or implied permission of the named insured, against loss from the
liability imposed by law for damages arising out of the ownership, maintenance,
operation or use of such vehicle;
c. May provide for exclusions from coverage in accordance with existing
laws; and
d. Shall be issued by an authorized carrier providing coverage in
accordance with Section 7-204 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
2. "Operator's Policy" means an operator's policy of liability insurance which shall
insure the named person against loss from the liability imposed upon him by law for
damages arising out of the operation or use by him of any motor vehicle not owned by
him, subject to the same limits of liability required in an owner's policy;
3. "Security" means:
a. A policy or bond meeting the requirements of Section 7-204 of Title 47 of
the Oklahoma Statutes;
b. A deposit of cash or securities having the equivalency of limits required
under Section 7-204 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes as acceptable limits for a
policy or bond; or
c. Self-insurance, pursuant to the provisions of Section 7-503 of Title 47 of the
Oklahoma Statutes, having the equivalency of limits required under Section 7-204 of
Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes as acceptable limits for a policy or bond.
4. "Compulsory Insurance Law" means the law requiring liability insurance in
conjunction with the operation of a motor vehicle in this state as found in Article VI,
Chapter 7, and Section 7-606 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
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5. "Security verification form" means a form, approved by the State Board for
property and casualty rates, verifying the existence of security required by the
Compulsory Insurance Law of the State of Oklahoma.
D. Every operator of a motor vehicle registered in this state shall, while operating or
using such vehicle within the city's boundaries, carry either an operator's or an owner's security
verification form issued by a carrier, providing the operator is not excluded from coverage
thereon; or an equivalent form issued by the Department of Public Safety, reflecting liability
coverage.
E. An owner or operator who fails to produce for inspection a valid and current
security verification form or equivalent form which has been issued by the department upon
request of any police officer of the department shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon
conviction shall be subject to a fine as provided in Section 1-108 of this code.
F. A sentence imposed for any violation of this section may be suspended or deferred
in whole or in part by the court.
G. Any person producing proof in court that a current security verification form or
equivalent form which has been issued by the department reflecting this liability coverage for
such person was in force at the time of the alleged offense shall be entitled to dismissal of such
charge.
H. Upon conviction, bond forfeiture or deferral of sentence, the court clerk shall
forward an abstract to the State Department of Public Safety within ten (10) days reflecting the
action taken by the court.
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CHAPTER 3
VEHICLE EQUIPMENT
Section 15-30l Certain Vehicles Prohibited; Vehicles Injurious to Streets
Section 15-302 Obstructive and Dangerous Vehicles
Section 15-303 Equipment
Section 15-304 Mufflers; Modifications Prohibited
Section 15-305 Width, Height, Length, and Load
Section 15-306 Inspection of Vehicles
Section 15-307 Maintenance and Adjustment of Brakes
Section 15-308 Mandatory Seat Belt Use
Section 15-309 Loud Sound Amplification Systems Prohibited
Section 15-310 Rear License Plate Lamps
SECTION 15-301 CERTAIN VEHICLES PROHIBITED; VEHICLES INJURIOUS TO STREETS
No vehicle or object which injures or is likely to injure the surface of a street shall be driven or
moved on any street.
State Law Reference: Required equipment on vehicles, 47 O.S. Sections 12-101 et seq.
SECTION 15-302 OBSTRUCTIVE AND DANGEROUS VEHICLES
No person shall drive any vehicle in such condition, so constructed, or so loaded, as to cause
delay or be likely to cause delay in traffic, or as to constitute a hazard to persons or property,
except by permit issued by the chief of police and in accordance with the terms of such
permit.
SECTION 15-303 EQUIPMENT
Every vehicle operated upon the streets of the city shall be equipped as required by law. It is
unlawful to operate a vehicle upon a street of the city which is not equipped as required by
law. It is unlawful to fail to use such equipment in the manner required by law, or to use it in a
manner prohibited by law. It is unlawful to operate a vehicle which has equipment prohibited
by law upon a street of the city.
State Law Reference: For state law relating to equipment, see 47 O.S. Sections 12-201 et
seq.
SECTION 15-304 MUFFLERS; MODIFICATIONS PROHIBITED
A. Every motor vehicle shall at all times be equipped with a muffler in good working
order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise and annoying smoke.
No person shall use a muffler cutout, bypass or similar device upon a motor vehicle on a street.
No person shall modify the exhaust system of a motor vehicle in any manner which will amplify
or increase the noise or sound emitted louder than that emitted by the muffler originally
installed on the vehicle.
B. It shall be unlawful to operate or use a Jacobs Engine Brake, or other exhaust or
engine device without a muffler or with a malfunctional muffler, as braking power or to slow
down a vehicle’s rate of speed in the City of Owasso, Oklahoma, except in emergencies.
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For the purpose of this sub-section, a Jacobs Engine Brake is a hydraulic-electric
engine attachment that converts a diesel engine into an air compressor by changing engine
exhaust valve operation.(Ord. No. 710, 5/21/02)
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. 1971, Section 12-402.
SECTION 15-305 WIDTH, HEIGHT, LENGTH, AND LOAD
No person shall drive or convey through any street any vehicle the width, length, height,
weight, or load of which exceeds that authorized by state law, except in accordance with a
permit issued by state authority or by the chief of police.
State Law Reference: For state law relating to size, weight, and load, see 47 O.S. Sections
14-101 et seq.
SECTION 15-306 INSPECTION OF VEHICLES
A. City of Owasso police officers may at any time, with reasonable cause and belief that
a vehicle is unsafe or not equipped as required by law, contains equipment that is not in
proper adjustment or repair or that the operator of the vehicle is not properly licensed, require
the driver to stop and submit the vehicle to an inspection and test as may be appropriate.
B. In the event a vehicle or combination of vehicles is found to be in an unsafe
mechanical condition or not properly equipped as required by law, the officer making the
inspection may give the driver a notice of arrest or written warning. Any person producing
proof within ten (10) working days from the date the citation was issued that a condition or
equipment for which the person was cited as defective, missing, prohibited, improper,
unauthorized or otherwise in violation of this section has been remedied shall be entitled to
dismissal of the charges without assessment of court costs.
C. No person shall operate or cause to be operated any vehicle or combination of
vehicles after notice of arrest or written warning has been issued of unsafe condition or that the
vehicle is not equipped as required by law, except as may be necessary to return such vehicle
or combination of vehicles to the residence or place of business of the owner or driver if within
a distance of twenty (20) miles or to a garage until the vehicle and its equipment have been
made to conform with the requirements of this section.
D. Any vehicle or combination of vehicles found to have major mechanical defects
which would be hazardous to other users of the streets if the vehicle were driven from the
place of inspection shall be towed to a garage for repairs, and any repair charge, tow charge
or storage charge for the repair, removal and storing of the vehicle shall be the obligation of
the owner or operator. (Ord No. 981, 4/5/2011)
State law reference: 47 O.S. §13-102, Officers May Inspect a Vehicle and its Equipment.
REPEALED
SECTION 15-307MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT OF BRAKES -
(Ord No. 981, 4/5/11)
SECTION 15-308 MANDATORY SEAT BELT USE
A.Every operator and front seat passenger of a passenger car operated in the city shall
wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety seat belt system, required to be installed
in the motor vehicle when manufactured pursuant to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
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Standard 208. For the purposes of this section, "passenger car" shall mean "automobile"
as defined in Section 22.1 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes except that "passenger
car" shall not include trucks, truck-tractors, recreational vehicles, vans, motorcycles or
motorized bicycles.
B.This section shall not apply to an operator or passenger of a passenger car in which the
operator or passenger possesses a written verification from a physician licensed in this
state that he is unable to wear a safety seat belt system for medical reasons. Provided,
the issuance of such verification by a physician, in good faith, shall not give rise to, nor
shall such physician thereby incur, any liability whatsoever in damages or otherwise, to
any person injured by reason of such failure to wear a safety seat belt system.
C.This section shall not apply to an operator of a motor vehicle who is a route carrier of
the U.S. Postal Service.
D.Every driver, when transporting a child under eight (8) years of age in a motor vehicle
operated on the roadways, streets, or highways of this state, shall provide for the
protection of said child by properly using a child passenger restraint system as follows:
1.A child under four (4) years of age shall be properly secured in a child
passenger restraint system. The child passenger restraint system shall be
rear-facing until the child reaches two (2) years of age or until the child
reaches the weight or height limit of the rear-facing child passenger
restraint system as allowed by the manufacturer of the child passenger
restraint system, whichever occurs first; and
2.A child at least four (4) years of age but younger than eight (8) years of
age, if not taller than 4 feet 9 inches in height, shall be properly secured
in either a child passenger restraint system or child booster seat.
3.For purposes of this section, "child passenger restraint system" means an
infant or child passenger restraint system which meets the federal
standards as set by 49 C.F.R., Section 571.213.
E.If a child is eight (8) years of age or is taller than 4 feet 9 inches in height, a seat belt
properly secured to the vehicle shall be sufficient to meet the requirements of this
section.
F.The provisions of this section shall not apply to:
1.The driver of a school bus, taxicab, moped, motorcycle, or other motor
vehicle not required to be equipped with safety belts pursuant to state or
federal laws;
2.The driver of an ambulance or emergency vehicle;
3.The driver of a vehicle in which all of the seat belts are in use;
4.The transportation of children who for medical reasons are unable to be
placed in such devices, provided there is written documentation from a
physician of such medical reason; or
5.The transportation of a child who weighs more than forty (40) pounds
and who is being transported in the back seat of a vehicle while wearing
only a lap safety belt when the back seat of the vehicle is not equipped
with combination lap and shoulder safety belts, or when the
combination lap and shoulder safety belts in the back seat are being
used by other children who weigh more than forty (40) pounds. Provided,
however, for purposes of this paragraph, back seat shall include all seats
located behind the front seat of a vehicle operated by a licensed child
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Traffic and Vehicles
care facility or church. Provided further, there shall be a rebuttable
presumption that a child has met the weight requirements of this
paragraph if at the request of any law enforcement officer, the licensed
child care facility or church provides the officer with a written statement
verified by the parent or legal guardian that the child weighs more than
forty (40) pounds.
G.A law enforcement officer is hereby authorized to stop a vehicle if it appears that the
driver of the vehicle has violated the provisions of this section and to give an oral
warning to said driver. The warning shall advise the driver of the possible danger to
children resulting from the failure to install or use a child passenger restraint system or
seat belts in the motor vehicle.
H.Any person violating this section shall be punished by a fine and court cost as
determined by the Court and authorized by Oklahoma State Statutes.
(Ord No. 362, 2/3/87; 557, 11/18/97; 976, 12/21/10; 1067, 12/15/2015)
SECTION 15-309LOUD SOUND AMPLIFICATION SYSTEMS PROHIBITED
A. No person operating or occupying a motor vehicle on a street, highway, alley,
parking lot, or driveway shall operate or permit the operation of any sound amplification
system from the vehicle so that the sound is plainly audible at a distance of fifty (50) or more
feet from the vehicle.
B. “Sound amplification system” is defined as any radio, tape player, compact disc
player, loud speaker, or other electronic device used for the amplification of the human voice,
music, and/or musical instruments.
C. “Plainly audible” is defined as any sound produced by a sound amplification system
from the vehicle which clearly can be heard at a distance of fifty (50) feet or more.
Measurement standards shall be by the auditory senses, based upon direct line of sight. Words
or phrases need not be discernible and base reverberations are included. The motor vehicle
may be stopped, standing, parked or moving on a street, highway, alley, parking lot, or
driveway.
D. It is an affirmative defense to a charge under this section that the operator is
authorized by law to operate the sound amplification system, for any of the following
circumstances:
(1) The system was being operated to request medical or vehicular assistance or
to warn of a hazardous road condition;
(2) The vehicle was an emergency or public safety vehicle;
(3) The vehicle was owned and operated by the City of Owasso, or public or
private utility company;
(4)The vehicle was used in authorized public activities, such as parades, fireworks,
sports events, or other activities which have been approved by the appropriate city
official or body.
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Traffic and Vehicles
E. Any person who violates any provision of this section, upon conviction, shall be
subject to a fine in the amount of Fifty Dollars ($50.00), exclusive of cost. (Ord. No. 517, 12/5/95)
SECTION 15-310REAR LICENSE PLATE LAMPS
A. No more than two separate lamps with a white light shall be so constructed and
placed as to illuminate the rear license plate and render it clearly legible from a distance of
fifty (50) feet to the rear.
B. It shall be unlawful for a vehicle license plate tag to be surrounded or framed by,
partially or in whole, any additional lamp or lamps or otherwise lighted by any additional lamp
or lamps. (Ord. No. 849, 04/18/2006)
(State Law Reference: Rear License Plate Lamps, 47 O. S. §12-204.1.)
Page 15-27
Traffic and Vehicles
CHAPTER 4
SPEED REGULATIONS
Section 15-401 Speed Limits Generally; Exceptions
Section 15-402 School Zones
Section 15-403 Speed Never to Exceed That Which is Reasonable or Prudent for Existing
Conditions
Section 15-404 Minimum Speed Requirements; Exception
Section 15-405 Obedience to Maximum and Minimum Speed Limits
Section 15-406 Speed Limit for Trains
SECTION 15-401 SPEED LIMITS GENERALLY; EXCEPTIONS
A. No vehicle shall be driven at a greater speed than twenty-five (25) miles per hour
upon any street or highway within the city except:
1. Emergency vehicles being lawfully driven as provided in this code;
2. When a different speed limit is otherwise designated and posted;
3. When a different speed limit is established in this code; and
4. When a special hazard exists that requires a lower speed for compliance with
Section 15-403 of this code.
B. The city council, by motion or resolution, may reduce or increase the speed limits
provided in this code, and when it does so, appropriate signs shall be placed on such streets or
parts of streets indicating the lower or higher speed limit.
C. The following specific speed rules are adopted. No person may drive a vehicle:
1. At a speed greater than fifteen (15) miles per hour through an open,
unmarked, unprotected intersection where no traffic control devices are erected;
2. At a speed greater than twenty-five (25) miles per hour in the business district,
unless otherwise posted;
3. At a speed greater than twenty-five (25) miles per hour unless traffic speed limit
signs erected pursuant to the authority of the city manager or chief of police specify a
greater or lesser speed and if not otherwise provided for in this part;
4. At a speed greater than ten (10) miles per hour in any alley;
5. At any speed greater than that which will enable the driver of a vehicle to
stop within the assured clear distance ahead;
6. So as to accelerate or turn a vehicle so rapidly as to spin the wheels;
7. At any speed greater than ten (10) miles per hour past a "YIELD" sign; and
8. All persons driving slower than the normal flow of traffic and not in violation of
the preceding section shall drive in the extreme right hand lane.
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Traffic and Vehicles
D. The city manager or chief of police shall have authority to establish speed zones less
than twenty-five (25) miles per hour. Zones for less than speeds of twenty- five (25) miles per
hour shall be posted and when posted shall become the lawful speed for the zone to which
the signs apply. (Ord. No. 356, 8/19/86)
State Law Reference: Basic and minimum speed rules, 47 O.S. Sections 11-801, 11-804.
SECTION 15-402 SCHOOL ZONES
A. The speed in school zones shall be as posted. The maximum speed limit shall be
forty-five (45) miles per hour.
B.No vehicle shall be allowed to park in a posted school zone.
(Ord. No. 356, 8/19/86; 538, 3/4/97; 831, 10/18/05; 981, 4/5/11)
State Law Reference: Local authority to set speed limits, 47 O.S. § 15-102 and § 11-803.
SECTION 15-403 SPEED NEVER TO EXCEED THAT WHICH IS REASONABLE OR PRUDENT FOR
EXISTING CONDITIONS
No person shall drive a vehicle at a speed greater or less than is reasonable or prudent under
the conditions then existing, taking into consideration among other things, the conditions of the
vehicle, the traffic, roadway surface or width, the amount of light or darkness, the presence of
pedestrians in or near the roadways, and the obstruction of views. No person shall drive any
vehicle at a speed greater than will permit him to bring it to a stop within the assured clear
distance ahead.
SECTION 15-404 MINIMUM SPEED REQUIREMENTS; EXCEPTION
No vehicle shall be driven at such an unreasonably slow speed in relation to the effective
maximum speed allowed as to constitute a hazard or to interfere with the normal movement of
other traffic except when the slow speed is unavoidable.
SECTION 15-405 OBEDIENCE TO MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM SPEED LIMITS
Where official signs and markings give notice of both maximum and minimum speed limits in
effect on any street, no vehicle shall be driven at rates in excess of the maximum or slower than
the minimum except as required by an authorized officer or in obedience to posted official
signs.
SECTION 15-406 SPEED LIMIT FOR TRAINS
No railway train, locomotive or railway car or cars may be propelled, moved or run within the
city at a greater speed than thirty (30) miles per hour.
State Law Reference: Authority of city to regulate speed of trains, 11 O.S. Section 22-119.
Page 15-29
Traffic and Vehicles
CHAPTER 5
DRIVING, OVERTAKING, PASSING
Section 15-501 Changing Lanes; Driving Over Medians
Section 15-502 Driving on Right Side of Roadway Required; Exceptions
Section 15-503 When Overtaking on the Right is Permitted
Section 15-504 Passing Vehicle Proceeding in Same Direction
Section 15-505 Limitations on Overtaking on the Left; Exception
Section 15-506 Passing Vehicles Proceeding in Opposite Directions
Section 15-507 One-Way Roadways and Rotary Traffic Islands
Section 15-508 Following Too Close
Section 15-509 No Passing Zones
Section 15-510 Following Fire Apparatus Prohibited
Section 15-511 Crossing Fire Hose
Section 15-512 Driving Through Funeral or Other Procession Prohibited; Exceptions
Section 15-513 Drivers in a Procession
Section 15-514 Funeral Processions to be Identified
Section 15-515 Overtaking and Passing in School Zones
Section 15-516 Overtaking and Passing School Bus
Section 15-517 School Bus Requirements; Lights; Signs; Painting
Section 15-518 Driving of Vehicles on Sidewalk Prohibited; Exception
Section 15-519 Limitations on Backing
Section 15-520 Clinging to Vehicles Prohibited
Section 15-521 Entering and Leaving Controlled Access Highways
Section 15-522 Reckless Driving
Section 15-523 Careless or Negligent Driving, Stopping, or Parking
Section 15-524 Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
Section 15-525 Driving While Intoxicated.
Section 15-526 Evidence of Intoxication or Impaired Ability in Prosecution of DUI
Section 15-527 Driving Under the Influence While Under Age
Section 15-528 Attention to Driving Required
Section 15-529 Speed Contest Prohibited
Section 15-530 Permits Required for Parades and Processions
Section 15-532 Driving Through Safety Zone
Section 15-532 Starting Parked Vehicle
Section 15-533 Opening and Closing Vehicle Doors
Section 15-534 Obstructions to Driver's View or Driving Mechanism
Section 15-535 Boarding or Alighting from Vehicles
Section 15-536 Unlawful Riding
Section 15-537 Railroad Trains Not to Block Streets
Section 15-538 Private Service Drives
Section 15-539 Designation of Truck Routes
Section 15-540 Loads on Vehicles
Section 15-541 Vehicle Approaching or Entering Intersection
Section 15-542 Vehicle Turning Left at Intersection
Section 15-543 Vehicle Approaching a "Yield Right-of-Way" Sign.
Section 15-544 Vehicle Entering Through Highway
Section 15-545 Vehicles Facing Stop, Slow, Warning or Caution Signal.
Section 15-546 Through Streets.
Section 15-547 Intersections Where Stop or Yield Required.
Section 15-548 Stop or Yield Sign Construction and Placement
Section 15-549 Vehicle Entering Stop Intersection
Section 15-550 Vehicle Entering Yield Intersection
Section 15-551 Vehicle Entering Highway from Private Road or Driveway
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Traffic and Vehicles
Section 15-552 Vehicles Entering Traffic from Parking
Section 15-553 Emerging from the Alley, Driveway, or Building
Section 15-554 Stop When Traffic Obstructed
Section 15-555 Obedience to Signal Indicating Approach of Train
Section 15-556 Certain Vehicles to Stop at All Railroad Grade Crossings
Section 15-557 Approaching a Stationary Emergency Vehicle
SECTION 15-501 CHANGING LANES; DRIVING OVER MEDIANS
A. Whenever any roadway has been divided into two (2) or more clearly marked lanes
for traffic, in addition to all other rules consistent with this subsection, a vehicle shall be driven
as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until
the driver has first ascertained that the movement can be made with safety and has signaled
for a change of course.
B. Where streets or roadways do not have marked traffic lanes, vehicles shall
nevertheless keep in line or follow a straight course as nearly as practical and shall not weave
in and out or turn from side to side unnecessarily. Vehicles shall move to the right or left only as
necessary in slowing or stopping adjacent to the curb, in passing slow moving vehicles or
making a proper approach for a turn, and this only after the driver has first ascertained that
such movement can be made safely and has signaled for a change of course.
C. Upon a roadway which has been divided into three (3) lanes, a vehicle shall not be
driven in the center lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle where the
roadway is clearly visible and such center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance, or in
preparation for a left turn, or where such center lane is at the time allocated exclusively to
traffic moving in the direction the vehicle is proceeding and is signposted to give notice of
such allocation.
D. Official signs may be erected directing slow-moving traffic to use a designated lane
or designating those lanes to be used by traffic moving in a particular direction regardless of
the center of the roadway. Drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of every such sign.
E. Whenever any highway has been divided into two (2) or more roadways by leaving
an intervening space or by a physical barrier or clearly indicated dividing section so
constructed as to impede 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, median or section, except through an opening in such physical barrier or
dividing section or space or at a crossover or intersection as established by the city. (Prior
Code, Chapter 20)
SECTION 15-502 DRIVING ON RIGHT SIDE OF ROADWAY REQUIRED; EXCEPTIONS
A. Upon all roadways of sufficient width, a vehicle shall be driven to the right of the
center of the roadway, except as follows:
1. When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction
under the rules governing such movement;
2. When the right half of a roadway is closed to traffic while under construction or
repair;
Page 15-31
Traffic and Vehicles
3. Upon a roadway divided into three (3) marked lanes for traffic under the rules
applicable thereon; and
4. Upon a roadway designated and signposted for one-way traffic.
B. Upon all roadways, any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic
at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand
lane when available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the
roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same
direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
C. No vehicle shall at any time be driven to the left side of the roadway under the
following conditions:
1. When approaching the crest of a grade or upon a curve in the highway where
the driver's view is obstructed within such instance as to create a hazard in the event
another vehicle might approach from the opposite direction;
2. When approaching within one hundred (100) feet of or traversing any intersection
or railroad grade crossing; or
3. When the view is obstructed upon approaching within one hundred (100) feet of
any bridge, viaduct, or tunnel.
The foregoing limitations shall not apply upon a one-way roadway.
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. Section 11-301, 11-306.
SECTION 15-503 WHEN OVERTAKING ON THE RIGHT IS PERMITTED
A. 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 street or highway with unobstructed pavement not occupied by
parked vehicles of sufficient width for two (2) or more lines of moving vehicles in each
direction; or
3. Upon a one-way street or upon 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 (2) or more lines of moving vehicles.
B. The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only
under conditions permitting such movement in safety. In no event shall such movement be
made by driving off the pavement or main traveled portion of the roadway.
Page 15-32
Traffic and Vehicles
SECTION 15-504 PASSING VEHICLE PROCEEDING IN SAME DIRECTION
A. Except as provided in Section 15-503 of this code, 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. No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in
overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, unless such left side
is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such
overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the safe operation of
any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction or any vehicle overtaken. In every
event, the overtaking vehicle must return to the right-hand side of the roadway before coming
within one hundred (100) feet of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.
B. Every driver who intends to pass another vehicle proceeding in the same direction,
which requires movement of his vehicle from one lane of traffic to another, shall first see that
such movement can be made with safety and shall proceed to pass only after giving a proper
signal by hand or mechanical device.
C. 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.
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. Sections 11-303, 11-305.
SECTION 15-505 LIMITATIONS ON OVERTAKING ON THE LEFT; EXCEPTION
A. No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the street or roadway in
overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless such left side
is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit the
completion of the overtaking and passing without interfering with the safe operation of any
vehicle approaching from the opposite direction or any vehicle overtaken. In every instance
the overtaking vehicle must return to the right-hand side of the roadway before coming within
one hundred (100) feet of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.
B. No vehicle at any time shall be driven to the left side of the roadway under the
following conditions:
1. When approaching the crest of a grade, or upon a curve in the street or
highway where the driver's view along the street or highway is obstructed; or
2. When approaching within one hundred (100) feet of any bridge, viaduct or
tunnel or
when approaching within fifty (50) feet of or traversing any intersection or railroad grade
crossing.
SECTION 15-506 PASSING VEHICLES PROCEEDING IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS
Drivers of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions shall pass each other to the right. Upon
roadways having a width for not more than one line of traffic in each direction each driver
shall give to the other at least one-half (½) the main traveled portion of the roadway as nearly
as possible. (Prior Code, Chapter 20)
Page 15-33
Traffic and Vehicles
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. Section 11-302.
SECTION 15-507 ONE-WAY ROADWAYS AND ROTARY TRAFFIC ISLANDS
A. Whenever the council by motion or resolution designates any street or alley or part
thereof as a one-way street or alley, the city manager shall have placed and maintained signs
giving notice thereof; and no such regulation 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.
B. Upon those streets and parts of streets and in those alleys and parts of alleys so
designated as one-way streets and alleys, vehicular traffic shall move only in the direction
indicated when signs indicating the direction of traffic are erected and maintained at every
intersection where movement in the opposite direction is prohibited.
C. Upon roadways designated and sign posted for one-way traffic a vehicle shall be
driven only in the direction designated.
D. A vehicle passing around a rotary traffic island shall be driven only to the right of
such island.
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. Section 11-308.
SECTION 15-508 FOLLOWING TOO CLOSE
The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable
and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the
condition of the highway.
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. Section 11-310.
SECTION 15-509 NO PASSING ZONES
A. The State Department of Transportation, as regards state and federal highways, and
the city manager as regards all other streets, are hereby authorized to determine those
portions of any highway where overtaking and passing to the left would be especially
hazardous, and may, by appropriate signs or markings on the roadway, indicate the beginning
and end of such zones. When such signs or markings are in place and clearly visible to an
ordinarily observant person, every driver shall obey the directions thereof.
B. Where signs or markings are in place to define a no-passing zone as set forth in
Subsection A of this section, no driver shall at any time drive to the left side of the roadway
within the no-passing zone or on the left side of any pavement striping designed to mark the
no-passing zone throughout its length.
Page 15-34
Traffic and Vehicles
SECTION 15-510 FOLLOWING FIRE APPARATUS PROHIBITED
The driver of any vehicle other than one on official business shall not follow any fire apparatus
traveling in response to a fire alarm closer than five hundred (500) feet or drive into or park
such vehicle within the block where fire apparatus has stopped in answer to a fire alarm.
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. Section 11-1108(a).
SECTION 15-511 CROSSING FIRE HOSE
No vehicle shall be driven over any unprotected hose of a fire department used at any fire or
alarm of fire, without the consent of the fire department official in command.
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. Section 11-1109.
SECTION 15-512 DRIVING THROUGH FUNERAL OR OTHER PROCESSION PROHIBITED;
EXCEPTIONS.
No driver of a vehicle shall drive between the vehicles comprising a funeral or other authorized
procession while they are in motion and when such vehicles are conspicuously designated as
required in this chapter. This provision shall not apply at intersections where traffic is controlled
by traffic control signals or police officers.
State Law Reference: Local powers to regulate processions, 47 O.S. Section 15-102.
SECTION 15-513 DRIVERS IN A PROCESSION
Each driver in a funeral or other procession shall drive as near to the right-hand edge of the
roadway as practical and shall follow the vehicle ahead as close as is practical and safe.
SECTION 15-514 FUNERAL PROCESSIONS TO BE IDENTIFIED
A funeral composed of a procession of vehicles shall be identified as such by the display upon
the outside of each vehicle of such identifying insignia as may be determined and designated
by the police department.
SECTION 15-515 OVERTAKING AND PASSING IN SCHOOL ZONES
A. No driver of a vehicle shall pass any other vehicle which is in motion and being
driven in the same direction in any school zone when schools are in session.
B. Wherever a school zone is located on a multiple lane street which is divided into
three (3) or more clearly marked lanes for traffic or where the right half of the roadway has
been divided into two (2) or more lanes, or on one-way streets, vehicles shall be allowed to
pass slower moving vehicles being driven in the same direction where passing does not involve
a change of lane movement. (Ord No. 981, 4/5/11)
Page 15-35
Traffic and Vehicles
SECTION 15-516 OVERTAKING AND PASSING SCHOOL BUS
A. The driver of a vehicle upon any street, roadway or highway upon meeting or
overtaking from either direction any school bus which has stopped on or adjacent to the
street, roadway or highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school children
and other occupants, shall stop the vehicle immediately when the visual signals are in
operation, as specified in Section 15-517 of this code, and shall not pass the school bus until the
visual signals are deactivated. The driver may then proceed past such school bus at a speed
which is reasonable and prudent.
B. The driver of any vehicle when passing the school bus shall use due caution for the
safety of school children and other occupants of the school bus.
C. The driver of a vehicle upon a street with separate roadways need not stop upon
meeting or passing a school bus which is on a different roadway or when upon a controlled-
access highway and the school bus is stopped in a loading zone which is a part of or adjacent
to such highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. Section 11-705.
SECTION 15-517 SCHOOL BUS REQUIREMENTS; LIGHTS; SIGNS; PAINTING
A. The provisions of Section 15-516 of this code shall be applicable only if the school
bus is painted yellow and bears upon the front and rear thereon a plainly visible sign
containing the words "SCHOOL BUS" in letters not less than eight (8) inches in height which can
be removed or covered when the vehicle is not in use as a school bus, and meets the
requirements of Section 11-307 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
B. The school bus shall be equipped with four (4) red alternately flashing warning signal
lights, two (2) of which shall be located high on the front and two (2) high on the rear of the
vehicle. The lights shall be a minimum of four (4) inches in diameter and shall be widely
separated.
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. Section 11-307.
SECTION 15-518 DRIVING OF VEHICLES ON SIDEWALK PROHIBITED; EXCEPTION
No person shall drive any vehicle within or upon any sidewalk area except at a permanent or
temporary driveway.
SECTION 15-519 LIMITATIONS ON BACKING
A. No vehicle shall be backed into an intersection or upon any street or highway,
except for such distance as may be necessary to permit the vehicle to enter its proper driving
lane without crossing the center of the street.
B. When backing, the driver shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles and pedestrians
and shall do so only while vision is not obstructed, at a reduced, careful speed, and after the
driver has ascertained that such movement can be made without endangering or interfering
with the flow of traffic.
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. 1971, Section 11-1102.
Page 15-36
Traffic and Vehicles
SECTION 15-520 CLINGING TO VEHICLES PROHIBITED
No person riding upon any bicycle, coaster, roller skates, sled, or toy vehicle shall attach the
same or himself to any moving vehicle upon a roadway.
SECTION 15-521 ENTERING AND LEAVING CONTROLLED ACCESS HIGHWAYS
No person shall drive a vehicle onto or from any controlled-access highway except at
entrances and exits established by public authority.
SECTION 15-522 RECKLESS DRIVING
Any person who drives any vehicle in a wanton manner without regard for the safety of
persons or property is guilty of reckless driving, and upon conviction thereof, shall be fined as
provided in Section 1-108 of this code.
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. Section 11-901.
SECTION 15-523 CARELESS OR NEGLIGENT DRIVING, STOPPING, OR PARKING
It is unlawful for any person to drive, use, operate, park, cause to be parked, or stop any
vehicle in a careless or negligent manner, or in such a manner as to endanger life, limb,
person, or property, or as to interfere with the lawful movement of traffic or use of the streets.
SECTION 15-524 DRIVING WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS
A. It is unlawful for any person to drive, operate, or be in actual physical control of a
motor vehicle who:
1. Has a blood alcohol concentration, as defined in this chapter, of eight-
hundredths (0.08) or more at the time of a test of such person's blood or breath
administered within two (2) hours after the arrest of such persons; (Ord. No. 696, 12/4/01)
2. Is under the influence of alcohol;
3. Is under the influence of any other intoxicating substance to a degree which
renders such person incapable of safely driving or operating a motor vehicle; or
4. Is under the combined influence of alcohol and any other intoxicating
substance to a degree which renders such person incapable of safely driving or
operating a motor vehicle.
B. The fact that any person charged with a violation of this section is or has been
lawfully entitled to use alcohol or a controlled dangerous substance or any other intoxicating
substance shall not constitute a defense against any charge of violating this section.
C. As used in this section, the term "other intoxicating substance" shall mean any
controlled dangerous substance as defined in the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances
Act and any other substance, other than alcohol, which is capable of being ingested, inhaled,
injected or absorbed into the human body and is capable of adversely affecting the central
nervous system, vision, hearing or other sensory or motor function.
Page 15-37
Traffic and Vehicles
State Law Reference: Driving under influence of liquor, drugs, 47 O.S. Section 11-902;
Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substance Act, 63 O.S. Sections 2-101 et seq.
SECTION 15-525 DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED
A. It is unlawful for any person who is intoxicated to drive, operate or be in actual
physical control of any motor vehicle in the city.
B.Any person who operates a motor vehicle while his ability to operate such motor
vehicle is impaired by the consumption of alcohol is subject to a fine as provided in Section 1-
108 of this code.
C.
State Law Reference: Mandatory revocation of license for DUI, 47 O.S. Section 6-205;
testing procedures for DUI, 47 O.S. Sections 751 et seq.
SECTION 15-526 EVIDENCE OF INTOXICATION OR IMPAIRED ABILITY IN PROSECUTION OF
DUI
Upon the prosecution of any person for a violation of Sections 15-524 and 15-525 of this code,
evidence of the amount of alcohol in such person's blood, as shown by a chemical, analysis of
his blood or breath, is admissible. For the purpose of this section:
1. Evidence that there was five-hundredths (5/100) of one percent (1%) or less by
weight of alcohol in his blood is prima facie evidence that the person was not under the
influence of alcohol or intoxicating liquor;
2. Evidence that there was more than five-hundredths (5/100) of one percent (1%) by
weight of alcohol in the person's blood is relevant evidence of operating a motor vehicle while
his ability to operate such motor vehicle is impaired by the consumption of alcohol or
intoxicating liquor; however, no person shall be convicted of the offense of operating a motor
vehicle while his ability to operate such vehicle is impaired by consumption of alcohol or
intoxicating liquor solely because there was more than five-hundredths (5/100) of one percent
(1%) by weight of alcohol in the person's blood in the absence of additional evidence that
such person's driving was affected by the consumption of alcohol to the extent that the public
health and safety was threatened or that the person had violated a state statute or local
ordinance in the operation of a motor vehicle;
3. Evidence that there was eight-hundredths (0.08) of one percent (1%) or more by
weight of alcohol in his blood shall be admitted as prima facie evidence that the person was
under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating liquor; (Ord. No. 696, 12/4/01)
4. Percent by weight of alcohol in the blood shall be based upon grams of alcohol
per one hundred (100) milliliters of blood; and
5. To be admissible such evidence must first be qualified by establishing that such
specimen was obtained from the subject within not more than two (2) hours of the arrest of the
subject.
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. Section 756.
SECTION 15-527 DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE WHILE UNDER AGE
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A. It is unlawful, and punishable as provided in subsection C of this section for any
person under twenty-one (21) years of age to drive, operate, or be in actual physical control of
a motor vehicle within this state who:
1. Has any measurable quantity of alcohol in the person’s blood or breath at the
time of a test administered within two (2) hours after an arrest of the person;
2. Exhibits evidence of being under the influence of any other intoxicating
substance as shown by analysis of a specimen of the person’s blood, breath, salvia, or
urine in accordance with the provisions of Section 752 and 759 of Title 47 of the
Oklahoma statutes; or,
3. Exhibits evidence of the combined influence of alcohol and any other
intoxicating substance. (Ord. No. 550, 7/15/97)
B. As used in this section, the term “other intoxicating substance” means any
controlled dangerous substance as defined in the Uniformed Controlled Dangerous
Substances Act, Section 2-101 et seq. of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes, or any other
substance, other than alcohol, which is capable of being ingested, inhaled, injected or
absorbed into the human body and is capable of adversely affecting the central nervous
system, vision, hearing, or other sensory or motor function. (Ord. No. 550, 7/15/97)
C. 1. Any person under twenty-one (21) years of age who violates the provisions of
this section, shall upon conviction, be guilty of driving under the influence while under age. A
violator shall be punished for a first offense by a fine of not less than One Hundred Dollars
($100.00) nor more than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00), or by completion of twenty (20) hours of
community services, or by requiring the person to attend and complete a treatment program,
or by any combination of fine, community service, or treatment. (Ord. No. 550, 7/15/97)
2. Any violator, upon a second or subsequent conviction, shall be punished by a
fine of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Two Hundred Dollars
($200.00), or by completion of forty (40) hours of community service, or by requiring the person
to attend and complete a treatment program, or by any combination of fine, community
service or treatment. (Ord. No. 550, 7/15/97)
SECTION 15-528 ATTENTION TO DRIVING REQUIRED
The operator of every vehicle while driving shall devote his full time and attention to such
driving. (Ord. No. 550, 7/15/97)
SECTION 15-529 SPEED CONTEST PROHIBITED
A. No person shall engage in, aid or abet any motor vehicle speed contest or
exhibition of speed on any street or highway.
B. No person shall, for the purpose of facilitating or aiding or as an incident to any
motor vehicle speed contest upon any street or highway, in any manner obstruct or place any
barricade or obstruction upon any street or highway.
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C. When three (3) or more persons assemble to witness or participate in an unlawful
speed contest such assembly is unlawful assembly and any person who participates in such
unlawful assembly is guilty of an offense. (Ord. No. 550, 7/15/97)
SECTION 15-530 PERMITS REQUIRED FOR PARADES AND PROCESSIONS
No funeral, procession, or parade containing two hundred (200) or more persons or fifty (50) or
more vehicles, except the military forces of the United States and the military forces of this
state, shall occupy, march, or proceed along any street except in accordance with a permit
issued by the chief of police and such other regulations as are set forth herein which may
apply. (Ord. No. 550, 7/15/97)
State Law Reference: Local powers to regulate processions, 47 O.S. Section 15-102.
SECTION 15-531 DRIVING THROUGH SAFETY ZONE
No vehicle shall at any time be driven through or within a safety zone or island. (Ord. No. 550,
7/15/97)
SECTION 15-532 STARTING PARKED VEHICLE.
No person shall start a vehicle which is stopped, standing, or parked unless and until such
movement can be made with reasonable safety. (Ord. No. 550, 7/15/97)
SECTION 15-533 OPENING AND CLOSING VEHICLE DOORS
No person shall open the door of a motor vehicle on the side available to moving traffic
unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so; nor shall any person leave a door open on the
side of a motor vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary
to load or unload passengers. (Ord. No. 550, 7/15/97)
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. Section 11-1105.
SECTION 15-534 OBSTRUCTIONS TO DRIVER'S VIEW OR DRIVING MECHANISM
A. 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 (3), 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.
B. No passenger in a vehicle shall ride in such position as to interfere with the driver's
view ahead or to the sides or to interfere with his control over the driving mechanism of the
vehicle.
(Ord. No. 550, 7/15/97)
SECTION 15-535 BOARDING OR ALIGHTING FROM VEHICLES
No person shall board or alight from any vehicle while such vehicle is in motion. (Ord. No. 550,
7/15/97)
SECTION 15-536 UNLAWFUL RIDING
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No person shall ride on any such vehicle upon any portion thereof not designed or intended
for the use of passengers. This provision shall not apply to an employee engaged in the
necessary discharge of a duty, or to persons riding within truck bodies in space intended for
merchandise. (Ord. No. 550, 7/15/97)
SECTION 15-537 RAILROAD TRAINS NOT TO BLOCK STREETS
It is unlawful for the directing officer or the operator of any railroad train to direct the operation
of or to operate the same in such a manner as to prevent the use of any street for purposes of
travel for a period of time longer than five (5) minutes, except that this provision shall not apply
to trains or cars in motion other than those engaged in switching. This section shall not apply in
case of engine failure or train accidents within the city limits. (Ord. No. 550, 7/15/97)
SECTION 15-538 PRIVATE SERVICE DRIVES
No vehicle or animal shall be driven through any private service driveway or private service
area except for the purpose of obtaining service or merchandise. (Ord. No. 550, 7/15/97)
SECTION 15-539 DESIGNATION OF TRUCK ROUTES
A. The city manager, subject to any directions which the council may give by motion
or resolution, may prescribe routes through the city for the use of trucks in general, trucks of
particular kinds and/or other vehicles which are not ordinary private passenger vehicles,
passing through the city. Appropriate and adequate signs shall be placed along such routes
so that drivers of such vehicles may follow the routes.
B. When such signs are so erected and in place, the driver of a truck or other vehicle
for which a route has been prescribed, as provided above, while passing through the city, shall
keep on such route and shall not deviate therefrom except in case of emergency. Drivers of
such vehicles shall follow such routes so far as practicable also when driving within the city and
not merely through the city. (Ord. No. 550, 7/15/97)
SECTION 15-540 LOADS ON VEHICLES
A. No vehicle shall be driven or moved on any highway unless the vehicle is so
constructed or loaded as to prevent any of its load from dropping, shifting, leaking, blowing or
otherwise escaping therefrom, except that sand may be dropped for the purpose of securing
traction, or water or other substances may be sprinkled on a roadway in cleaning or
maintaining the roadway.
B. No person shall operate on any highway any vehicle with any load unless the load
and any covering thereon is securely fastened so as to prevent the covering or load from
becoming loose, detached or in any manner a hazard to other users of the highway. Any
vehicle loaded with sand, cinders, or other loose material susceptible to blowing or escaping
by reason of wind shall have the load covered or dampened so as to prevent the blowing or
escaping of the load from the vehicle.
(Ord. No. 550, 7/15/97; 981, 4/5/11)
SECTION 15-541 VEHICLE APPROACHING OR ENTERING INTERSECTION
A. The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to a
vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different street or highway; provided that,
the driver of a vehicle on a street which is not a state or federal highway approaching an
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intersection with a state or federal highway shall stop and yield the right-of-way to a vehicle
which has entered the intersection or which is so close thereto as to constitute an immediate
hazard.
B. When two (2) vehicles enter an intersection from different streets or highways at
approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to
the vehicle on the right, except as provided in Subsection A of this section.
C. The right-of-way rule declared in Subsection A of this section is modified at through
highways as otherwise stated in this chapter. (Ord. No. 550, 7/15/97)
SECTION 15-542 VEHICLE TURNING LEFT AT INTERSECTION
The driver of a vehicle within an intersection intending to turn to the left 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. After so yielding and having given
signal when and as required by this code, the driver may make the left turn and the drivers of
all other vehicles approaching the intersection from the opposite direction shall yield the right-
of-way to the vehicle making the left turn. (Ord. No. 550, 7/15/97)
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. Section 11-402.
SECTION 15-543 VEHICLE APPROACHING A "YIELD RIGHT-OF-WAY" SIGN
The driver of a vehicle approaching a "Yield Right-of-way" sign shall slow to a reasonable
speed for existing conditions of traffic and visibility, yielding the right-of-way to all vehicles on
the intersecting street or highway which have entered the intersection or which are so close as
to constitute an immediate hazard. (Ord. No. 550, 7/15/97)
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. Section 11-403.
SECTION 15-544 VEHICLE ENTERING THROUGH HIGHWAY
Except when directed to proceed by a police officer or a traffic control signal, every driver of
a vehicle shall stop as required by this code at the entrance to a through highway and shall
yield the right-of-way to other vehicles which have entered the intersection from the through
highway, or which are approaching so closely on the through highway as to constitute an
immediate hazard. (Ord. No. 550, 7/15/97)
SECTION 15-545 VEHICLES FACING STOP, SLOW, WARNING OR CAUTION SIGNAL
If two (2) or more vehicles face stop, slow, warning or caution signs or signals at an intersection
and are approaching as to enter the intersection at the same time, the following rules shall
apply: If each vehicle is required to stop, the vehicle coming from the right shall have the
right-of-way. If each vehicle is required to slow, the vehicle coming from the right shall have
the right-of-way. If each vehicle is required to take caution, the vehicle coming from the right
shall have the right-of-way. If one vehicle is required to slow and the other to take caution, the
one required to take caution shall have the right-of-way. In any event, a vehicle which has
already entered the intersection shall have the right-of-way over one which has not entered
the intersection. (Ord. No. 550, 7/15/97)
SECTION 15-546 THROUGH STREETS
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A. The city council, by motion or resolution, may designate any street or part of a street
a through street.
B. Whenever the city council designates and describes a through street, the city
manager shall have placed and maintained a stop sign, or yield sign if deemed more
appropriate, shall be placed and maintained on every street intersecting a through street, or
intersecting that portion thereof, unless traffic at such intersection is controlled at all times by
traffic control signals.
C. At the intersection of two (2) such through streets or at the intersection of a through
street and a heavy traffic street not so designated, stop signs shall be erected at the
approaches of either of the streets as may be determined by the city manager if deemed
desirable. (Ord. No. 550, 7/15/97)
SECTION 15-547 INTERSECTIONS WHERE STOP OR YIELD REQUIRED
The city manager, subject to any directions given by the council by motion or resolution, is
hereby authorized to determine and designate intersections upon other than through streets
where particular hazards exist and to determine whether:
1. Vehicles shall stop at one or more entrances to any such stop intersection, in which
event he shall cause to be erected a stop sign at every such place a stop is required; or
2. Vehicles shall yield the right-of-way to vehicles on a different street as provided in
this code, in which event he shall cause to be erected a yield sign at every place where yield
is required.
(Ord. No. 550, 7/15/97)
SECTION 15-548 STOP OR YIELD SIGN CONSTRUCTION AND PLACEMENT
Every stop or yield sign erected pursuant to this chapter shall bear the word "Stop" or "Yield" in
letters not less than eight (8) inches in height for a stop sign and not less than seven (7) inches in
height for a yield sign. Every stop or yield sign shall at night be rendered luminous by steady or
flashing internal illumination, by a fixed floodlight projected on the face of the sign, or by
efficient reflecting elements on the face of the sign. Every stop or yield sign shall be located as
close as practicable to the nearest line of the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or if
there is no crosswalk, then the sign shall be located at the nearest line of the intersecting
roadway. (Ord. No. 550, 7/15/97)
SECTION 15-549 VEHICLE ENTERING STOP INTERSECTION
Except when directed 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. In the event there is no crosswalk, the driver shall
stop at a clearly marked stop line before entering the intersection. If there is no marked stop
line, then the driver shall stop at the point nearest the intersecting road where the driver has a
view of approaching traffic on an intersecting roadway before entering the intersection. A
driver after having stopped shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the
intersection from another highway or road, or which is approaching so close as to constitute
immediate hazard; but the driver having so yielded may then proceed and the driver of all
other vehicles approaching the intersection shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle so
proceeding. (Ord. No. 550, 7/15/97)
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SECTION 15-550 VEHICLE ENTERING YIELD INTERSECTION
The driver of a vehicle approaching a yield sign shall, in observance to such sign, slow down to
a speed reasonable for the existing condition or shall stop if necessary and shall yield the right-
of-way to any pedestrian legally crossing the roadway on which he is driving and to any
vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another road so closely as to constitute an
immediate hazard. The driver having so yielded may then proceed and drivers of all other
vehicles approaching the intersection shall yield to the vehicle so proceeding. A driver who
enters a yield intersection without stopping and has or causes a collision with a pedestrian at a
crosswalk or a vehicle in the intersection shall prima facie be considered not to have yielded
as required herein. The provisions of this section shall not release the drivers of other vehicles
approaching the intersection at such a distance as not to constitute immediate hazard from
the duty to drive with due care to avoid a collision. The driver of a vehicle approaching a
yield sign if required for safety to stop shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side
of the intersection before entering the intersection; if there is no crosswalk, the driver shall stop
at a clearly marked stop line, or if there is no stop line, then at the point nearest the intersecting
roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway.
(Ord. No. 550, 7/15/97)
SECTION 15-551 VEHICLE ENTERING HIGHWAY FROM PRIVATE ROAD OR DRIVEWAY
The driver of a vehicle about to enter, leave or cross a highway from or into a private road or
driveway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on the highway. (Ord. No.
550, 7/15/97)
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. Section 11-404.
SECTION 15-552 VEHICLES ENTERING TRAFFIC FROM PARKING
Any vehicle attempting to re-enter traffic while parked at the curb shall yield the right-of-way
to oncoming traffic in the street approaching from the rear. The parked vehicle shall proceed
into the line of traffic only after the driver has given the appropriate signal which indicates his
intention of turning from the curb and into the line of traffic. The vehicle shall in no event enter
the line of traffic until the driver has ascertained that no hazard exists. (Ord. No. 550, 7/15/97)
SECTION 15-553 EMERGING FROM THE 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 onto the sidewalk area extending across any
alley way or driveway, and shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian as may be necessary
to avoid collision, and upon entering the roadway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles
approaching on the roadway. (Ord. No. 550, 7/15/97)
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. Section 11-704.
SECTION 15-554 STOP WHEN TRAFFIC OBSTRUCTED
No driver shall enter an intersection or a marked cross walk unless there is sufficient space on
the other side of the intersection or cross walk to accommodate the vehicle he is operating
without obstructing the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians, notwithstanding any traffic
control signal indication to proceed. (Ord. No. 550, 7/15/97)
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SECTION 15-555OBEDIENCE TO SIGNAL INDICATING APPROACH OF TRAIN
A. Whenever any person driving a vehicle approaches a railroad grade crossing under any
of the circumstances stated in this section, the driver of such vehicle shall stop within fifty (50)
feet but not less than fifteen (15) feet from the nearest rail of such railroad, and shall not
proceed until he can do so safely. The foregoing requirements shall apply when:
1. A clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device gives warning of the
immediate approach of a railroad train;
2. A crossing gate is lowered or when a human flagman gives or continues to
give a signal of the approach or passage of a railroad train;
3. A railroad train approaching within approximately one thousand five hundred
(1,500) feet of the highway crossing emits a signal audible from such distance and such
railroad train, by reason of its speed or nearness to such crossing, is an immediate hazard;
or
4. An approaching railroad train is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to
such crossing.
B. 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. No.
550, 7/15/97)
SECTION 15-556CERTAIN VEHICLES TO STOP AT ALL RAILROAD GRADE CROSSINGS
A. The driver of any motor vehicle carrying passengers for hire, or of any school bus carrying
any school child, or of any vehicle carrying explosive substances or flammable liquids as a
cargo or part of a cargo, before crossing at grade any track or tracks of a railroad, shall stop
such vehicle within fifty (50) feet but not less than fifteen (15) feet from the nearest rail of such
railroad, and while so stopped, shall listen and look in both directions along such track for any
approaching train and for signals indicating the approach of a train, except as hereinafter
provided, and shall not proceed until he can do so safely. After stopping as required herein
and upon proceeding when it is safe to do so, the driver of any such vehicle shall cross only in
such gear of the vehicle that there will be no necessity for changing gears while traversing
such crossing, and the driver shall not shift gears while crossing the track or tracks.
B. No stop need be made at any such crossing where a police officer or traffic control
signal directs traffic to proceed. (Ord. No. 550, 7/15/97)
SECTION 15-557 APPROACHING A STATIONARY EMERGENCY VEHICLE
A. The driver of a motor vehicle, upon approaching a stationary emergency vehicle that is
displaying a flashing combination of red and blue lights, or any combination of red and blue
lights, shall:
1. If traveling on a highway that consists of two or more lanes that carry traffic in
the same direction of travel as that of the driver, the driver shall proceed with due
caution and shall, if possible and with due regard to the road, weather and traffic
conditions, change lanes into a lane that is not adjacent to the stationary authorized
emergency vehicle; or if the driver is not able to change lanes or if to do so would be
unsafe, the driver shall proceed with due caution and reduce the speed of the motor
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vehicle to a safe speed for the existing road, weather and traffic conditions; and
2. If traveling on a highway other than a highway described in paragraph (1) of
this subsection, the driver shall proceed with due caution and reduce the speed of the
motor vehicle to a safe speed for the existing road, weather and traffic conditions.
B. This section does not relieve the operator of a stationary authorized emergency vehicle
from the consequences of reckless disregard for the safety of all persons and property upon
the highway.
(Ord. No. 851, 04/18/2006)
(State Law Reference: Driver of a Motor Vehicle Approaching a Stationary Emergency Vehicle,
47 O. S. §11-314.)
SECTION 15-558 TEXTING WHILE DRIVING
A. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle on any street or
highway while using a hand-held electronic communication device to manually
compose, send or read an electronic text message while the motor vehicle is in motion.
B. Any person who violates the provisions of subsection (A) of this section shall,
upon conviction, be punished by a fine not to exceed that allowed by Oklahoma State
Statutes.
C. The provisions of subsection (A) of this section shall not apply if the person is
using the cellular telephone or electronic communication device for the sole purpose
of communicating with any of the following regarding an imminent emergency
situation:
1. An emergency response operator;
2. A hospital, physician's office or health clinic;
3. A provider of ambulance services;
4. A provider of firefighting services; or
5. A law enforcement agency.
D. For the purpose of this section:
1. "Cellular telephone" means an analog or digital wireless telephone
authorized by the Federal Communications Commission to operate in the frequency
bandwidth reserved for cellular telephones;
2. "Compose", "send" or "read" with respect to a text message means the
manual entry, sending or retrieval of a text message to communicate with any person
or device;
3. "Electronic communication device" means an electronic device that
permits the user to manually transmit a communication of written text by means other
than through an oral transfer or wire communication. This term does not include a
device that is physically or electronically integrated into a motor vehicle or a voice-
operated global positioning or navigation system that is affixed to a motor vehicle, or a
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Traffic and Vehicles
hands-free device that allows the user to write, send or read a text message without the
use of either hand except to activate, deactivate or initiate a feature or function; and
4. "Text message" includes a text-based message, instant message,
electronic message, photo, video or electronic mail.
(Ord. 1065, 12/15/2015)
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CHAPTER 6
TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES
Section 15-601 Authority to Install Traffic Control Devices
Section 15-602 Traffic Control Devices; Uniform Requirements
Section 15-603 Obedience to Official Traffic Control Devices
Section 15-604 When Official Traffic Control Devices Required for Enforcement Purposes
Section 15-605 Traffic Control Signal Legend
Section 15-606 Pedestrians; Signal Indicators; Regulations
Section 15-607 Flashing Signals
Section 15-608 Unauthorized Traffic Control Devices Prohibited
Section 15-609 Defacement of Traffic Control Devices
Section 15-610 Play Streets, Authority to Establish
Section 15-611 Play Streets, Restriction on Use
Section 15-612 Designation of Crosswalks and Safety Zones
Section 15-613 Traffic Lanes
SECTION 15-601 AUTHORITY TO INSTALL TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES
A. The city manager, subject to any directions which the council may give by motion
or resolution, shall have placed and maintained traffic control signs, signals, and devices when
and as required under the traffic ordinances of this city to make effective the provisions of such
ordinances, and may have placed and maintained such additional traffic control signs,
signals, and devices as he may deem necessary to regulate traffic under the traffic ordinances
of this city or under state law or to guide or warn traffic.
B. The city manager may have traffic control devices tested under actual conditions
of traffic.
State Law Reference: Traffic control devices, see 47 O.S. Sections 11-201 et seq.
SECTION 15-602 TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES; UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS
A. All traffic control signs, signals, and devices shall conform to the Manual of uniform
traffic control devices approved by the State Department of Public Safety.
B. All signs, signals, and devices required hereunder for a particular purpose shall so far
as practicable be uniform as to type and relative location throughout the city. All traffic
control devices erected and not inconsistent with the provisions of state law or this chapter
shall be official traffic control devices.
SECTION 15-603 OBEDIENCE TO OFFICIAL TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES
The driver of any vehicle shall obey the instructions of any official traffic control device
applicable thereto, placed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, unless otherwise
directed by a traffic or police officer, subject to the exemptions granted the driver of an
authorized emergency vehicle in this part.
State Law Reference: Drivers to obey traffic devices, 47 O.S. Section 11-201.
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SECTION 15-604 WHEN OFFICIAL TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES REQUIRED FOR
ENFORCEMENT PURPOSES
No provision of this chapter for which official traffic control devices are required shall be
enforced against an alleged violator if at the time and place of the alleged violation an
official device is not in proper position and sufficiently legible to be seen by an ordinarily
observant person. If a particular section does not state that official traffic control devices are
required, such section shall be effective even though no devices are erected or in place.
SECTION 15-605 TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNAL LEGEND
A. The display of signal lights, arrows and words shall be deemed to have the following
meanings and requires the appropriate response on the part of vehicular traffic and
pedestrians:
1. Green alone, "go":
a. Vehicular traffic facing the signal, except when prohibited, may proceed
straight through or turn right or left unless an official sign at such place prohibits such
turn, but any vehicle and any pedestrian lawfully within the intersection or adjacent
crosswalk at the time the signal displays green shall have the right-of-way over such
vehicular traffic; and
b. Pedestrian traffic, facing a green signal may proceed across the
roadway within any marked or unmarked crosswalk unless a "walk" signal indicator is
operating;
2. Steady yellow or amber alone, "caution":
a. The showing of such signal color following green shall constitute a
warning that the "red" or "stop" signal will be exhibited immediately thereafter; and
b. Vehicles facing the signal shall stop before entering the near side
crosswalk or at the limit line, if it is marked, unless the vehicle is so near the limit line
when the "caution" signal first flashes that a stop cannot be made in safety, in which
event vehicles may proceed cautiously through the intersection and clear the same
before the "red" signal flashes;
3. Red alone, "stop":
a.Vehicular traffic facing the signal shall stop before entering the crosswalk
and shall remain standing until green or "go" is shown alone. Except where official
signs are erected prohibiting such turns, vehicles in the right traffic lane, after
making a full stop as required, may enter the intersection cautiously and make a
right turn, but such vehicles shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrians or other
traffic in the intersection and the turn shall be made so as not to interfere in any
way with traffic proceeding on a green signal indication on the cross street; and
b. Pedestrians facing the signal shall not enter or cross the roadway when
such movement interferes with traffic proceeding on a green signal indication on
the cross street, or when the movement cannot be made in safety. No pedestrian
facing such signal shall enter the roadway until the green or "go" is shown alone
unless authorized to do so, by a pedestrian "walk" signal;
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Traffic and Vehicles
4. Steady red with green arrow:
a. Vehicular traffic facing such signal when in the proper traffic lane may
cautiously enter the intersection only to make the movement indicated by the
arrow, but shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully within a crosswalk and
to other traffic lawfully using the intersection. If the movement indicated by the
green arrow is a left turn, the left turn shall be made only on the red with green
arrow signal; and
b. No pedestrian facing such signal shall enter the roadway unless he can
do so safely and without interfering with vehicular traffic;
5. Green arrows alone. Whenever vehicular traffic movements are controlled by
green arrows alone and not displayed with any other signal indication, vehicles facing
such signals may make the movements indicated by the green arrows and the
movements shall be made only when the green arrows are displayed.
B. In the event an official traffic control signal is erected and maintained at a place
other than an intersection, the provisions of this section shall be applicable except as to those
provisions which, by their nature, can have no application. Any stop required shall be made
at a sign or marking on the pavement indicating where the stop shall be made, but in the
absence of any such sign or marking, the stop shall be made at the signal.
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. Section 11-202.
SECTION 15-606 PEDESTRIANS; SIGNAL INDICATORS; REGULATIONS
Special pedestrian control signals exhibiting the words "walk", "wait" or "don't walk" shall
regulate pedestrian movement as follows:
l. "Walk". Pedestrians facing such signal may proceed across the roadway in the
direction of the signal and shall be given the right-of-way by the drivers of all vehicles; and
2. "Wait" or "don't walk". No pedestrian shall start to cross the roadway in the direction
of such signal, but any pedestrian who has partially completed his crossing on the "Walk" signal
shall proceed to a sidewalk or safety zone while the "Wait" signal is showing.
SECTION 15-607 FLASHING SIGNALS
A. Whenever an illuminated signal is flashing red or yellow, it shall require obedience
by vehicular traffic as follows:
l."Flashing Red". When a red light is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes,
drivers of vehicles shall stop before entering the nearest crosswalk at an intersection and
the right to proceed shall be subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop
sign; and
2. "Flashing Yellow". When a yellow light is illuminated with rapid intermittent
flashes, drivers of vehicles may proceed through the intersection, or pass such signal only
with caution.
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B. This section shall not apply at railroad grade crossings.
State Law Reference: Similar provisions 47 O.S. Section 11-204.
SECTION 15-608 UNAUTHORIZED TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES PROHIBITED
A. No person shall place, maintain, or display upon or in view of any highway any
unauthorized sign, signal, marking, or device which purports to be or is an imitation of or
resembles an official traffic control device or railroad sign or signal, or which attempts to direct
the movement of traffic, or which hides from view or interferes with the effectiveness of any
official traffic control device or any railroad sign or signal.
B. No person shall place or maintain nor shall any public authority permit upon any
highway any traffic sign, signal, or device bearing thereon any commercial advertising.
C. This section shall not prohibit the erection upon private property adjacent to
highways of signs giving useful directional information which are of a type that cannot be
mistaken for official signs.
D. Every prohibited sign, signal, marking or device may be removed without notice.
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. Section 11-206.
SECTION 15-609 DEFACEMENT OF TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES
A. No person shall without lawful authority attempt to or in fact alter, destroy, deface,
molest, interfere, tamper, injure, knock down, remove or have in his possession any traffic
control device or any railroad sign or signal or an inscription, shield or insignia thereon, or any
part thereof.
B. This section shall not apply to any of the following persons when acting within the
scope and duty of their employment:
1. Any officer, agent, independent contractor, employee, servant or trustee of
any governmental agency; or
2. Any officer, agent independent contractor, employee, servant or trustee of
any contractor, public utility or railroad company.
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. Section 11-207.
SECTION 15-610 PLAY STREETS, AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH
The city manager, subject to any directions which the council may give, shall have authority to
declare any street or part thereof a play street and to have placed appropriate signs or
devices in the roadway indicating and helping to protect the same.
SECTION 15-611 PLAY STREETS, RESTRICTION ON USE
Whenever authorized signs are erected indicating any street or part thereof as a play street, no
person shall drive a vehicle upon any such street or portion thereof except drivers of vehicles
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having business or whose residences are within such closed area; and then any such driver
shall exercise the greatest care in driving upon any such street or portion thereof.
SECTION 15-612 DESIGNATION OF CROSSWALKS AND SAFETY ZONES
The city manager, subject to any directions which the council may give, may:
l. Designate and maintain, by appropriate devices, marks or lines upon the surface of
the roadway, crosswalks at intersections where in his opinion there is particular danger to
pedestrians crossing the roadway, and at such other places as he may deem necessary; and
2. Establish safety zones or islands of such kind and character and at such places as
he may deem necessary for the protection of pedestrians.
SECTION 15-613 TRAFFIC LANES
A. The city manager, subject to any directions which the council may give, may be
authorized to have traffic lanes marked upon the roadway of any street where a regular
alignment of traffic is necessary.
B. Where such traffic lanes have been marked, it is unlawful for the operator of any
vehicle to fail or refuse to keep such vehicle within the boundaries of any such lane except
when lawfully passing another vehicle or preparatory to making a lawful turning movement or
otherwise authorized by ordinance.
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. Section 11-309.
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CHAPTER 7
STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING GENERALLY
Section 15-701 Illegal Parking Declared Public Nuisance
Section 15-702 Application of Standing or Parking Regulations
Section 15-703 Parking Time Limits May be Established, Signs
Section 15-704 Parking More Than Forty-Eight (48) Hours
Section 15-705 Brakes; Motor Not to be Left Running; Unattended Vehicles
Section 15-706 Signs or Markings Indicating Angle Parking
Section 15-707 Obedience to Angle Parking Signs or Markings
Section 15-708 Parking in Spaces Marked Off
Section 15-709 Permits for Loading or Unloading at an Angle to the Curb
Section 15-710 Hazardous or Congested Places; Stopping, Standing, Parking
Section 15-711 Stopping, Standing or Parking Prohibited in Specified Places
Section 15-712 Blocking of Intersection or Crosswalk Prohibited
Section 15-713 Standing or Parking on One-Way Roadway
Section 15-714 Standing or Parking on Left Side of On-Way Streets
Section 15-715 Parking Prohibited at Intersections
Section 15-716 Parking in Alleys, Blocking Driveways
Section 15-717 Entry on Private Property; Trespass; Evidence; Burden of Proof
Section 15-718 Parking of Certain Commercial Vehicles on Public Streets in
Residential and Commercial Areas
Section 15-719 Handicapped Parking
Section 15-720 Parking for Certain Purposes Prohibited
Section 15-721 Method of Parking, Standing or Parking Close to Curb
Section 15-722 Parking Permits
Section 15-723 Negligent Parking
Section 15-724 Right-of-Way to Parallel Parking Space
Section 15-725 Parking Time Limited
Section 15-726 Fire Lanes
SECTION 15-701 ILLEGAL PARKING DECLARED PUBLIC NUISANCE
Any vehicle in violation of any regulation contained in this chapter governing, limiting or
prohibiting the parking or standing of a vehicle on any street or public thoroughfare is hereby
declared to constitute a public nuisance, and each separate traffic citation issued as
authorized herein for such violation shall constitute a separate notice thereof to the owner or
operator of such vehicle.
SECTION 15-702 APPLICATION OF STANDING OR PARKING REGULATIONS
The provisions of this chapter shall not be applicable when it is necessary for a vehicle to stop
to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a police officer or
official traffic control device.
SECTION 15-703 PARKING TIME LIMITS MAY BE ESTABLISHED, SIGNS
The city manager, subject to any directions which the council may give by motion or
resolution, may establish parking time limits or prohibit parking on designated streets or parts of
streets and have appropriate signs placed on the streets. When the signs are in place, it is
unlawful for any person to park a vehicle in violation of the sign. No such time limits shall be
effective unless a sign is erected and in place at the time of the alleged violation. All parking
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limit regulations unless otherwise provided shall be in force and effect between the hours of
8:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. except Sundays and legal holidays.
SECTION 15-704 PARKING MORE THAN FORTY-EIGHT (48) HOURS
No person shall park a vehicle on any street for a period of time longer than forty-eight (48)
hours. This Section shall not affect parking limits established for shorter periods. Trailers (as
defined in Section 15-103) shall not be allowed to park on public streets for any period of time.
(Ord No. 1036, 9/2/2014)
SECTION 15-705 BRAKES; MOTOR NOT TO BE LEFT RUNNING, UNATTENDED VEHICLES
The person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall not permit it to stand unattended
without first stopping the engine and effectively setting the brake thereon and, when standing
upon any grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the street.
SECTION 15-706 SIGNS OR MARKINGS INDICATING ANGLE PARKING
The city manager, subject to any directions which the council may give by motion or
resolution, shall determine upon what streets and parts of streets angle parking shall be
permitted and shall have such streets marked or signed; provided, however, that angle parking
shall not be permitted on any federal aid or state highway, unless the state department of
highways has determined that the roadway is of sufficient width to permit angle parking
without interfering with the free movement of traffic.
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. Section 11-1004(c).
SECTION 15-707 OBEDIENCE TO ANGLE PARKING SIGNS OR MARKINGS
On those streets which have been so signed or marked for angle parking, no person shall park
or stand a vehicle other than at the angle to the curb or edge of the roadway indicated by
such signs or markings.
SECTION 15-708 PARKING IN SPACES MARKED OFF
In an area where parking spaces have been marked off on the surface of the street, a driver
parking a vehicle shall park it within a parking space as thus marked off, and not on or over a
line delimiting a space.
SECTION 15-709 PERMITS FOR LOADING OR UNLOADING AT AN ANGLE TO THE CURB
A. The city manager is authorized to issue special permits to permit the backing of a
vehicle to the curb for the purpose of loading or unloading merchandise or materials subject
to the terms and conditions of such permit. Such permits may be issued either to the owner or
lessee of real property or to the owner of the vehicle and shall grant to such person the
privilege as therein stated and authorized herein. The city manager may revoke such permits
at any time.
B. It is unlawful for any permittee or other person to violate any of the special terms or
conditions of any such permit.
SECTION 15-710 HAZARDOUS OR CONGESTED PLACES; STOPPING, STANDING, PARKING
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Traffic and Vehicles
A. The city manager is hereby authorized to determine and regulate by proper signs
the stopping, standing, or parking of vehicles when such stopping, standing or parking would
create an especially hazardous condition or would cause unusual delay to traffic.
B. When official signs are erected at hazardous or congested places, as authorized in
Subsection A of this section, no person shall violate such signs.
SECTION 15-711 STOPPING, STANDING OR PARKING PROHIBITED IN SPECIFIED PLACES
A. No person shall stop, stand, or park a vehicle, except in emergencies or when
necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with law or the directions of a
police officer or traffic control device in any of the following places:
1. On or over a sidewalk, sidewalk area, or between the sidewalk and the street;
2. In front of or across a public or private driveway;
3. Within an intersection;
4. Within fifteen (15) feet of a fire hydrant except in a parking space officially marked;
5. On or over a crosswalk;
6. Within twenty (20) feet of a crosswalk at an intersection;
7. Within thirty (30) feet upon the approach to any flashing beacon, stop sign, or traffic
control signal located at the side of a roadway;
8. Between a safety zone and the adjacent curb or within thirty (30) feet of points on
the curb immediately opposite the ends of a safety zone, unless a different length has
been indicated by signs or markings;
9. Within fifty (50) feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing;
10. Within twenty (20) feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station, and on the side
of street opposite the entrance to any fire station within seventy-five (75) feet of the
entrance when properly signposted;
11. Alongside or opposite any street excavation or construction when stopping,
standing, or parking would obstruct traffic;
12. On the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a
street;
13. Upon any bridge or overpass or other elevated structure upon a highway or within
a highway tunnel, or on any underpass;
14. At any place where official signs prohibit stopping;
15. In front of or at the exit of any theater or public building while people are
congregating inside, or in front of any public building of three (3) or more stories in height;
or
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Traffic and Vehicles
16. On the grounds of any public park except where permitted by official signs.
B. No person shall move a vehicle not lawfully under his control into any prohibited
area or an unlawful distance away from a curb.
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. Section 11-1003.
SECTION 15-712 BLOCKING OF INTERSECTION OR CROSSWALK PROHIBITED
No driver shall enter an intersection or a marked crosswalk unless there is sufficient space on
the other side of the intersection or crosswalk to accommodate the vehicles or pedestrians,
notwithstanding any traffic control signal indication to proceed.
SECTION 15-713 STANDING OR PARKING ON ONE-WAY ROADWAY
A. If a highway includes two (2) 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 the one-way roadway unless signs are erected to permit such standing or parking.
B. The city manager, subject to any directions which the council may give by motion
or resolution, may determine when standing or parking may be permitted upon the left-hand
side of any such one-way roadway and to erect signs giving notice thereof.
SECTION 15-714 STANDING OR PARKING ON LEFT SIDE OF ONE-WAY STREETS
The city manager may have signs erected upon the left-hand side of any one-way street to
prohibit the standing or parking of vehicles. When the signs are in place, no person shall stand
or park a vehicle in violation of any such signs.
SECTION 15-715 PARKING PROHIBITED AT INTERSECTIONS
The parking of vehicles at the curb where streets intersect shall be prohibited fifteen (15) feet in
advance of the crosswalk on the near side of such intersection.
SECTION 15-716 PARKING IN ALLEYS, BLOCKING DRIVEWAYS
No person, other than the operator of a U.S. Postal Service Vehicle engaged in collecting or
delivering U.S. Mail, shall park a vehicle within a street or alley in such a manner or under such
conditions as to leave available less than ten (10) feet of the width of the roadway for the free
movement of vehicular traffic. No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle within a street or
alley in such position as to block a driveway entrance to any abutting property. No person
shall park or stand a vehicle in any alley except while actually engaged in loading or
unloading passengers or freight.
SECTION 15-717 ENTRY ON PRIVATE PROPERTY; TRESPASS; EVIDENCE; BURDEN OF PROOF
A. No person shall make an entry with any vehicle upon real property owned or legally
occupied by another without the owner's or occupant's consent except where such private
property is provided as public parking and the general use of the property is not restricted by
signs or proper markings.
B. Where entry is made upon real property owned or legally occupied by another
without the owner's or occupant's consent, except on unrestricted public parking, and is
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Traffic and Vehicles
complained of by the owner or legal occupant of the premises, the burden is put upon the
person making the entry to show that permission for such entry was given.
SECTION 15-718 PARKING OF CERTAIN VEHICLES AND TRAILERS ON PUBLIC STREETS
IN RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL AREAS
A. No person shall park any vehicle, other than vehicles of three-quarter (3/4) ton
classification or lighter, on any residential street, unless in the process of loading or unloading.
B. No person shall park a commercial vehicle at any time opposite another vehicle
on a street thirty-six (36) feet or less in width. The term "street" as used herein, shall mean the
entire width between the curbs or every way publicly maintained when any part thereof is
open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel.
C. No person shall park any trailer on any public street, easement or right-of-way
for any period of time. This shall not refer to trailers that are attached to appropriate vehicles
with a legal trailer hitch and proper towing or hauling system. At no time shall any vehicle or
trailer attached to said vehicle block any intersection, driveway, mailbox, sidewalk or other
public access.
(Ord. No. 575, 4/21/98; Ord No. 1036 9/2/14)
SECTION 15-719 HANDICAPPED PARKING
A. It is unlawful for any person to place or park a motor vehicle in any parking space
on private property accessible to the public and where the public is invited or public property
that is posted as a reserved area for parking of motor vehicles of a physically disabled person
unless such is eligible for a detachable insignia or reflective insignia as a physically disabled
person under the provisions of Sections 15-112 or 149.3 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes, and
such insignias are displayed as provided in Sections 15-112 or 149.4 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma
Statutes or regulations adopted pursuant thereto. (Ord. No. 575, 4/21/98)
B. In addition to penalty, any person violating this section shall pay any and all
reasonable and necessary charges incurred by the landowner or other person in having any
motor vehicle removed from the property and stored. (Ord. No. 322, 10/5/82)
SECTION 15-720 PARKING FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES PROHIBITED
No person shall park a vehicle upon any roadway for the purpose of:
1. Displaying the vehicle for sale;
2. Displaying advertising or displaying merchandise or other things for sale or selling
merchandise or other things; or
3. Washing, cleaning, or repairing the vehicle, except for repairs necessitated by an
emergency.
SECTION 15-721 METHOD OF PARKING, STANDING OR PARKING CLOSE TO CURB
A. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, every vehicle stopped or parked upon
a roadway where there are adjacent curbs, shall be so stopped or parked with the right-hand
wheels of the vehicle parallel to and within eighteen (18) inches of the right-hand curb. Any
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Traffic and Vehicles
vehicle stopped or parked upon the left-hand side of a one-way street where there are
adjacent curbs shall be parked or stopped with the left-hand wheels parallel to and within
eighteen (18) inches of the left-hand curb.
B. Commercial vehicles shall be parked parallel in all areas unless otherwise
authorized by the chief of police.
C. Drivers or passengers of vehicles parked on the street shall enter and exit from the
side of the vehicle nearest the edge or roadside of the curb.
D. Drivers or passengers of vehicles parked on a public street shall not open doors of
the vehicles on the traffic side.
E. No vehicle shall be parked nearer than three (3) feet to the rear or front of another
parked vehicle, except where parking lines or other measurements are marked in parking
zones.
F. Every driver desiring to enter a parking space being vacated shall stop his vehicle
and wait to the rear of the other vehicle in the actual process of vacating the parking space
and having so waited shall have prior right to the parking space over all other drivers.
G. It is unlawful for any driver to wait in his vehicle ahead of a parking space being
vacated, or to attempt to interfere with one who has waited properly at the rear of a parking
space being vacated.
H. No driver shall stop and wait for a parking space unless the vehicle vacating the
space is in motion in the process of vacating.
I. Every driver desiring to enter a vacant parking space shall stop his vehicle
immediately in back of and parallel to the space then drive into it. It is unlawful for any other
driver to drive his vehicle into the space, block, or interfere in any way with the driver while he
is preparing to drive into the space.
State Law Reference: Parking rules, 47 O.S. Section 11-1004.
SECTION 15-722 PARKING PERMITS
The city manager shall have authority to issue parking permits for passenger cars in the
following instances:
1. Totally disabled veterans provided such disability occurred in the line of duty, and
the permit is to be used by the veteran himself;
2. To employees of the federal, state and city government, provided such are
necessary for the public good and are limited to not over thirty (30) minutes of such
emergency parking in alleys or in other areas; and
3. To field reporters and photographers of duly recognized newspapers and news
agencies assigned to emergency news coverage, provided that the use of permits will be
limited to use in such emergencies, and further provided that no newspaper or news agency
shall be allowed to have more than ten (10) such permits.
SECTION 15-723 NEGLIGENT PARKING
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Traffic and Vehicles
No person shall park, cause to be parked, stop or leave unattended any vehicle as follows:
1. In a careless or negligent manner;
2. In such a manner as to endanger life, limb, person, or property; or
3. In such manner as to endanger or interfere with the lawful traffic or use of the
streets.
SECTION 15-724 RIGHT-OF-WAY TO PARALLEL PARKING SPACE
A. The driver of any vehicle intending to occupy a parallel parking space where a
backing movement is necessary and which is being vacated by another vehicle shall stop his
vehicle to the rear of the parking space until the vacating vehicle has cleared and entered
normal traffic. He then shall be deemed to have the right-of-way to such parking space over
any other vehicle attempting to park therein.
B. The first of two (2) or more vehicles to reach the rear boundary of an unoccupied
parallel parking space where a backing movement is necessary to occupy, shall be deemed
to have the right-of-way to such parking space. (Prior Code, Chapter 20)
SECTION 15-725 PARKING TIME LIMITED
A. No person shall park a vehicle longer than the period designated upon the official
signs at any designated time or place or any day except Sundays and legal holidays.
B. No person shall park a vehicle in the street in front of a business establishment while
such establishment is open for business in excess of one hour unless official signs designate
otherwise.
C. No person shall move his vehicle in any manner or leave a parking space and then
re-enter it to avoid the intent of this chapter.
D. No person shall park a vehicle on the private property of another without the
consent of the owner of the property, his agent or tenant. Any unoccupied vehicle parked in
violation of this chapter may upon complaint of the property owner, his agent, or tenant, be
removed and impounded by the police.
E. No vehicle driver shall exchange parking spaces with another vehicle driver within
the same block to avoid the intent of this chapter. (Prior Code, Chapter 20)
SECTION 15-726 FIRE LANES
A.Fire Lanes on Public and Private Property
1.Fire Lane Markings – Fire lanes shall be designated on all sides by painted curbs,
signs, or stripes, or by combination of these as approved by the Fire Marshall.
2. Parking of motor vehicles in fire lanes or otherwise obstructing fire lanes shall be
prohibited at all times. Exception: Emergency vehicles during emergency situations or
operations.
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Traffic and Vehicles
3.Parking of motor vehicles in fire lanes, or otherwise obstructing fire lanes, on
public or private property shall be prohibited at all times.
4.Fire lanes and driveways shall be located so that all buildings served by them
are accessible to fire equipment.
5.Access During Construction – The contractor or person in charge of any
construction site for commercial, industrial, mercantile, educational, institutional,
assembly, hotel, motel, multi-family dwelling, mobile home park, or any other commercial
occupancy whose structures total more than 4,000 square feet shall provide and
maintain fire lanes as shown on approved site plans. Fire lanes shall be constructed of
asphalt, concrete, or other alternative pre-approved by the Fire Marshall and sufficient to
support fire apparatus.
6.Fire lanes shall be not less than 20 feet unobstructed width and a minimum
vertical clearance of 14 feet. An approved temporary fire access lane shall be in place
prior to any above-slab construction or storage of combustible materials on site.
7.The Fire Department and the Police Department shall have the authority at any
time to enter property to enforce the provisions of this section.
B.Enforcement
The Fire Department and the Police Department shall have the following powers and duties:
1.To enforce parking regulations in those areas properly designated and marked
as a fire lane.
2.To issue citations for vehicles improperly parked in fire lanes. The citation shall
contain the time, date, vehicle tag number, year and color of the vehicle. The Fire
Marshal or Police Officer shall conspicuously affix a copy of the citation to the vehicle.
The citation shall be on a form provided by the City.
3.The said citation shall be filed with the Municipal Court within three days
after issuing the citation.
(Ord. No. 834, 12/20/05)
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CHAPTER 8
LOADING
Section 15-801 Definitions
Section 15-802 Curb Loading Zones, Designation
Section 15-803 Loading Zones to be Used Only for Designated Purpose
Section 15-804 Stopping, Standing or Parking in Passenger Curb Loading Zone
Section 15-805 Stopping, Standing or Parking in Freight Curb Loading Zone
Section 15-806 Designation of Public Carrier Stops and Stands
Section 15-807 Use of Bus and Taxicab Stands Restricted
Section 15-808 Stopping, Standing and Parking of Buses and Taxis
SECTION l5-801 DEFINITIONS
As used in this chapter:
1. "Freight loading zones" mean all curb loading zones authorized and regularly used
exclusively for the loading and unloading of merchandise for storage, trade, shipment or re-
sale;
2. "Commercial vehicle" means:
a. A truck designated for delivery purposes with the name of the owner or his
business painted on both sides of the vehicle, regularly used during normal business hours for
the delivery and handling of merchandise or freight and which bears a regular state
commercial license tag; and
b. A passenger vehicle used regularly and actually engaged during normal
business hours in the delivery and handling of merchandise or freight, and which bears a
special numbered license plate issued by the city at the rear of the vehicle attached to the
state license plate together with an identically numbered decal, issued vehicle; and
3. "Passenger loading zones" mean all loading zones authorized and used regularly
and exclusively for the loading and unloading of passengers except bus stops, taxicab stands,
and stands for other passenger common carrier vehicles.
SECTION 15-802 CURB LOADING ZONES, DESIGNATION
A. The city manager, subject to any directions which the council may give by motion
or resolution, may determine the location of passenger and freight curb loading zones and
shall have placed and maintained appropriate signs indicating the zones and stating the hours
during which the provisions of this section are applicable. By the same authority such zones
may be changed or discontinued.
B. No person shall stand or park a vehicle in violation of signs erected in accordance
with this section.
C. If any loading zone is established on request of any person, the signs shall not be
placed until the applicant pays to the city an amount of money estimated by the city council
to be adequate to reimburse the city for all costs of establishing and signing the same.
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SECTION 15-803 LOADING ZONES TO BE USED ONLY FOR DESIGNATED PURPOSE
No curb loading zone authorized and established as a passenger loading zone shall be used
as a freight loading zone, and no freight loading zone shall be used as a passenger loading
zone except as may be specifically provided by law.
SECTION 15-804 STOPPING, STANDING OR PARKING IN PASSENGER CURB LOADING ZONE
No person, other than the operator of a U.S. Postal vehicle engaged in collecting or delivering
U.S. Mail, shall stop, stand, or park a vehicle in a passenger curb loading zone for any purpose
or period of time other than for the expeditious loading or unloading of passengers, during the
hours when the regulations applicable to such curb loading zones are effective, and then only
for a period not to exceed three (3) minutes.
SECTION 15-805 STOPPING, STANDING OR PARKING IN FREIGHT CURB LOADING ZONE
A. No person, other than the operator of a U.S. Postal vehicle engaged in collecting or
delivering U.S. Mail, shall stop, stand, or park a vehicle in a commercial curb loading zone for
any purpose or length of time other than for the expeditious unloading and delivery or pickup
and loading of materials during hours when the provisions applicable to such zones are in
effect. In no case shall the stop for loading and unloading of materials exceed thirty (30)
minutes. Vehicles using any commercial loading zone are subject to the licensing requirements
and regulations provided by this chapter.
B. The driver of a passenger vehicle may stop temporarily at a place marked as a
freight curb loading zone for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or
unloading passengers when such stopping does not interfere with any commercial vehicle
which is waiting to enter the zone. (Prior Code, Chapter 20)
SECTION 15-806 DESIGNATION OF PUBLIC CARRIER STOPS AND STANDS
The city manager, subject to any directions which the council may give by motion or
resolution, is hereby authorized and required to establish bus stops, bus stands, taxicab stands
and stands for other passenger common-carrier motor vehicles on such public streets, in such
places and in such number as he shall determine to be of the greatest benefit and
convenience to the public. Every such bus stop, bus stand, taxicab stand or other stand shall
be designated by appropriate signs. By the same authority, such stops and stands may be
changed or discontinued.
SECTION 15-807 USE OF BUS AND TAXICAB STANDS RESTRICTED
No person, other than the operator of a U.S. Postal vehicle engaged in collecting or delivering
U.S. Mail, shall stop, stand, or park a vehicle other than a bus in a bus stop, or other than a
taxicab in a taxicab stand when any such stop or stand has been officially designated and the
appropriate signs are in place. The driver of a passenger vehicle may temporarily stop therein
for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading passengers when such
stopping does not interfere with any bus or taxicab waiting to enter or about to enter the zone.
)
SECTION 15-808 STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING OF BUSES AND TAXIS
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A. The operator of a bus shall not stand or park such vehicle upon any street at any
place other than a bus stand so designated as provided herein.
B. The operator of a bus shall not stop such vehicle upon any street at any place for
the purpose of loading or unloading passengers or their baggage except in loading areas
designated as provided herein, except in case of an emergency.
C. The operator of a bus shall enter a bus stop, bus stand, or passenger loading zone
on a public street in such a manner that the bus, when stopped to load or unload passengers
or baggage, shall be in a position with the right front wheel of such vehicle not further than
eighteen (18) inches from the curb and the bus approximately parallel to the curb so as not to
unduly impede the movement of other vehicular traffic.
D. The operator of a taxicab shall not stand or park such vehicle upon any street at
any place other than in a taxicab stand so designated as provided herein. This provision shall
not prevent the operator of a taxicab from temporarily stopping in accordance with other
stopping or parking regulations at any place for the purpose of and while actually engaged in
the expeditious loading or unloading of passengers. (Prior Code, Chapter 20)
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CHAPTER 9
TURNING MOVEMENTS
Section 15-901 Turning Markers or Indicators
Section 15-902 Designation of Restricted Turns
Section 15-903 U-Turns
Section 15-904 Position and Method of Turning
Section 15-905 Turning Movements and Required Signals
Section 15-906 Means of Giving Turn Signals
Section 15-907 Method of Giving Hand and Arm Signals.
Section 15-908 Turns Into or From Alleys
SECTION 15-901 TURNING MARKERS OR INDICATORS
A. The city manager, subject to any directions which the council may give by motion
or resolution, is authorized to place markers, buttons or signs within or adjacent to intersections
indicating the course to be traveled by vehicles turning at such intersections. The course to be
traveled, as so indicated, may conform to or be other than as prescribed by law.
B. When authorized markers, buttons, or other indications are placed within an
intersection indicating the course to be traveled by vehicles turning thereat, no driver of a
vehicle shall disobey the directions of such indications.
SECTION 15-902 DESIGNATION OF RESTRICTED TURNS
A. The city manager, subject to any directions which the council may give by motion
or resolution, is hereby authorized to determine those street intersections at which drivers of
vehicles shall not make right, left or U-turns, and shall have proper signs placed at the
intersections. The making of the turns may be prohibited between certain hours of any day
and permitted at other hours. Where turns are restricted during certain hours pursuant to this
section, the same shall be plainly indicated on the signs, or they may be removed when turns
are permitted.
B. Whenever authorized signs are erected indicating that no right, left or U-turn is
permitted, the driver of a vehicle shall not disobey the directions of any such sign.
SECTION 15-903 U-TURNS
A. The driver of a vehicle shall not turn the vehicle so as to proceed in the opposite
direction upon any street in the city at the following locations:
1. At intersections controlled by traffic control devices or signals unless such turns
are specifically authorized;
2. Where a police officer is directing traffic except at the latter's direction; or
3. At any other location where an official "No-U-Turn" has been placed and is
maintained.
B. A U-turn may be made only when it can be made in safety and without interfering
with other traffic. No person shall make a U-turn except in the following manner:
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Traffic and Vehicles
1. By approaching the intersection as closely as practical to the right curb or
edge of the roadway, the driver giving and continuing to give a signal for a left turn until
the turn is completed, proceeding to make the turn across the intersection;
2. In one continuous movement without stopping or backing the vehicle;
3. By yielding the right-of-way at all times to all vehicles until such turn is
completed;
4. Without constituting a hazard to or interfering with any other vehicle.
SECTION 15-904 POSITION AND METHOD OF TURNING
The driver of a vehicle intending to turn at an intersection shall do as follows:
1. Right turns. Both the approach for a right turn and the execution of a right turn shall
be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway;
2. Left turns on two-way roadways. At any intersection where traffic is permitted to
move in both directions on each roadway entering the intersection, the approach for a left
turn shall be made in that portion of the right half of the street nearest the center thereof by
passing to the right of the center line where it enters the intersection. After entering the
intersection, the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection to the right of the center
of the roadway being entered. Whenever practicable, the left turn shall be made in that
portion of the intersection to the left of the center of the intersection; and
3. Left turns, on other than two-way roadways. At any intersection where traffic is
restricted to one direction on one or more of the roadways the driver of a vehicle intending to
turn left at any such intersection shall approach the intersection in the extreme left-hand lane
lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel of the vehicle. After entering the
intersection, the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection, as nearly as practicable,
in the left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in such direction upon roadway being
entered.
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. Section 11-601.
SECTION 15-905 TURNING MOVEMENTS AND REQUIRED SIGNALS
A. No person shall turn a vehicle at an intersection unless the vehicle is in proper
position upon the roadway as required in Section 15-904 of this code, or turn a vehicle to enter
a private road or driveway, or otherwise turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or
left upon a roadway unless and until such movement can be made with reasonable safety.
No person shall so turn any vehicle without giving an appropriate signal in the manner
hereinafter provided.
B. A signal of intention to turn right or left, slow or stop when required, shall be given
continuously during not less than the last one hundred (100) feet traveled by the vehicle before
turning or stopping.
C. No person shall stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle without first giving
an appropriate signal in the manner provided herein to the driver of any vehicle immediately
to the rear when there is opportunity to give the signal.
Page 15-65
Traffic and Vehicles
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. Section 11-604.
SECTION 15-906 MEANS OF GIVING TURN SIGNALS
A. Any stop or turn signal when required herein shall be given either by means of hand
or arm, or by a signal lamp or lamps, or mechanical device of a type approved by the
Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, except as provided in Subsection B of this section.
B. A vehicle shall be equipped with, and the required signal given by, signal lamps or
devices when:
1. The body or cab of a vehicle or the load of any vehicle projects twenty-four
(24) inches or more to the left of the center of the steering wheel;
2. Under any condition where a hand and arm signal would not be visible both
to the front and rear of the vehicle; or
3. The rear limit of the body of a vehicle or the load of any vehicle projects
fourteen (14) feet or more beyond the center top of the steering post.
SECTION 15-907 METHOD OF GIVING HAND AND ARM SIGNALS
All signals herein required 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 - hand and arm extended horizontally;
2. Right turn - hand and arm extended upward; and
3. Stop or decrease speed - hand and arm extended downward with palm to the rear.
SECTION 15-908 TURNS INTO OR FROM ALLEYS
A. No vehicles shall turn left when proceeding into or proceeding out of an alley
except when necessary to enter a one-way street, and no vehicle shall cross any street or
highway when proceeding into or proceeding out of any alley except as provided in
Subsection B of this section.
B. Left turns may be made when proceeding out of an alley if a traffic survey
conducted by the traffic engineer shows that such turn may be made safely and official signs
are erected authorizing such turns.
C. The foregoing provisions of this section shall not apply to bus terminals used by
licensed and authorized bus lines.
Page 15-66
Traffic and Vehicles
CHAPTER 10
PEDESTRIANS
Section 15-1001 Pedestrians Subject to Traffic Control Signals
Section 15-1002 Pedestrians' Right-of-Way at Crosswalks
Section 15-1003 Pedestrians to Use Right Half of Crosswalk
Section 15-1004 Crossing at Right Angles
Section 15-1005 When Pedestrians Shall Yield
Section 15-1006 Pedestrians Walking Along Roadways
Section 15-1007 Pedestrians Prohibited from Soliciting Rides, Business or Donations from
Vehicle Occupants
Section 15-1008 Drivers to Exercise Due Care
Section 15-1009 Crossing Prohibited
Section 15-1010 Obedience of Pedestrians to Railroad Signals
SECTION 15-1001 PEDESTRIANS SUBJECT TO TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALS
Pedestrians are subject to traffic control signals as provided for in this code of ordinances, but
at all other places pedestrians are granted those rights and are subject to the restrictions
stated in this chapter.
State Law Reference: Pedestrian rights and duties, 47 O.S. Sections 11-501 to 11- 507.
SECTION 15-1002 PEDESTRIANS' RIGHT-OF-WAY AT CROSSWALKS
A. When traffic control signals are not in place or not in operation, the driver of a
vehicle shall yield the right-of-way slowing down or stopping, if need be, to so yield to a
pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when:
1. The pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is
traveling; or
2. The pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite edge of the
roadway as to be in danger.
The provisions of this subsection are not applicable under conditions where pedestrians are
required to yield pursuant to this chapter.
B. No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety or walk or run
into the path of the vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.
C. Whenever any vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk, or any unmarked
crosswalk, or at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross a roadway, the driver of any
other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake to pass such stopped vehicle.
SECTION 15-1003 PEDESTRIANS TO USE RIGHT HALF OF CROSSWALK
Pedestrians, when crossing the street at a crosswalk, shall move, whenever practicable, upon
the right half of the crosswalk.
SECTION 15-1004 CROSSING AT RIGHT ANGLES
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No pedestrian shall cross a roadway at any place other than by a route at right angles to the
curb or by the shortest route to the opposite curb, except in a crosswalk.
SECTION 15-1005 WHEN PEDESTRIANS SHALL YIELD
A. Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked or
unmarked crosswalk at any intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the
roadway.
B. Any pedestrian crossing a roadway at a point where a pedestrian tunnel or
overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided shall yield the right of way to all vehicles
upon the roadway.
C. The provisions of this section are not applicable where pedestrian crossings are
prohibited.
SECTION 15-1006 PEDESTRIANS WALKING ALONG ROADWAYS
A. Where sidewalks are provided, it is unlawful for any pedestrian to walk along and
upon an adjacent roadway.
B. Where sidewalks are not provided, any pedestrian walking along and upon a
highway shall, when practical, walk only on the left side of the roadway, or its shoulder, facing
traffic which may approach from the opposite direction, and shall yield to approaching
vehicles.
SECTION 15-1007 PEDESTRIANS PROHIBITED FROM SOLICITING RIDES, BUSINESS OR
DONATIONS FROM VEHICLE OCCUPANTS
A. No person shall stand in a roadway for purpose of soliciting a ride, donations,
employment or business from the occupant of any vehicle.
B. No person shall:
1. Stand in any street, roadway or park and stop or attempt to stop and engage
any person in any vehicle for the purpose of soliciting contributions or the watching or
guarding of any vehicle while parked or about to be parked on a street;
2. Sell or attempt to sell anything to any person in any vehicle;
3. Hand or attempt to hand to any person in any vehicle any circular,
advertisement, handbill or any political campaign literature, or any sample, souvenir or
gift; or
4. In any other manner, while standing in the street or roadway, attempt to
interfere with the normal flow of traffic for any other similar purpose.
SECTION 15-1008 DRIVERS TO EXERCISE DUE CARE
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this chapter, every driver shall exercise due care to
avoid colliding with any pedestrian upon any roadway, and shall give warning by sounding
the horn when necessary and shall exercise proper precaution upon observing any child or
any confused or incapacitated person on the roadway.
Page 15-68
Traffic and Vehicles
SECTION 15-1009 CROSSING PROHIBITED
Between adjacent intersections, at which traffic control signals are in operation, pedestrians
shall not cross at any place except in a crosswalk. Pedestrians shall not cross any divided
highway having a median in the center thereof, except in a crosswalk.
SECTION 15-1010 OBEDIENCE OF PEDESTRIANS TO RAILROAD SIGNALS
No pedestrian shall pass through, around, over, or under any crossing gate or barrier at a
railroad grade crossing while such gate or barrier is closed or is being opened or closed.
Page 15-69
Traffic and Vehicles
CHAPTER 11
BICYCLES
Section 15-1101 Application of Bicycle Regulations
Section 15-1102 Application of Traffic Laws to Bicycles
Section 15-1103 Obedience to Traffic Control Devices
Section 15-1104 Riding on Bicycles
Section 15-1105 Riding on Roadways and Bicycle Paths
Section 15-1106 Speed of Bicycle
Section 15-1107 Emerging from Alley or Driveway
Section 15-1108 Carrying Articles
Section 15-1109 Parking
Section 15-1110 Riding on Sidewalks
Section 15-1111 Lamps and Equipment on Bicycles
Section 15-1112 Impoundment of Bicycles
SECTION 15-1101 APPLICATION OF BICYCLE REGULATIONS
The provisions of this chapter shall apply whenever a bicycle is operated upon any street or
upon any public way; or upon any path set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles, subject to
those exceptions stated in this chapter.
State Law Reference: Bicycle rules, 47 O.S. Sections 11-1201 et seq.
SECTION 15-1102 APPLICATION OF TRAFFIC LAWS TO BICYCLES
Every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway shall be granted all the rights and shall be
subject to all the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by the laws of this state and the
traffic provisions of this code applicable to the driver of a vehicle, except as to special
regulations in this chapter and except as to those provisions of laws and ordinances which by
their nature are inapplicable to such persons.
SECTION 15-1103 OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES
A. Any person operating a bicycle shall obey the instructions of official traffic control
signals, signs and other control devices applicable to vehicles unless otherwise directed by a
police officer.
B. Whenever authorized signs are erected indicating no right or left or U-turn is
permitted, no person operating a bicycle shall disobey the directions of such sign, except
where such person dismounts from the bicycle to make any such turn, in which event, such
person shall then obey the regulations applicable to the pedestrians.
SECTION 15-1104 RIDING ON BICYCLES
A. No person operating a bicycle shall ride other than astride a permanent and
regular seat attached thereto.
B. No bicycle shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for
which it is designed and equipped.
Page 15-70
Traffic and Vehicles
SECTION 15-1105 RIDING ON ROADWAYS AND BICYCLE PATHS
A. Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right
hand side of the roadway as practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing
vehicle or a vehicle proceeding in the same direction.
B. Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two (2) abreast
except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.
C. If usable paths for bicycles are provided adjacent to a roadway, bicycle riders shall
use such paths and shall not use the roadway.
SECTION 15-1106 SPEED OF BICYCLE
No person shall operate a bicycle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under
the conditions then existing.
SECTION 15-1107 EMERGING FROM ALLEY OR DRIVEWAY
The operator of a bicycle emerging from an alley or driveway shall, upon approaching a
sidewalk or sidewalk area extending across the alley or driveway, yield the right-of-way to all
pedestrians approaching on the sidewalk or sidewalk area. Upon entering the roadway, the
bicycle operator shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on the roadways.
SECTION 15-1108 CARRYING ARTICLES
No person operating a bicycle shall carry any package, bundle, or article which prevents the
rider from keeping at least one hand on the handle bars.
SECTION 15-1109 PARKING
No person shall park a bicycle upon a street other than upon the roadway against the curb or
upon the sidewalk in a rack to support the bicycle or against the building or at the curb in such
a manner as to afford the least obstruction to pedestrian traffic.
SECTION 15-1110 RIDING ON SIDEWALKS
A. No person shall ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk within a business district.
B. The city manager is authorized to have erected signs on any sidewalk or roadway
prohibiting the riding of bicycles thereon by any person; and when such signs are in place, no
person shall disobey the same.
C. Whenever any person is riding a bicycle upon a sidewalk, such person shall yield the
right of way to any pedestrian and shall give audible signal before overtaking and passing
such pedestrian.
SECTION 15-1111 LAMPS AND EQUIPMENT ON BICYCLES
A. Bicycles in use at nighttime shall be equipped with a lamp on the front which shall
emit a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred (500) feet to the front and with
a red reflector on the rear of a type which shall be visible from fifty (50) feet to three hundred
Page 15-71
Traffic and Vehicles
(300) feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps on a motor
vehicle. A lamp emitting a red light visible from a distance of five hundred (500) feet to the
rear may be used in addition to the red reflector.
B. No person shall operate a bicycle unless it is equipped with a bell or other device
capable of giving a signal audible for a distance of a least one hundred (100) feet, except
that a bicycle shall not be equipped with nor shall any person use upon a bicycle any siren or
whistle.
C. Bicycles shall be equipped with a brake which will enable the operator to make the
braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.
SECTION 15-1112 IMPOUNDMENT OF BICYCLES
Whenever any person violates any provision of this chapter, in addition to any other penalty
prescribed for such violation, his bicycle may be impounded for a period not to exceed ten
(10) days.
Page 15-72
Traffic and Vehicles
CHAPTER 12
MOTOR VEHICLE ESCORT GUIDES
Section 15-1200 Duties and Authority of Motor Vehicle Escort Guides and Agencies
Section 15-1201 Escort Guides - Uniforms and Equipment Requirements and Limitations
Section 15-1202 Equipment Requirements for Escort Vehicles
Section 15-1203 Advertisements - Limitations
Section 15-1204 Functions, Powers and Duties of the Police Department
Section 15-1205 Escorts Required
Section 15-1206 Funerals - Driving
Section 15-1207 Parades
Section 15-1208 Driving Through Procession
Section 15-1209 Penalty
Section 15-1210 Funeral Parking Meter Hoods
SECTION 15-1200 DUTIES AND AUTHORITY OF MOTOR VEHICLE ESCORT GUIDES AND
AGENCIES
A.Motor vehicle escort guides are hereby authorized to:
1.Lead funeral corteges; it shall be the motor vehicle escort guide's duty to see
that the headlights of every motor vehicle in the cortege are turned on;
2.Identify overlength, overwidth, overheight motor vehicles, mobile homes and
buildings as defined in the Building Code of the City of Owasso; it shall be the motor
vehicle escort guide's duty to see that such vehicle is properly marked as prescribed by
the permit issued to move such vehicle;
3.Escort any overlength, overwidth, overheight motor vehicles, mobile homes,
buildings or funeral cortege through stop signs or signalized intersections without
stopping, provided such motor vehicle escort guide has rendered such intersection safe
by reason of having stopped all traffic whose movement through such intersections
would conflict with that of any vehicle or vehicles being escorted; and
4.Stop oncoming vehicles at intersections where such escorted vehicle or
vehicles are making turns.
B.Nothing herein excludes any motor vehicle escort guide or the driver of any vehicle
being escorted from any part of this chapter that requires the operator of a motor vehicle to
obey the directions given by any police officer or requires the operator of any motor vehicle to
yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles as defined herein.
SECTION 15-1201 ESCORT GUIDES - UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
AND LIMITATIONS
A.No motor vehicle escort guide shall escort any funeral cortege unless he is wearing
a uniform that has been approved by the Chief of Police of the City of Owasso for the use of
the motor vehicle escort agency by which he is employed.
B.No uniform is required for the escorting of overwidth, overlength, overheight
vehicles, including mobile homes and buildings.
Page 15-73
Traffic and Vehicles
C.No motor vehicle escort guide shall have on or about his person or on or about his
escort vehicle any of the following:
1.Any weapon declared to be unlawful by the Statutes of the State of
Oklahoma;
2.Any badge or cap wreath that resembles the official police officer's badge or
bears the words "Police" or "Officer";
3.Any noncommissioned officer's bars or insignia denoting rank; or
4.Any holster, handcuff case, cartridge case or chemical weapon.
SECTION 15-1202 EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR ESCORT VEHICLES
A.Motor vehicle escort guides, while actively engaged in furnishing an escort for
funeral cortege, shall use either a two (2) wheeled or three (3) wheeled motorcycle. Such
vehicle shall be equipped with two (2) lamps which display, when lighted, an amber light
visible from directly in front of the center thereof for a distance of not less that five hundred
(500) feet. Such lamps shall be no less than four (4) inches in diameter.
B.Motor vehicle escort guides, while actively engaged in furnishing an escort for
overwidth, overlength, overheight motor vehicles, including mobile homes and buildings, shall
use a vehicle equipped with two (2) flashing amber lights of t least four (4) inches in diameter
which shall be mounted so as to be visible, when lighted, for a distance of not less than five
hundred (500) feet directly to the front of such vehicle; and two (2) flashing amber or red lights
of at least four (4) inches in diameter which shall be mounted so as to be visible, when light,
directly to the rear of such vehicle. In lieu of the foregoing lights, a single rotating amber light
may be used, provided that such rotating light has a diameter of at least six (6) inches, has at
least two (2) bulbs and is visible, when lighted, for a distance of not less that five hundred (500)
feet in all directions. In addition to the above lights, each vehicle must be equipped with two
(2) red flags, each sixteen inches square, mounted as high as practicable and spaced as
widely as practicable. Each vehicle must also display any special signs or markings as is
specified on the permit issued to authorize the movement of such special vehicles listed
above.
C.It shall be unlawful for the vehicles used in escorting to be equipped with sirens,
decals, placards, signs and/or insignia which resemble official police insignia or bear the words
"Police", "Official" or "Officer". No such vehicle shall display a red light to the front.
D.Any motor vehicle used in performing escorts shall be subject to inspection at any
time by the Chief of Police of the City of Owasso or his authorized representative.
SECTION 15-1203 ADVERTISEMENTS - LIMITATIONS
No person engaged in the business of furnishing motor vehicle escort guides shall
distribute, present or give away any cards, handbills or printed matter of any kind which bear
the words "Police", "Officer" or "Official", in conjunction with advertising an escorting agency;
nor shall any advertisement state, imply or falsely represent that a motor vehicle escort is
required by the City of Owasso.
Page 15-74
Traffic and Vehicles
SECTION 15-1204 FUNCTIONS, POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
With regard to all motor vehicle escort agencies, the Police Department shall have the
following functions, powers and duties:
A.To investigate qualifications for fitness of all applicants;
B.To investigate and aid in the prosecution of all violations of this chapter and
cooperate in the prosecution of offenders before any court having jurisdiction to
hear the same;
C.To inspect and approve or disapprove motor vehicle equipment used in making
escorts; and
D.To inspect and approve or disapprove the equipment and uniforms worn by any
motor vehicle escort guide.
SECTION 15-1205 ESCORTS REQUIRED
A.Every funeral cortege consisting of more than four (4) motor vehicles shall have no
less than two (2) motor vehicle escort guides; and it shall be the duty of the funeral director or
person conducting each funeral to provide as many more motor vehicle escort guides as may
be needed to control traffic at all intersections through which the procession is proceeding
simultaneously.
B.All overheight, overlength, overwidth motor vehicles as described by this chapter,
including mobile homes and buildings, shall provide the number of motor vehicle escort guides
as is stated on the permit issued for movement of such vehicles.
SECTION 15-1206 FUNERALS - DRIVING
Each driver in a funeral or other procession shall drive as near to the right-hand edge of the
roadway as practicable and shall follow the vehicle ahead as closely as practicable and safe.
Funeral directors shall notify the Police Department of the time and destination of all funeral
processions.
SECTION 15-1207 PARADES
No procession or parade containing three (3) or more vehicles, excepting funerals, shall
proceed along any street except in accordance with the written permission of the City Council
and such other regulations as are set forth herein.
SECTION 15-1208 DRIVING THROUGH PROCESSION
No driver of a vehicle shall drive between, alongside nor pass the vehicles comprising a funeral
procession while it is in motion when such vehicles are conspicuously designated as required in
this chapter. This provision shall not apply to intersections where traffic is controlled by traffic-
control signals or by police officers, nor shall the passing prohibited in this section apply to
limited-access highways.
Page 15-75
Traffic and Vehicles
SECTION 15-1210 FUNERAL PARKING METER HOODS
A.Licensed funeral directors may hood no more than four (4) parking meters without
charge for the purpose of conducting funerals, provided that:
1.No suitable off-street parking is available for the parking of funeral vehicles.
2.The hoods are not placed on the meters more than five (5) hours prior to the
time of the funeral; and
3.The hoods are removed immediately following the funeral.
B.The Police Chief may order any funeral parking meter hood to be removed when
he deems such removal to be in the interest of the public safety or convenience.
(Ord. No. 625, 12/7/99)
Page 15-76
Traffic and Vehicles
CHAPTER 13
MOTORCYCLES
Section 15-1301 Operator to Ride on Permanent Seat
Section 15-1302 Carrying Passengers
Section 15-1303 Head Gear for Operators and Riders
Section 15-1304 Windshield; Goggles or Face Shield for Operator
Section 15-1305 Maximum Height of Handlebars
Section 15-1306 Rear View Mirrors
Section 15-1307 Brakes
Section 15-1308 Lights Generally
Section 15-1309 Stop Lamp
Section 15-1310 Speedometer
Section 15-1311 Fenders
Section 15-1312 Rider Not to Hold to Other Moving Vehicles
Section 15-1313 Passing Other Vehicles Between Traffic Lanes
Section 15-1314 Speed Limit
Section 15-1315 Nighttime Driving of Scooters - REPEALED
Section 15-1316 Racing Motors
Section 15-1317 Ignition and Mechanical Adjustments
Section 15-1318 Carrying Passengers Less Than Ten (10) Years of Age Prohibited
Section 15-1319 Carrying Passengers on Lightweight Motorcycles Prohibited
SECTION 15-1301 OPERATOR TO RIDE ON PERMANENT SEAT
A person operating a motorcycle shall ride only upon the permanent and regular seat
attached thereto.
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. 1971, Section 11-1103
SECTION 15-1302 CARRYING PASSENGERS
No driver or operator of a motorcycle shall carry any other person on, upon or within such
vehicle on any street or highway in the city; provided, however, that if any motorcycle with a
wheel diameter of twelve (12) inches or greater shall have either a double seating device, with
double foot rests, or a sidecar attachment for each person riding therein, so that such person
shall be seated entirely within the body of such sidecar, then it shall be permissible for an
operator who has attained the age of sixteen (16) years or older to carry a passenger. A
demonstration ride by a licensed dealer or his employee is excepted from the provisions of this
section. (
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. 1971, Section 40-103.
SECTION 15-1303 HEAD GEAR FOR OPERATORS AND RIDERS
No person under eighteen (18) years of age shall operate or ride upon any motorcycle on any
street unless such person is equipped with and wearing on the head a crash helmet of the type
and design manufactured for use by the operators of such vehicles. All crash helmets shall
consist of lining, padding and chin straps and shall be of such type as not to distort the view of
the wearer.
State Law Reference: Similar provisions applying to persons under 21 years of age, 47 O.S.
1971, Section 40-105(G).
Page 15-77
Traffic and Vehicles
SECTION 15-1304 WINDSHIELD; GOGGLES OR FACE SHIELD FOR OPERATOR
All motorcycles operated on streets shall be equipped with a windshield of sufficient quality,
size and thickness to protect the operator from foreign objects, except that, in lieu of such
windshield, the operator may wear goggles or a face shield of material and design to protect
him from foreign objects.
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. 1971, Section 40-105(B).
SECTION 15-1305 MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF HANDLEBARS
Handlebars on motorcycles shall not exceed twelve (12) inches in height, measured from the
crown or point of attachment.
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. 1971, Section 40-103.
SECTION 15-1306 REAR VIEW MIRRORS
All motorcycles operated on streets shall be equipped with two (2) mirrors containing a
reflection surface of not less than three (3) inches in diameter, mounted one on each side of
the vehicle and positioned so as to enable the operator to clearly view the roadway for a
distance of two hundred (200) feet to the rear of his vehicle.
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. 1971, Section 40-105(A).
SECTION 15-1307 BRAKES
Every motorcycle operated on streets shall be equipped with brakes adequate to control the
movement of same to stop and hold such vehicle, including two (2) separate means of
applying the brakes, one means to be effective to apply the brakes to the front wheel and one
means to be effective to apply the brakes to the rear wheels.
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. 1971, Section 40-105(C).
SECTION 15-1308 LIGHTS GENERALLY
Every motorcycle operated on streets shall be equipped with at least one lighted head lamp
capable of showing a white light visible at least three hundred (300) feet in the direction in
which the vehicle is proceeding, and one tail lamp mounted on the rear which, when lighted,
shall emit a red light plainly visible from at least three hundred (300) feet to the rear. Lights
required by this section shall be burning whenever such vehicles are in motion during the
period from one-half (½) hour after sunset and one-half (½) hour before sunrise and at any
other time when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, persons and
vehicles on the streets are not clearly discernible at a distance of at least five hundred (500)
feet.
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. 1971, Section 40-105(F).
SECTION 15-1309 STOP LAMP
Every motorcycle operated on streets shall be equipped with a stop lamp on the rear of the
vehicle, which shall display a red or amber light, or any shade of color between red and
Page 15-78
Traffic and Vehicles
amber, visible from a distance of not less than one hundred (100) feet to the rear in normal
sunlight, and which shall be actuated upon application of the service brake.
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. 1971, Section 40-105(C).
SECTION 15-1310 SPEEDOMETER
All motorcycles operated in streets shall be equipped with a properly operating speedometer
capable of registering at least the maximum legal speed limit for the vehicle.
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. 1971, Section 40-105(D).
SECTION 15-1311 FENDERS
All motorcycles operated on streets shall be equipped with a fender over each wheel. All
fenders shall be of the type provided by the manufacturer.
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. 1971, Section 40-105(E).
SECTION 15-1312 RIDER NOT TO HOLD TO OTHER MOVING VEHICLES
No rider of a motorcycle shall hold to any other moving vehicle for the purpose of being
propelled.
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. 1971, Section 40-103.
SECTION 15-1313 PASSING OTHER VEHICLES BETWEEN TRAFFIC LANES
No driver of a motorcycle shall pass other vehicles in between lanes of traffic traveling in the
same direction, authorized emergency vehicles excepted.
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. 1971, Section 40-103.
SECTION 15-1314 SPEED LIMIT.
No person shall operate any motorcycle at a speed greater than the speed limit legally
posted; provided, however, in no event nor at any time may an operator under the age of
sixteen (16) years operate a motorcycle at a speed greater than thirty-five (35) miles per hour.
State Law Reference: Similar provisions, 47 O.S. 1971, Section 40-104.
SECTION 15-1315 NIGHTTIME DRIVING OF SCOOTERS – REPEALED (Ord No. 981, 4/5/11)
SECTION 15-1316 RACING MOTORS
It is unlawful for any person, upon the streets or highways of the city to race or unnecessarily
accelerate the motor of any motor scooter or motorbike, while the clutch is disengaged, or to
cause such vehicle to emit loud or annoying sounds or noises.
SECTION 15-1317 IGNITION AND MECHANICAL ADJUSTMENTS
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Traffic and Vehicles
It is an offense to operate upon the streets or highways of the city any motor scooter or
lightweight motor vehicle, the ignition timing or other mechanism of which is not so regulated,
adjusted, installed or constructed so as to prevent explosion of fuel or gasses within the muffler,
exhaust pipe or in the open air.
SECTION 15-1318 CARRYING PASSENGERS LESS THAN TEN (10) YEARS OF AGE PROHIBITED
No person shall operate a motorcycle, scooter, or other motor driven vehicle, covered under
this chapter carrying a passenger which is less than ten (10) years of age.
SECTION 1-1319 CARRYING PASSENGERS ON LIGHTWEIGHT MOTORCYCLES PROHIBITED
No person shall permit any person on a lightweight motorcycle or motor driven bicycle, as a
passenger, nor permit such vehicle to be operated by a person who does not have in his
possession a valid license to operate a lightweight motorcycle or a motor driven bicycle.
Page 15-80
Traffic and Vehicles
CHAPTER 14
IMPOUNDMENT OF VEHICLES
Section 15-1401 Definitions
Section 15-1402 Purpose and Effect of Removal and Impoundment Provisions
Section 15-1403 Authority to Impound Vehicles
Section 15-1404 Vehicles on Bridge
Section 15-1405 Arrest and Detention of Driver of Vehicle
Section 15-1406 Illegal Trespass by Vehicle
Section 15-1407 Vehicles Parked Overtime
Section 15-1408 Vehicles Blocking Fire Exits or Hydrants
Section 15-1409 Vehicles Parked in Intersection
Section 15-1410 Recovered Stolen Vehicles
Section 15-1411 Motor Vehicle Collisions
Section 15-1412 Vehicles not Bearing or Displaying Proper License Plate
Section 15-1413 Impoundment of Vehicles for Evidence
Section 15-1414 Seizure and Forfeiture of Vehicles used in Crime
Section 15-1415 Abandoned, Junked Vehicles Prohibited
Section 15-1416 Abandoned, Junked Vehicles Considered a Nuisance
Section 15-1417 Vehicles Obstructing Traffic or Highly Susceptible to Damage
Section 15-1418 Abandoned Vehicles on Public Property
Section 15-1419 Removal of Dismantled, Junked, Abandoned or Inoperable Vehicles
Located on Private Property
Section 15-1420 Place of Impoundment
Section 15-1421 Notice of Removal
Section 15-1422 Payment of Cost of Removal and Storage
Section 15-1423 Contesting Validity of Removal or Storage
Section 15-1424 Penalty
SECTION 15-1401 DEFINITIONS
The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of this chapter:
1. “Dismantled, junked, abandoned or inoperable vehicles” shall include a vehicle
missing a major part(s) that render it inoperable. Missing part(s) include, but are not limited to
bodies, engines, transmissions, frames, rear ends, old tires, wheels and upholstering.
2. “Lienholder” means those lienholders as shown on the vehicle title;
3. “Person” means any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation,
company or organization of any kind;
4. “Private Property” means any real property in the city which is not public
property;
5. “Public Property” means any property owned or controlled in the city limits by
the City of Owasso, Tulsa County, Rogers County, the State of Oklahoma or the United States
Government, and shall include all streets and highways; and
6. “Vehicle” means any device in, upon or by which any person or property is or
may be transported or drawn upon a highway and shall include without limitation any
automobile, truck, trailer, motorcycle, boat, personal water craft, travel trailer, tractor, buggy,
wagon, or self-propelled farm or construction equipment.
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7. “Impoundment” means the physical removal of a vehicle to a designated
impound lot or other place of safekeeping designated by the city.
(Prior Code Sec. 8-401; Ord. No. 895, 6/19/07)
SECTION 15-1402 PURPOSE AND EFFECT OF REMOVAL AND IMPOUNDMENT PROVISIONS
The impoundment of vehicles under authority of the provisions of this chapter shall be
construed as an enforcement procedure for protection of the public peace, health, safety
and welfare, and the safeguarding of property, and shall be used generally for the prevention
and removal of traffic hazards, prevention and abatement of public nuisances, protection of
the public rights in the use of streets and thoroughfares from obstructions placed and left in
derogation of those rights, and for safeguarding and protecting recovered stolen vehicles.
(Ord. No. 895, 6/19/07)
State Law Reference: Grounds for removal of vehicles on highways by state, 47 O.S.
Section 955; removal of vehicles on private property, 47 O.S. Section 954A.
SECTION 15-1403 AUTHORITY TO IMPOUND VEHICLES
Police officers and code enforcement officers of the city are hereby authorized within the limits
set forth in this chapter and Oklahoma Statutes to impound vehicles under the circumstances
hereinafter enumerated. No impoundment shall be valid unless made under order of an
authorized police officer or code enforcement officer. (Ord. No. 895, 6/19/07)
SECTION 15-1404 VEHICLES ON BRIDGE
An unattended vehicle left upon any bridge, viaduct or causeway or in any tube or tunnel,
where the vehicle constitutes an obstruction to traffic or hazard, may be impounded. (Ord.
No. 895, 6/19/07)
SECTION 15-1405 ARREST AND DETENTION OF DRIVER OF VEHICLE
Whenever the driver of a vehicle is placed under arrest and is taken into custody by police
under circumstances which leaves or will leave a vehicle unattended on any street, highway,
or private property not belonging to, leased by, or rented by the driver, the vehicle will be
impounded. If the driver is conscious and appears mentally capable of giving consent, the
officer will give the driver the option releasing control of the vehicle to a licensed driver who is
present at the time of arrest/detention or who can be summoned to the vehicle’s location in a
time that does not unnecessarily delay the officer. (Ord. No. 895, 6/19/07)
SECTION 15-1406 ILLEGAL TRESPASS BY VEHICLE
A. An unattended vehicle found to be in violation of this code may be impounded
when the required complaint has been properly made and filed as provided in this section.
B. If a violation of the provisions of this code occurs, the owner or legal occupant
who complains shall sign a complaint against the person parking the vehicle on the owner’s or
legal occupant’s property, or if the identity of the person parking the vehicle is unknown, then
the complaint may be filed against the registered owner of the vehicle. The complaint shall be
verified and shall allege that the complaining party is the owner or legal occupant of the
property upon which the vehicle is parked or standing.
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Traffic and Vehicles
C. Upon filing of the complaint by the property owner or legal occupant, and if
there appears to be reasonable cause to believe the provisions of this code have been
violated, the police department or code enforcement officer shall cause the vehicle to be
impounded from the property and placed in storage.
D. In addition to the procedure provided in this section, whenever the owner or
legal possessor of real property or an authorized agent has reasonable cause to believe that a
vehicle has been abandoned thereon, said vehicle having been on said property for a
minimum of forty-eight (48) hours, or whenever a vehicle is left upon said real property without
express or implied permission, such vehicle may be removed as provided in this section.
E. The owner, legal possessor or authorized agent may request any licensed
wrecker or towing service within the county wherein the real property is located to remove the
abandoned vehicle from the premises by signing a Tow Request and Authorization Form
prescribed by the Department of Public Safety and furnished to licensed wrecker as provided
in Oklahoma Statutes.
(Ord. No. 895, 6/19/07)
State Law Reference: Removal of abandoned vehicles on private property, state
procedure, 47 O.S. Section 954A.
SECTION 15-1407 VEHICLES PARKED OVERTIME
Any unattended vehicle which has been parked for more than one hour in excess of the time
allowed by posted signage for parking on public property shall be impounded. (Ord. No. 895,
6/19/07)
SECTION 15-1408 VEHICLES BLOCKING FIRE EXITS OR HYDRANTS
Any vehicle illegally parked in such a manner that it blocks a fire escape ladder, device or exit,
blocks ready access to a fire hydrant or is left unattended in a fire lane shall be impounded.
(Ord. No. 895, 6/19/07)
SECTION 15-1409 VEHICLES PARKED IN INTERSECTION
Any unattended vehicle illegally parked in any street intersection shall be impounded. A
disabled vehicle in an intersection with the person in charge of the vehicle being present, shall
be moved out of the intersection and to the nearest available legal parking space at the
street curbing. (Ord. No. 895, 6/19/07)
SECTION 15-1410 RECOVERED STOLEN VEHICLES
A. Whenever a stolen vehicle is located by police, efforts to contact the owner of
the vehicle will be made. If the registered owner is identified, located and notified of the
recovery of the stolen vehicle, the owner shall be given the right to make his own arrangement
for the removal of the vehicle within a reasonable amount of time from the time he is actually
notified of its recovery. If the owner or his or her agent cannot be contacted in a reasonable
amount of time or is contacted but is unable or unwilling to effect the removal within a
reasonable amount of time, the vehicle may be impounded.
B. If a stolen vehicle is located by police and the registered owner cannot be
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Traffic and Vehicles
contacted, the registered owner cannot be determined from the registration papers or other
identifying media in the vehicle or from records or information available from reports of stolen
cars, the vehicle poses a safety risk, or the vehicle was used in the commission of a crime and it
is necessary to collect evidence, the vehicle may be removed by the next available licensed
wrecker or towing service on call rotation and moved to their designated impound lot or other
place of safekeeping designated by the city. The registered owner of the vehicle shall be
notified of the location of the place of impoundment as soon as possible by the police
department.
(Ord. No. 895, 6/19/07)
SECTION 15-1411 MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISIONS
A. Vehicles may be impounded if the vehicle is needed for purposes of the
investigation following a vehicle collision involving serious personal injury or death.
B.Following motor vehicle collisions, a police officer may request impoundment
when the operator is unable or unwilling to take charge of the vehicle and the vehicle cannot
be legally parked and sufficiently secured at the scene, or there is property in or attached to
the vehicle that cannot be sufficiently secured at the scene or placed in the custody of a
responsible party.
(Ord. No. 895, 6/19/07)
SECTION 15-1412 VEHICLES NOT BEARING OR DISPLAYING PROPER LICENSE PLATE
After ninety (90) days from the expiration date for annual registration of a vehicle, police
officers may seize and take into custody every vehicle owned within this state not bearing or
displaying a proper license plate required by the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration
Act. The vehicle shall not be released to the owner until it is duly registered and the license,
registration, or title fee and penalties due are paid in full, proof of security or an affidavit that
the vehicle will not be used on public highways or public streets, as required by Oklahoma
Statutes, is furnished, and the cost of seizure, including the reasonable cost of taking the
vehicle into custody and storing the vehicle have been paid. (Ord. No. 895, 6/19/07)
State Law Reference: Duty to seize vehicles not bearing or displaying proper license
plate, 47 O.S. Section 1115.1.
SECTION 15-1413 IMPOUNDMENT OF VEHICLES FOR EVIDENCE
A. Any vehicle may be impounded if there is probable cause that the vehicle was
used as an instrument in a crime and the vehicle is needed as evidence of the crime, or the
vehicle contains evidence of a crime that cannot be processed at the scene and must be
secured to ensure evidentiary integrity.
B.A hold may be placed on any vehicle impounded for evidence for forty-eight
(48) hours. Holds needed beyond the forty-eight (48) hour time period require that a written
request be made to the licensed wrecker or towing service to extend the hold. Only a police
supervisor can authorize a hold on a vehicle for evidence.
(Ord. No. 895, 6/19/07)
SECTION 15-1414 SEIZURE AND FORFEITURE OF VEHICLES USED IN CRIME
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Traffic and Vehicles
A. Any police officer of the city is authorized to seize any vehicle owned by or
registered to the defendant used in the commission of any armed robbery offense, as defined
in Oklahoma Statutes, or any vehicle owned by or registered to the defendant when such
vehicle is used to facilitate the intentional discharge of any kind of firearm, as defined in
Oklahoma Statutes, or any vehicle, airplane, vessel, vehicles or parts of vehicles whose
numbers have been removed, altered or obliterated so as to prevent determination of the true
identity or ownership of said property and parts of vehicles which probable cause indicates
are stolen but whose true ownership cannot be determined, or any vehicle owned by or
registered to the defendant used in violation of the Trademark Anti-Counterfeiting Act, or any
equipment owned by or registered to the defendant which is used in the attempt or
commission of any act of burglary in the first or second degree, motor vehicle theft,
unauthorized use of a vehicle, obliteration of distinguishing numbers on vehicles or criminal
possession of vehicles with altered, removed or obliterated numbers as defined in Oklahoma
Statutes, or any vehicle, airplane or vessel owned by or registered to the defendant used in the
commission of any arson offense defined in Oklahoma Statutes. Said property may be held as
evidence until a forfeiture has been declared or a release ordered. Forfeiture actions under
this section may be brought by the district attorney in the proper county of venue as petitioner;
provided, in the event the district attorney elects not to file such action, or fails to file such
action within ninety (90) days of the date of the seizure of such equipment, the property shall
be returned to the owner.
B. In addition to the provisions of subsection A of this section, vehicles may be
seized for any other reason allowed in Oklahoma Statutes.
(Ord. No. 895, 6/19/07)
State Law Reference: Seizure and forfeiture of vehicles, airplanes, and other property
used in crime - procedure, 47 O.S. Section 1738.
SECTION 15-1415 ABANDONED, JUNKED VEHICLES PROHIBITED
No person shall deposit, store, keep or permit to be deposited, stored or kept in the open upon
public or private property a dismantled, unserviceable, inoperable, junked or abandoned
vehicle or parts thereof or any vehicle legally or physically incapable of being operated for a
period exceeding forty-eight (48) hours unless such vehicle, or parts thereof, is completely
enclosed within a building, or stored in connection with a business lawfully established pursuant
to the zoning ordinances of the city, or stored on property lawfully designated under the
zoning ordinances of the city as a place where such vehicles may be stored. (Ord. No. 895,
6/19/07)
SECTION 15-1416 ABANDONED, JUNKED VEHICLES CONSIDERED A NUISANCE
The accumulation or storage of one or more dismantled, junked, abandoned, inoperable or
unserviceable vehicles or parts thereof shall constitute a nuisance detrimental to the health,
safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the city. It is the duty of the owner of such vehicles or
parts thereof, or the owner of the private property, lessee or other person in possession or
control of the property upon which such vehicle is located to remove the vehicle from such
property or have the vehicle housed in a building where it will not be visible from the street or
other private property. (Ord. No. 895, 6/19/07)
SECTION 15-1417 VEHICLES OBSTRUCTING TRAFFIC OR HIGHLY SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMAGE
If a police officer of the city or the code enforcement officer of the city has reasonable cause
Page 15-85
Traffic and Vehicles
to believe that a vehicle has been abandoned in a location which would be hazardous to the
free flow of traffic, such officer shall have the authority to remove or direct the removal of the
vehicle immediately. At the time of ordering the removal of the abandoned vehicle, the
authorizing officer shall also determine the sale value of the vehicle and certify that amount on
the removal order. (Ord. No. 895, 6/19/07)
State Law Reference: Authorization to remove abandoned vehicle, 47 O.S. Section 902.
SECTION 15-1418 ABANDONED VEHICLES ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
Any police officer of the city or code enforcement officer of the city shall have the authority to
remove or direct the removal of an abandoned, dismantled, junked or inoperable vehicle
when same is found upon any portion of the highway, shoulder, right-of-way, or other public
property, if after a period of forty-eight (48) hours from the time of posting of notification on the
vehicle directing removal of same, there is no evidence of an apparent owner who intends to
remove the vehicle. (Ord. No. 895, 6/19/07)
SECTION 15-1419 REMOVAL OF DISMANTLED, JUNKED, ABANDONED OR INOPERABLE
VEHICLES LOCATED ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
A. Any police officer of the city or code enforcement officer of the city, shall, under
the circumstances hereinafter set forth, have the authority to remove or direct the removal of a
dismantled, junked, abandoned or inoperable vehicle when same is found upon private
property within the corporate limits of the city.
B. The police officer or code enforcement officer, as may be designated by the
city manager, shall notify the owner, as evidenced by the records of the State Department of
Public Safety, of such abandoned, junked, unserviceable, inoperable or dismantled vehicle,
either by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by personal service, or by attaching a
copy of the notice in a conspicuous place on the property to be removed, and if there be a
building located on the property, by attaching a copy of the notice to the main entranceway
of the building in a conspicuous place thereon. Notice may also be given by service of same
on a person in possession or control of the property as owner, lessee, custodian or licensee
over the age of fifteen (15) years or upon the member of any household fifteen (15) years of
age or older. The notice shall contain the following information:
1. The nuisance must be abated within forty-eight (48) hours after receipt of
notice by certified mail or within forty-eight (48) hours of posting of notice or upon
personal service as hereinbefore provided;
2. The owner or person having control of the property upon which the
nuisance is located may, within the forty-eight (48) hour period provided for in the
notice for removal, request, in writing, directed to the code enforcement officer of the
city, a hearing before the city council of the city;
3. The failure to request a hearing within the time period shall cause an
abatement order to be issued and the same shall be removed by the proper city
authorities and all charges incidental and necessary to the removal thereof shall be
charged to the owner or the person having control of the property;
4. If a hearing as above provided is requested within the time provided, a
hearing shall be set before the city council not less than (5) days nor more than (15)
days from the request. At such hearing the owner may appear and protest and show
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Traffic and Vehicles
cause why such abatement order should not be issued; and
5. If the city council determines a nuisance exists and if the city council
orders an abatement after the hearing provided herein, the same shall be removed by
the city at the cost of the owner or the person having control of the property upon
which the nuisance is located; provided, the city shall allow the owner or person having
control thereof seventy-two (72) hours after such order within which to abate the
nuisance.
C. Upon failure of the owner of the vehicle or the owner, lessee or person having
control of the property on which the vehicle is located to request a hearing within the time
provided as provided in the preceding subsection, or to remove the vehicle or to place it in an
enclosed building, the city shall have the right to abate the nuisance forthwith without further
notice or time being given.
D. If such owner, lessee or person in control of the property requests a hearing
within the time provided and appears to protest at the hearing provided and is ordered to
abate such nuisance at the hearing, then such owner, lessee or person having control of the
property shall abate same within seventy-two (72) hours of the ruling.
E. The city manager, if same is not abated within seventy-two (72) hours of the
order of abatement, shall direct the code enforcement officer, to cause the removal and
abatement of such nuisance and reasonable costs and charges for the removal of the
nuisance shall be charged to the owner, lessee or person in control of the property upon which
the vehicle is located.
F. The owner of any vehicle so removed may regain possession thereof by making
application to the code enforcement officer within thirty (30) days after removal and upon
payment to the city all reasonable costs of removal and storage which shall have accrued to
such vehicle. If the vehicle is not so reclaimed within thirty (30) days, it may be sold without
further notice in a reasonably commercial manner. After payment of towing and storage
costs, all funds remaining shall become the property of the city.
(Ord. No. 895, 6/19/07)
SECTION 15-1420 PLACE OF IMPOUNDMENT
Vehicles that are impounded under the provisions of this chapter shall routinely be removed by
the next available licensed wrecker or towing service on call rotation to their designated
impound lot or other place of safekeeping designated by the city. Exigent circumstances;
however, may require removal and storage of the vehicle by other means. (Ord. No. 895,
6/19/07)
SECTION 15-1421 NOTICE OF REMOVAL
Any such officer who has removed or directed the removal of any vehicle, or an authorized
person within the police department, shall within seventy-two (72) hours of such removal notify
the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety of such removal. The notice of removal shall
contain the name and address of the owner, if known, the make, model, vehicle identification
number, registration number, date stored, place stored and the officer’s estimated value.
Upon receipt of such notice of removal, the Department of Public Safety is required by
Oklahoma Statute to send a notice to the owner and any lienholder by regular mail, postage
prepaid, at the addresses furnished by the Tax Commission or motor license agent, of the
Page 15-87
Traffic and Vehicles
vehicle’s location. (Ord. No. 895, 6/19/07)
State Law Reference: Notice of removal – civil liability, 47 O.S. Section 903.
SECTION 15-1422 PAYMENT OF COST OF REMOVAL AND STORAGE
The owner of a motor vehicle or lienholder of the vehicle in violation of the provisions of this
chapter, or the owner of any vehicle or lienholder of the vehicle or insurer accepting liability
for paying a claim on a vehicle or purchasing the vehicle as a total loss vehicle from the
registered owner which shall have been lawfully removed from any highway or other public
property may regain possession of the vehicle in accordance with regulations of the
Oklahoma Department of Public Safety upon payment of the reasonable cost of removal and
storage of such vehicle to the licensed wrecker or towing service. The licensed wrecker or
towing service is authorized to collect all lawful fees from the owner, lienholder that seeks
possession of a vehicle under a security interest, agent, or insurer accepting liability for paying
the claim for a vehicle or purchasing the vehicle as a total loss vehicle from the registered
owner of the towed vehicle for the performance of any and all such services. The licensed
wrecker or towing service shall release the vehicle from storage upon authorization from the
owner, agent or lienholder of the vehicle or in the case of a total loss, the insurer accepting
liability for paying the claim on the vehicle or purchasing the vehicle where the vehicle is to be
moved to an insurance pool yard for sale. (Ord. No. 895, 6/19/07)
State Law Reference: Payment of cost of removal and storage, 47 O.S. Section 904.
SECTION 15-1423 CONTESTING VALIDITY OF REMOVAL OR STORAGE
A. After the removal or storage of any abandoned or wrecked vehicle at the
request of a police officer or code enforcement officer of the city, the registered or legal
owner of the vehicle, or their agent, may contest the validity of the removal or storage, by
filing a written request for a hearing with the city manager. The written request may be filed
before or after the vehicle is retrieved from the storage operator. Provided, however, the city
shall not be required to conduct a hearing if the request is received more than ten (10) days
following actual or constructive notice to the owner or driver of the vehicle that said vehicle
has been so removed or stored. Any such hearing shall be scheduled within seventy-two (72)
hours of the request, excluding weekends and holidays. The city may authorize its own officer
or employee to conduct the hearing, so long as the hearing officer is not the same person who
directed the removal or storage of the vehicle. The city may, with the consent of the person
requesting the hearing, schedule the hearing by telephone and conduct the hearing on the
merits by telephone conference call.
B. The hearing officer shall apply the law to the evidence and make a
determination whether the vehicle removal and storage was justified. If deemed unjustified,
the city shall bear the cost of hookup and tow mileage, and the licensed wrecker or tow
service shall waive all storage costs in such cases as a condition of eligibility to respond to a
service call request from the city. The vehicle owner or agent shall not be charged any type of
fee or costs relating to impoundment or storage in such case. If the tow and storage is
deemed justified, the owner or agent shall bear the cost of reasonable tow and storage. In
either case, prior to the release of the vehicle to the owner or agent, proof of security or an
affidavit that the vehicle will not be used on public highways or public streets shall be furnished
to the city.
C. Failure of either the registered or legal owner, or their agent, to timely request or
to timely appear upon a scheduled hearing shall satisfy the hearing requirements in this
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Traffic and Vehicles
section.
D. The hearing conducted by the city pursuant to this section shall not be
governed by the Administrative Procedures Act, Section 301 et seq. of Title 75 of the Oklahoma
Statutes. The owner of a stored vehicle may, either in lieu of such hearing or after such
hearing, file a petition in the district court of the county wherein the vehicle is stored. The
district court is vested with original jurisdiction to conduct a de novo hearing and determine
the validity of removal and storage.
E. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the removal of vehicles abated
pursuant to Section 954A of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
(Ord. No. 895, 6/19/07)
State Law Reference: Contesting validity or removal or storage – request for hearing, 47
O.S. Section 903A.
SECTION 15-1424 PENALTY
Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall, upon
conviction thereof, be punished as provided in Section 1-108 of this code. (Ord. No. 895,
6/19/07)
Page 15-89
Traffic and Vehicles
CHAPTER 15
PENALTIES
Section 15-1501 Obedience to Traffic Code
Section 15-1502 Penalties
SECTION 15-1501 OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CODE
A. It is an offense against the city for any person to do any act forbidden or to fail to
perform any act required by this chapter.
B. It is an offense against the city for the parent of any child or for the guardian of any
ward to authorize or knowingly permit any such child or ward to violate any of the provisions of
this chapter.
C. It is an offense for any person to authorize or knowingly to permit any vehicle
registered in his or her name to be driven or to stand or to be parked in violation of any of the
provisions of this part.
SECTION 15-1502 PENALTIES
Every person violating any of the provisions of this part containing the traffic laws of the city
shall be guilty of an offense and upon conviction thereof shall be fined or punished as
provided in Section 1-108 of this code.
Page 15-90
Traffic and Vehicles
CHAPTER 16
SKATEBOARDS
Section 15-1601 Definitions
Section 15-1602 Rules of the Road
Section 15-1603 Parental Responsibilities
Section 15-1604 Compliance with Other Laws
Section 15-1605 Violations and Penalties
SECTION 15-1601 DEFINITIONS
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
“Private Property” means property that belongs to an individual person, company,
corporation or interest; any property that is not included within the public rights of way.
“Roadway” means that portion of the highway designed or ordinarily used for vehicular
travel, excluding sidewalks.
“Sidewalk” is that portion of the highway designated or ordinarily used for pedestrian
travel.
“Skateboard” is a single platform mounted on wheels, which are propelled solely by
human power and which has no mechanisms or other device with which to steer or to control
the movement or direction of the platform.
“Vehicle” is every device, excluding skateboards, wagons, wheelchairs, unicycles,
pushcarts, tricycles and other children’s toys, in, upon or by which any person or property is or
may be transported or drawn upon a roadway or sidewalk.
SECTION 15-1602 RULES OF THE ROAD
A. No person shall ride a skateboard upon any sidewalk, park, school yard or any
public place not designated for such purpose or on any roadway so as to obstruct pedestrian
traffic or endanger another person’s safety, or ride a skateboard on any highway, street or
roadway in such a manner so as to impede the normal flow of vehicular traffic.
B. No person shall let a skateboard stand upon any sidewalk, park, path, roadway or
any public place where it is an obstruction or hazard to pedestrians.
C. No person shall ride a skateboard onto or from any bench, chair, flower box,
retaining wall, stairway or other public accessory or structure not intended for pedestrian foot
traffic, or intended only for pedestrian foot traffic.
D. No person shall ride a skateboard on private property that is zoned for commercial,
industrial, multi-family, or office use in the City of Owasso unless such act is expressly allowed by
the owner thereof. In order for this act to be lawful, the private property owner must have first
filed with the Chief of Police, upon such forms as are to be provided by the Chief of Police, a
written declaration that skateboarding upon such owner’s private property is expressly
allowed, together with such other information reasonably pertaining thereto that the Chief of
Police may require.
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Traffic and Vehicles
E. No person shall operate or ride a skateboard on any roadway where the volume or
speed of the vehicular traffic or the width of the roadway renders the roadway unsafe or
unsuitable for skateboarding.
F. Skateboarding operators on sidewalks and roadways shall yield the right-of-way to
all vehicles and all other pedestrian (non-skateboard) traffic upon the sidewalk and roadway.
G. No person shall ride a skateboard on any designated public area for riding
skateboards in the City of Owasso after dark unless said public areas are fully illuminated by
public utilities.
SECTION 15-1603 PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES
It shall be unlawful for every parent, guardian, or other adult person having the care and
custody of any minor child under 18 years of age to knowingly permit such a minor child to
violate any provision of this chapter. A violation of this chapter shall be punished by a fine of
not more than $50.00.
SECTION 15-1604 COMPLIANCE WITH OTHER LAWS
No person shall operate a skateboard on any roadway or public alley in the City of Owasso in
violation of any traffic ordinance of the City of Owasso or the law of the State of Oklahoma.
SECTION 15-1605 VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES
Every person convicted of violation of any provision of this chapter shall be punished by a fine
of not more than $50.00 and shall be ordered to pay restitution should any damage or injury
have resulted from the act giving rise to the violation of this chapter.
(Ord. No. 765, 9/02/03)
Page 15-92