Ordinance No. 607i ORDINANCE N0. (n 0
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN,
TEXAS, TO BE KNOWN AS THE "TRAFFIC CODE OF THE CITY OF
BAYTOWN;" REGULATING TRAFFIC ON THE PUBLIC STREETS OF
THE CITY OF BAYTOWN; WORDS AND PHRASES DEFINED; AUTHOR-
ITY OF POLICE; DRIVING REGULATIONS - SPEED; DRIVING RE-
GULATIONS - RULES OF THE ROAD; TURNING AND STARTING AND
SIGNALS ON STOPPING AND TURNING; ACCIDENTS, RECKLESS
DRIVING, 'STARTING PARKED VEHICLES; TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN
SIGNALS; PEDESTRIANS' RIGHTS AND DUTIES; PARKING REGULA-
TIONS; SPECIAL STOPS REQUIRED; MISCELLANEOUS DRIVING
RULES; REPEALING ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; CONTAIN-
ING A SAVINGS CLAUSE, PRESCRIBING A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF
TWO HUNDRED ($200.00) DOLLARS; AND PROVIDING FOR THE PUB-
LICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
• ARTICLE I: WORDS AND PHRASES DEFINED.
Section 1: (a) Definition of words and phrases.
The following words and phrases when used in this ordinance shall for the
purpose of this ordinance have the meaning respectively ascribed to them in
this article.
(b) Whenever any words and phrases used in this ordinance are not defined
herein but are defined in the State laws regulating the operation of vehicles,
any such definition therein shall be deemed to apply to such words and phrases
used herein.
SUBDIVISION I: VEHICLES, TRAFFIC, ETC.,
DEFINED.
Section 2: (a) Vehicle: Every device in, upon, or by which any person
or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, except devices
moved by human power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.
(b) Motor Vehicle: _Every vehicle which is selfpropelled and every ve-
hicle which is propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires,
but not operated upon rails.
(c) Authorized Emergency Vehicle: Vehicles of the Fire Department, police
vehicles, and such ambulances and emergency vehicles of municipal departments,
or public service corporations, as are designated by the Governing Body of the
City of Baytown.
Section 3: (a) Bicycle: Every device propelled by human power upon
which any person may ride having two tandem wheels either of which is over 20,
inches in diameter, and including any device generally recognized as a bicycle
though equipped with two front or two rear wheels.
(b) Motorcycle: Every motor vehicle having a saddle for the use of the
rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the
ground, but excluding a tractor.
Section 4: (a) Railroad; A carrier of persons or property upon cars,
other than street cars, operated upon stationary rails.
(b) Railroad Train: it steam engine, electric or other motor, with or
is
without cars coupled thereto, operated upon rails, except street cars.
Section 5: Traffic: Pedestrian, ridden or herded animals, vehicles, and
other conveyances either singly or together while using any street for purpose
of travel.
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Section 6: Right -Of -Way: The privilege of the immediate use of the road-
way.
Section 7: (a) Stop: When required means complete cessation of movement.
(b) Stop, 122ging or Standing: When prohibited means any stopping or
standing of a vehicle whether occupied or not, except when necessary to avoid con-
flict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a police officer
or traffic -control sign or signal.
(c) Park: When prohibited means the standing of a vehicle, whether occu-
pied or not, otherwise than temporarily for the purpose of and while actually en-
gaged in loading or unloading.
Section 6: Official Time Standard: Whenever certain hours are named here-
in they shall mean standard time or daylight-saving time as may be in current use
in this City.
SUBDIVISION II. - PERSONS ETC. DEFINED
Section 9: (a) Persons: Every natural person, firm, co -partnership,
association, or corporation.
(b) Driver: Every person who drives or is in actual physical control of
a vehicle.
(c) Pedestrian: Any person afoot.
Section 10: (a) Police Officer: Every officer of the municipal depart-
ment or any other officer authorized to direct or regulate traffic or to make ar-
rests for violations of traffic regulations.
SUBDIVISION III. - STREETS ETC., DEFINED
Section 11: (a) Street or Highway: The entire width between the boundary
lines of every way publicly maintained when, any part thereof is open to the use
of the public for purposes of vehicular travel.
(b) Private Road or Driveway: Every way or place in private ownership and
used for vehicular travel by the owner and those having express or implied permis-
sion from the owner, but not by other persons.
(c) Roadwa : That portion of a street or highway improved, designed, or
ordinarily used for vehicular travel. In the event a highway includes two or
more separate roadways the term "roadway" as used herein shall refer to any such
roadway separately but not to all such roadways collectively.
(d) Sidewalri: That portion of a street between the curb lines, or the la-
teral lines of a roadway, and the adjacent property lines intended for the use of
pedestrians.
Section 12: 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 roadways of two highways which join one another at or approximately
at right angles, or the area within which vehicles traveling upon different high-
ways joining at any other angle may come in conflict.
(b) Where a highway includes two roadways thirty (30') feet or more apart,
then every crossing of each roadway of such divided highway by an intersecting
highway shall be regarded as a separate intersection. In the event such inter-
secting highway also includes two roadways thirty (30') feat or more apart, then
every crossing of two roadways of such highways shall be regarded as a separate
intersection.
Section 13: Crosswalk: (a) That part of a roadway at an intersection in-
cluded within the connections of the lateral lines of the sidewalks on opposite
sides of the highway measured from the curbs, or in the absence of curbs from the
edges of the traversable roadway.
0 (b) any portion of a roadway at an intersection or elsewhere distinctly
indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface.
Section 14: (a) Safety Zone: The area or space officially set apart with-
in a roadway for the exclusive 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.
(b) Passenger Loading Zone: A space adjacent to a curb reserved for the
exclusive use of vehicles doing the loading or unloading of passengers.
(c) Loading Zone: A space adjacent to a curb reserved for the exclusive
use of vehicles doing the loading or unloading of passengers or materials. .
Section 15: (a) Official Traffic -Control Devices: All signs, signals,
markings, and devices not 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.
(b) Traffic -Control Signal; Any device, whether manually, electrically,
or mechanically operated, by which traffic is alternately directed to stop and
• to proceed.
(c) Traffic Control Si in or Device: All signs, signals, markings, and
devices not inconsistent with this ordinance placed or erected by authority of
the City Council of the City of Baytown for the purpose of regulating, warning
or guiding traffic.
ARTICLE II: - AUTHORITY OF POLICE
Section 16: Police to Direct Traffic: It shall be the duty of the Police
Department of this City to enforce the provisions of this ordinance. Officers
of the Police Department are hereby authorized to direct all traffic, either in
person or by means of visible and/or audible signals in conformance with the pro-
visions of this ordinance, providing that in the event of a fire or other emer-
gency or to expedite traffic or safeguard pedestrians, officers of the Police
Department or Fire Department may direct traffic, as conditions may require, not-
withstanding the provisions of this ordinance.
Section 17: The City Council authorized to Adopt Emtr9pncy and Other Re-
gulations: The City Council is hereby empowered by resolution to make and en-
force regulations necessary to make effective the provisions of this ordinance
and to make and enforce temporary regulations to cover emergency or special con-
ditions.
Section 18: Obedience to Police Officers: No person shall willfully fail
or refuse -to comply with any lawful order or direction of any police officer in-
vested by law with authority to direct, control or regulate traffic.
Section 19: Public Officers and Employees to Obe Ordinance - Exception:
(a) The provisions of this ordinance applicable to the drivers of vehicle.
upon the highways and streets shall apply to the drivers of all vehicles owned
or operated by the United States, this State or any County, City, Town, District
or any other political subdivision of this State, subject to such specific excep.
tions as may be set forth in this ordinance.
Section 20: Traffic Laws Apply to Persons Pror)ellinci Push Carts Persons
Riding Animals Persons Riding Bic Iles Persons Driving Animal Drawn Vehicles:
Every person propelling any push cart, riding animals, riding a bicycle, or driv
ing any animal. drawn vehicle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights
and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle
by this ordinance, except those provisions of this ordinance which by their very
nature can have no application.
Section 21: Use of Coasters Roller Skates and Similar Devices Restrictec
No person upon roller skates or riding in or by means of any coaster, toy vehic
or similar device shall go upon any roadway except -while crossing a street on a
crosswalk and when so crossing such person shall be granted all of the rights ar
shall be 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 ordinance of this City.
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ARTICLE III. - DRIVING RE.GUDITION - SPEED
Section 22: Upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation
heretofore made as authorized by the provisions of Section 8 of Article
827a, Vernon's Texas Penal Code, the maximum speed limits for all motor
vehicles (except emergency vehicles) shall be 30 miles per hour except as
follows:
(a) 35 miles Per Hour Speed Zones:
(1) On Highway 146 from a point 200 feet South of the intersection
of South Alexander Drive wi-th"Highway 146 to Davis Road.
(2) Missouri Street from Utah Street to Spur 201.
(3) On Kilgore Rcad-from East James Street - North to Cedar Avenue.
(4) ,lest Texas Avenue Extension from Price Street - West to Air -
hart Drive.
(5) Cedar Bayou Road from North plain Street to McKinney Road.
(b) 40 utiles Per Hour Speed Zones:
(1) South Alexander Drive - from the intersection of South Main
Street to the intersection of Highway 116.
(2) west Alain Street from Spur 201 to Xupon Street.
(3) Market Street (300 Feet -,lest of Traffic Circle) to Stadium
Drive.
(4) On Market Street from Goose Creek Bridge to a Point .3 of a
mile from intersection of Alarket and West blain.
(5) Airhart Drive - from Woodruff Street to Lynchburg Road.
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(6)
Decker Drive
- from Fleetwood
Drive
west
to Airhart Drive.
(7)
East James -
from Bayou Drive
- ',lest
to
10th Street.
(8) Park Street - from Garth Road- TIest to the intersection of
Decker Drive.
(9) Highway 146 - from Davis Road to Cedar Bayou Road.
(c) 45 Miles Per Hour Speed Zones:
(1) Highway 146 - from Cedar Bayou Road North to the City Limits.
(2) Spur 201 - from Highway 146 to Meat train Street.
(3) Bayway Drive - 500 feet ,4est of Avenue L west to City Limits.
(4) Ward Road and Davis Road - from Kilgore Road to Highway 146.
16 (5) Bob Smith Road - from North Main Street to McKinney Road.
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0 (d) 50 Miles Per Hour Seed Zones:
(1) Highway 146 - from the City Limits - North of Baytown -LaPorte
Tunnel to within 200 feet of the intersection of highway 146 and South
Alexander Drive.
(2) On Decker Drive - From Airhart Drive 111est to the City Limits.
A 20 mile per hour speed limit is established on all streets adjacent
to public schools unless otherwise designated.
Section 23: It shall be illegal for any person to "Jay-11alk" upon any
street in a business area. "Business Area" shall mean and include business
districts as defined in the State Uniform Traffic Code.
ARTICLE IV. - DRIVING REGULATIONS: RULES OF THE ROAD
Section 24: Drive on Right Side of Roadway: Exception: Upon all roadways
is the driver of a vehicle shall drive upon the right half of the roadway, ex-
cept as follows:
1. When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same
direction under the rules governing such movement;
2. 17hen the right half of a roadway is closed to traffic while under
construction or repair;
3. Upon a roadway divided into three (3) marked lanes for traffic under
the rules applicable thereon; or
4. Upon a roadway designated and signposted for one-way traffic.
Section 25: Passing Vehicles Proceeding in _Opposite Directions: Drivers
of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions shall pass each other to the
right and upon the roadways having width for not more than one line of traffic
in each direction each driver shall give to the other at least one-half (2)
of the main travelled portion of the roadway as nearly as possible.
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Section 26: Overtaking a Vehicle on the Left: The following rules shall
govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction,
subject to those limitations, exceptions and special rules hereinafter stated:
(a) 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 over-
taken vehicle.
(b) Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the
driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give away 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.
Section 27: .']hen Overtaking on the Right is Permitted:
2. Upon a one-way street, or upon any roadway on which traffic is re-
stricted to one direction of movement, whether the roadway is free from ob-
struction and of sufficient width for two (2) or more line of moving vehicles.
(a)
The driver of a
vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of
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another
vehicle only under
the following conditions:.
1.
When the vehicle
overtaken is making or about to make a left turn;
2. Upon a one-way street, or upon any roadway on which traffic is re-
stricted to one direction of movement, whether the roadway is free from ob-
struction and of sufficient width for two (2) or more line of moving vehicles.
am
(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.
Section 28: Limitations On Overtaking on the heft: No vehicle shall be
driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and pass-
ing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless such left side is
clearly visible, and is free of oncoming traffic for sufficient distance ahead
to permit such overtaking and passing to be completely made without inter-
ferring 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
(1001) feet of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.
Section 29: urther Limitations on Driving to Left of Center of Roadway:
(a) No vehicle shall at any time be driven to the lett side of the road-
way under the following conditions:
1. ['mere sight restriction is such that the section of highway being
traversed lies within no -passing zone as determined and marked in accordance
with Section 30.
2. When approaching within one hundred (100') feet of any bridge, via-
duct or tunnel.
3. Within one hundred (100`) feet of an intersection.
(b) The foregoing limitations shall not apply upon a one-way roadway.
Section 30: No Passing Zone: The City Council of the City of Baytown
is hereby authorized to determine by resolution those portions of any high-
ways in the city limits of the City of Baytown where overtaking and passing
or driving on the left side of the roadway would be especially hazardous and
may by appropriate signs or markings nn the roadway indicate the beginning and
end of such zones and when such signs or markings are in place and clearly
• visibYe to any ordinarily observant person every driver of a vehicle shall
obey the directions thereof.
Section 31: Gne-Way Roadways and Fotary Traffic Islands:
(a) The City Council of the City of Baytown may designate any highway
or any separate roadway under its jurisdiction for one-way traffic and shall
erect appropriate signs giving notice thereof.
(b) Upon a roadway designated and signposted for one-way traffic the
driver of a vehicle shall drive only in the direction designated.
(c) The driver c:f a vehicle passing around a rotary traffic island shall
drive only to the right of such island.
(d) The City Council of the City of Baytown hereby designates the follow-
ing streets as one-way with vehicular traffic moving as follows on such streets:
L. Ashbel Street, north from its intersection with Gulf Street to its
. intersection with ',Vest Defee Street.
2. Gilliard Street, south from its intersection with Test Defee Street
to its intersection with West Gulf Street.
3. Jones Street, north from its intersection with :.'est Gulf Street to
its intersection with ?Test Defee Street.
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® 4. Vest Defee Street, east from its intersection with ,forth Pruett
Street to its intersection with North Commerce Street.
5. ;'lest Sterling Street, west from its intersection with North Commerce
Street to its intersection with North Pruett Street.
6. King Street, south from its intersection with :West Alain Street to
its intersection with Bolster Street.
7. Oklahoma Street, north from the intersection of 17isconsin Street
to its intersection with Minnesota Street.
8. Colorado Street, south from the intersection of Minnesota Street
to its intersection with 'T.'lisconsin Street.
9. Magnolia Street, north from the intersection of Market Street to its
intersection with Cedar Street.
• Section 32: Driving on Roadways La.ned for Traffic: Whenever any roadway
has been divided into two (2) or more clearly marked lanes for traffic the
following r,A es in addition to all others consistent herewith shall apply:
(a) The driver of a vehicle shall drive as ?.early as practical entirely
within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver
has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety.
(b) Upon a roadway which is divided into three (3) lanes the driver of
a vehicle shall not drive in the center lane, except when overtaking and pass-
ing 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.
(c) 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 and drivers of
• vehicles shall obey the direction of every such sign.
Section 33: Following Too Closely: 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 condi-
tions of the highway.
Section 34: Driving on Divided Highways: i7henever any highway has been
divided into two (2) roadways by leaving an intervening space or by a physical
barrier or clearly indicated driving section so constructed as to impede vehi-
cular traffic, every vehicle shall be driven only upon the right-hand roadway
and no vehicle shall be driven over, across or within any such dividing space,
barrier, or section, except through an opening in such physical barrier or
dividing section or space or at a crossover or intersection established by
public authority.
ARTICLE V: TURNING AND STARTING AND SIGNALS ON STOPPING AND TURNING:
Section 35: Required Position and Method of Turning at Intersections: The
driver of a vehicle intending to turn at an intersection shall do so as follows.
(a) Both the approach for right turn and a right turn shall be made as
close as practical to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
(b) Approach for a left turn from a two-way street into a two-way street
shall be made in that portion of the right half of the roadway nearest the center
line thereof and after entering the intersection the left turn shall be made so
as to leave the intersection to the right of the center line of the roadway being
entered.
(c) Approach for a left turn from a two-way street into a one-way street
shall be made in that portion of the right half of the roadway nearest the center
line where it enters the intersection. A left turn from a one-way street shall
be made by entering the intersection as close as practical to the left curb or
edge of the roadway by which the intersection is entered and by passing to the
right of the center line of the street being entered upon leaving the intersection.
(d) Where both streets or roadways are one way, both the approach for a
left turn and a left turn shall be made as close as practicable to the left hand
durb or edge of the roadway.
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(e) The City Engineer in cooperation with the Police Department may cause
markers, buttons or signs to be placed within or adjacent to intersections and
thereby require and direct that a different course from that specified in this
ordinance be traveled by vehicles turning at an intersection, and when markers,
buttons or signs are so placed no driver of a vehicle shall turn a vehicle at an
intersection other than as directed and required by such markers, buttons or signs.
Section 36: Starting Parked Vehicle: No person shall start a vehicle
which is stopped, standing or parked unless and until such movement can be made
with safety.
Section 37: 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 35, 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 safety. No
person shall so turn any vehicle without giving an appropriate signal in the man-
ner hereinafter provided in the event any other traffic may be affected by such
movement.
(b) A signal of intention to turn right or left when required shall be
given continuously during not less than the last one hundred (100') feet traveled
by the vehicle before turning.
(c) No person shall stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle with-
out first giving an appropriate signal in the manner provid=gid herein to the driver
of any vehicle immediately to the rear when there is opportunity to give such
signal.
Section 38:- Signals by Hand and Arm or Signal Device: Any stop or turn
signal when required herein shall be given either by means of the hand and arm
or by a signal lamp or lamps or mechanical signal device of a type approved by
the Texas Department of Public Safety, but when a vehicle is so constructed or
loaded that a hand and arm signal would not be visible both to the front and rear
of such vehicle then said signals must be given by such a lamp or lamps or signal
device.
Section 39: Method ofivin Hand -And -firm Signals: All signals herein re-
quired 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.
3. Stop or decreased speed: Hand and arm extended downward,
The signals herein required shall be given either by means of the hand and
arm, or by a signal lamp or signal device approved by the department.
® Section 40: Limitations on Turning_ Around: (a) It shall be unlawful for
the operator of any vehicle to turn such vehicle so as to proceed in the opposite
direction unless such movement can be made in safety and without backing or other-
wise interference with other traffic.
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(b) N complete turn shall not be made at any intersection of any two streets
or upon any street or alley in the City of Baytown where the City Council may deter-
mine that it is unsafe to make a complete turn and shall, have caused to be posted
at such place in the street or alley a sign showing that a complete turn is prohi-
bited.
Section 41: Emerging from Alley or Private Driveway: The operator of a
vehicle emerging from an alley, driveway or building shall stop such vehicle im-
mediately prior to driving onto a sidewalk or onto the sidewalk area extending
across any alleyway.
Section 42: Vehicles Shall Not Be Driven On the Sidewalk: The operator of
a vehicle shall not drive or park said vehicle within any sidewalk area except at
a permanent or temporary driveway.
ARTICLE VI. ACCIDENTS, RECKLESS DRIVING,
STARTING PARKED VEHICLE
Section 43: Immediate Report of Accident: (a) The driver of a vehicle in-
volved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person or property
damage to an apparent extent of $25.00 or more, shall immediately by the quickest
means of communication, either verbal or written, give notice of such accident to
the police department if such accident occurs within this City.
(b) It shall be unlawful for the driver or any other person to remove such
vehicle from the scene of the accident until authorized to do so by a police offi-
cer of the police department of this city; provided, however, that the foregoing
portion of subsection (b) shall not apply if there exists or arises a duty on the
part of such driver or other person in control of such vehicle to use said vehicle
in carrying any person injured in said accident to a physician or surgeon for medi-
cal or surgical treatment.
(c) The police department of this city, acting by any officer of the traf-
fic division or the chief of police, may require any driver of a vehicle involved
in an accident of which report must be made as provided in this Section, to make
supplemental oral or written report whenever the original report is found to be
insufficient, or inadequate in the opinion of such officer, and may require wit-
nesses of accidents to render reports to said department.
(d) Every law enforcement officer, other than members of the Baytown Police
Department, and Texas Department of Public Safety who in the regular course of
duty investigates a motor -vehicle accident of which report must be made as re-
quired in this Section, either at the time of and at the scene of the accident or
thereafter by interviewing participants or witnesses shall, within twenty-four
(24) hours after completing such investigation, forward a written report of such
accident to the Traffic Division of the Police Department of this city. Every
such accident report shall be made on the appropriate form provided by the Traffic
Division snd shall contain all of the information required therein unless not
available. Such reports shall be without prejudice to the officer so reporting
and shall be for the confidential use of the Police Department and the City Traf-
fic Engineer.
Section 44: When Driver Unable to Report: Whenever the driver of a vehicle
is physically incapable of making a required accident report and there was another
occupant in the vehicle at the time of the accident capable of making report, such
occupant shall make or cause to he made said report
Section 45: Driver of Wrecker Trucks Not to Interfere With Police Investi-
gation of Accidents: It shall be unlawful for the driver or any person in charge
of any vehicle equipped with a crane, hoist, winch, or towing device, who has
answered a call to, or is attending the scene of, any collision or accident of
one or more vehicles on any highway in this city, to remove or attempt to remove
any vehicle involved in such collision or accident, or in any way to interfere
with or change the position of any such vehicle, except upon authority or direc-
tion and in the presence of a police officer of this city, unless such change is
made or attempted for the purpose of releasing a person or persons imprisoned
within or under such vehicle involved in such collision or accident, provided fur-
ther, that it shall be unlawful for the driver, or person in charge, of any such
vehicle equipped with a crane, hoist, winch, or towing device to remove any vehicl
from the scene of accident or collision without the consent of the owner of the
rQ
® vehicle so removed, unless directed by a police officer to remove such vehicle as
a public safety measure or for the protection of private property.
Section 46: Accident Involving__ Damage to Vehicle: The driver of any vehi-
cle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to a vehicle which is driven
by any person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of such accident or
as close thereto as possible but shall forthwith return to and in every event re-
main at the scene of such accident until he has given his name, address and the
registration number of the vehicle he is driving and shall upon request and if
available exhibit his operator's, commercial operator's, or chauffeur's license to
the driver or occupant of or person attending any vehicle collided with.
Section 47: Duty Upon Striking Unattended Vehicle: The driver of any vehi-
cle which collides with and damages any vehicle which is unattended shall immed-
iately stop and shall then and there either locate and notify the operator or owner
of such vehicle of the name and address of the driver and owner of the vehicle
striking the unattended vehicle or shall leave in a conspicuous place in, or se-
curely attached to and plainly visible, the vehicle struck a written notice giving
the name and address of the driver and of the owner of the vehicle doing the strik-
ing and a statement of the circumstances thereof, and shall make report of such
accident when and as required in Section 43 hereof.
• Section 48: Duty U on Striking Fixtures upon a Hi hwa : The driver of any
vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to fixtures legally upon
or adjacent to a highway shall take reasonable steps to locate and notify the owner
or person in charge of such property of such fact and of his name and address and
of the registration number of the vehicle he is driving and shall upon request,
and if available exhibit his operator's, commercial operator's or chauffeur's li-
cense, and shall :Hake report of such accident when acid as required in Section 43
hereof.
Section 49: Garages to Keep Records and Report Damaged Vehicles: The per-
son in charge of any garage or repair shop shall keep a record of all damaged
vehicles which show evidence of having been involved in an accident or wreck or
struck by bullets. This record shall be available for police inspection and shall
show the name of the driver or person in charge of the vehicle, the license number,
model and type of same, a description of damage of vehicle and the date brought
in for repair.
Section 50: Reckless Driving: Every person who drives any vehicle in wil-
ful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others or without due caution
or circumspection, and at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger or be likely
® to endanger a person or property shall be guilty of reckless driving.
ARTICLE VII. TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN 'SIGNALS
Section 51: Traffic -Control Signal Legend: Whenever traffic is controlled
by traffic -control signals exhibiting the words "Go", "Caution", or "Stop", or
exhibiting different colored lights successfully one at a time, or with arrows,
the following colors only shall be used and said terms and lights shall indicate
and apply to drivers of vehicles and pedestrians as follows:
(a) Green alone or "Go."
(1) Vehicular traffic facing the signal, except when prohibited under the
provisions of this ordinance may proceed straight tElrough or turn right or left
unless a signat at such place prohibits either such turn. But vehicular traffic,
including vehicles turni.np right or left, shall yield the right-of-way to other
vehicles and to -pedestrians lawfully within the intersection or an adjacent cross-
walk at the time such signal is exhibited.
(2) Pedestrians facing the signal may proceed across the roadway within
airy marked or unmarked crosswalk.
® (b) Yellow alone or "Caution" when shown following the green or "Go" signal.
(1) Vehicular traffic facing the signal is thereby warned that the red or
"Stop" signal will be exhibited immediately thereafter and such vehicular traffic
shall not enter or be crossing the intersection when the red or "Stop" signal is
exhibited.
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® (2) Pedestrians facing such signal are thereby advised that there is insuf-
ficient time to cross the roadway, and any pedestrian then starting to cross shall
yield the right-of-way to all vehicles.
(c) Red alone or "Stop."
(1) Vehicular traffic facing the signal shall stop before entering the cross!
walk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the
intersection and shall remain standing until green or "Go" is shown alone.
(2) No pedestrian facing such signal shall enter the roadway unless he can
do so safely and without interfering with any vehicular traffic.
(d) Red with green arrow.
(1) Vehicular traffic facing such sigral may cautiously enter the intersec-
tion only to make the movement indicated by such arrow but shall yield the right-
of-way to pedestrian lawfully within a crosswalk and to other traffic -lawfully us-
ing the intersection.
(2) No pedestrian facing such signal shall enter the roadway unless he can
® do so safely and without interfering with any vehicular traffic.
(e) In the event an official traffic -control sign or device 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 pave-
ment 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.
Section 52: Pedestrian Walk and Wait Signa s: Whenever special pedestriai-
control signals exhibiting the word "Walk" or "Wait" are in place such signals
shall indicate as follows:
(a) Walk: Pedestrian 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.
(b) Wait. 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 island while the wait signal is
showing.
Section 53: Flashing Signals: Whenever flashing red or yellow signals are
used they shall require obedience by vehicular traffic as follows:
(1) Flashing Red (Stop Signal). When a red lens is illuminated by rapid
intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles shall stop before entering the nearest
crosswalk at an intersection or at a limit line when marked and the right to pro-
ceed shall be subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop sign.
(2) Flashing Yellow (Caution Signal). When a yellow lens is illuminated
with rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles may proceed through the inter-
section or past such signal only with caution.
Section 54: Display or Unauthorized Signals or Markings: (a) No person
shall place, maintain or display upon or in view of any highway any unauthorized
sign, signal, or 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, and no person shall place or maintain nor shall any public authority
permit upon any highway any traffic sign or signal bearing thereon any commercial
® advertising. This shall not be deemed to prohibit the erection upon private pro-
perty adjacent to highways or signs having useful directional information and of
a type that cannot be mistaken for official signs.
(b) Every such prohibited sign, signal, or marking is hereby declared to be
a pubic nuisance and the Chief of Police is hereby empowered to remove the same
or cause it to be removed without notice.
Section 55: Interference with Official Traffi-_-Control Devices or Railroad
Signs or Signals: No person shall without lawful authority attempt to or in fact
alter, deface, injure, knock down, or remove any official traffic -control device or
any railroad sign or signal or any inscription, shield, or insignia thereon, or
any part thereof.
;ARTICLE VIII. PEDESTRIANS' RIGHTS AND DUTIES
Section 56: Pedestrians Subject to Traffic Regulations: (a) Pedestrians
shall be subject to traffic control signals at intersections as provided in this
ordinance, but at all other places pedestrians shall be accorded the privileges
and shall be subject to the restrictions stated in this article.
(b) Pedestrians shall strictly comply with the directions of all official
traffic control signals in the City of Baytown and it shall be unlawful for any
pedestrian to cross any street or roedway in the fire limits of the City of Bay-
town except in a designated cross walk.
Section 57: Pedestrians' Right -Of -Way in 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 the pedestrian is upon the
half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling, or when the pedestrian is
approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger,
but no pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or
run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the
driver to yield.
(b) Whenever any vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk or at any unmarked
crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driv-
er of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass such
stopped vehicle.
Section 58: Between adjacent intersections at which traffic control signals
are in operation pedestrians shall not cross at any place except in a marked cross-
walk.
Section 59: Drivers to Exercise Due Case: Notwithstanding the foregoing
provisions of this ;article every driver of a vehicle 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 observ-
ing any child or any confused or incapacitated person upon a roadway.
Section 60: Pedestrians to Use a Right Half of Crosswalk: Pedestrians
shall move, whenever possible upon the right half of crosswalk.
Section 61: Pedestrians on Roadways: (a) Where sidewalks are provided it
shall be 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 possible walk only on the left side of the roadway, or its
shoulder facing traffic which may approach from the opposite direction.
(c) No person shall stand in a roadway for the purpose of soliciting a ride
from the driver of any vehicle.
ARTICLE IX: PARKING REGULATIONS
Section 62: Parallel Parking: It shall be unlawful to park any character
of vehicle upon any street, except as provided in this ordinance, in any other
manner than that the said vehicle shall be parallel with the street upon which it
® is parked and upon the right side thereof, determined by the way said vehicle is
headed, and parked so that the wheels on the right hand side of said vehicle shall
be within eighteen (18") inches of the curb or edge of the roadway.
Section 63: Angle Parking: It shall be lawful to park vehicles at an angle
not greater than 45 degrees to the line of traffic at such places in the City of
Baytown as the City Council shall by resolution determine that angle parking shall
be permitted and shall cause the same to be marked or signed;. and in all places
where sidewalks have been set back and provisions made for parking vehicles across
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• or inside of the usual curb line on any street in the City of Baytown. In leaving
said angle parking space cars shall not be backed into the traffic lane any further
than necessary to get straightened out and faced in the proper direction for traf-
fic between said space and center of the street.
Section 64: No person shall allow, suffer or permit any vehicle registered
in his name to stand or be parked in any street in the City of Baytown in violation
of any of the ordinances of this City regulating the standing or parking of vehicles
Section 65: Restricted Parking: (a) No person shall stop, stand or park
a vehicle except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compli-
ance with law or directions of a police officer or traffic -control device, in any
of the following places:
(1) On a sidewalk;
(2) In front of a public or private driveway;
(3) Within an intersection;
(4) Within fifteen (15') feet of a fire hydrant;
(5) On 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 the 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
the traffic authority indicates a different length 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 a street opposite the entrance to any fire station within
seventy-five (75') feet of said entrance (when properly signposted);
(11) Alongside or opposite any street excavation or obstruction when stop-
ping, 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 other elevated structure upon a highway or within
a highway tunnel;
(14) ;;t any place where official signs prohibit stopping;
(15) In any alley.
(b) No per-son'shall move a vehicle not lawfully under b -is. con,trol.Jvto any
such prohibited area or away from a curb such distance as is unlawful.
ARTICLE X. - SPECIAL. STOPS RCQUZRED
Section 66: Authority to -Erect Stop _Si ns: There may be installed at such
points on streets and avenues in the City of Baytown, as may be directed by the
City Council, appropriate signs notifying drivers of vehicles to come to a full
stop. Sugh signs, devices or marks are to bear the word "STOP" and to be locat,-(�
in such position and to be provided with letters of a size to be clearly legibic
from a distance of at least one hundred (100') feet along the street upon whien
the sign is placed. All such signs shall be illuminated at night or so placed
as to be illuminated by street lights or by the headlights of approaching motor
vehicles. Whenever any such sign has been created it shall be unlawful for the
driver or operator of any vehicle to fail to stop in obedience thereto. The op-
erator of any vehicle who has come to a full stoo as required above shall be sub-
ject to the usual right-of-way prescribed by law.
Section 67: Emerging from Alley or Private Driveway: The driver of a
vehicle emerging from an alley, driveway, or building shall stop such vehicle im-
mediately prior to driving onto a sidewalk or onto the sidewalk area extending
across any alleyway, yielding the right-of-way to any pedestrian as may be neces-
sary to avoid collision, and upon entering the roadway shall yield the right-of-
way to all vehicles approaching on said roadway.
Section 68: Stop When Traffic Obstructed: No driver shall enter an inter
section or a marked crosswalk unless there is sufficient space on the other side
of the intersection or crosswalk to accommodate the vehicle he is operating with-
out obstructing the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians, notwithstanding any
traffic, control signal indication to proceed.
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ARTICLE XI. - MISCELLANEOUS DRIVING RULES
Section 69: Unattended Motor Vehicle: No person driving or in charge of
a motor vehicle shall 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 highway.
Section 70: 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 the fire apparatus has stopped to answer
a fire alarm.
Section 71: Crossing Fire Hose: No driver of any vehicle shall drive over
an unprotected hose of a fire department when laid dawn on any street or private
driveway to be used at any fire or alarm of fire, without the consent of the fire
department official in command.
Section 72: Putting Glass Etc. on Highway Prohibited: No person shall
throw or deposit upon any highway any glass bottle, glass, nails, tacks, wire,
cans, or any other substance likely to injure any person, animal, or vehicle upon
such highway.
Section 73: Removing Materials from Highway: (a) Any person who drops,
or permits to be dropped or thrown, upon any highway any destructive or injurious
material shall immediately remove the same or cause it to be removed.
(b) Any person removing a wrecked or damaged vehicle from a highway shall
remove any glass or other injurious substance dropped upon the highway from such
vehicle.
Section 74: Overtaking and Passing Sc;:ool Bus: (a) The driver of a vehi-
cle upon a highway outside of a business or residence district upon meeting or
overtaking from either direction any school bus which has stopped on the highway
for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school children shall stop the
vehicle immediately before passing the school bus but may then proceed past such
school bus at a speed which is prudent, not exceeding i:en (10) miles per hour,
and due caution for the safety of such children.
(b) All vehicles used for the transportation of pupils to and/or from any
school or college shall have a sign on the front and rear and on each side of said
ID vehicle, showing the words "School Bus" and said words shall be plainly readable
in letters not less than eight (8") inches in height and the words "School Bus"
shall be removed or covered when the vehicle is not in use as a school bus.
Section 75: Mufflers. Prevention of Noise: (a) 'Every motor vehicle shall
at all times be equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant op-
eration to prevent excessive or unusual noise and annoying smoke and no person
shall use a muffler, cut-out, by-pass, or similar device upon a motor vehicle
on a highway.
(b) The engine and power mechanism of every motor vehicle shall be so
equipped and adjusted as to prevent the escape of excessive fumes or smoke.
Section 76: Driving Through Funeral or Other Procession: No driver of a
vehicle shall drive between the vehicles comprising a funeral or other authorized
procession while they are in motion and when sucl; vehicles are conspicuously de-
signated as required in this ordinance. This provision shall not apply at inter-
sections where traffic is controlled by traffic -control signals or police officers.
Section 77: Drivers in a Procession: Each driver in a funeral or other
n procession shall drive as near to the right hand edge of the roadway,as practical
V and shall follow the vehicle ahead as close as is practical and safe.
Section 76: 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 a pennant or other identifying insignia or by such other method
as may be determined and designated by the traffic division.
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Section 79: When Permits Required for Parades and Processions: No funeral,
processions, or parade containing 200 or more persons or 50 or more vehicles, ex-
cepting the forces of the United States Army or Navy, the military forces of this
State, and forces of the Police and Fire Department, shall occupy, march, or pro-
ceed 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.
Section 80: Limitations on Backing: The driver of a vehicle shall not back
the same unless such movement can be made with reasonable safety and without in-
terfering with other traffic.
Section 81: Riding On Motorcycles_: A person operating a motorcycle shall
not ride other than upon the permanent and regular seat attached thereto or carry
any other person nor shall any other person ride upon such motorcycle other than
upon a firmly attached seat to the rear or side of the operator.
Section 82: Clinging to Moving Vehicle: Any person riding upon any bicycle,
motorcycle, coaster, sled, roller skates, or any toy vehicle shall not attach the
• same or himself to any moving vehicle upon any roadway.
Section 83: Pedestrians Soliciting Rides: It shall be unlawful for any
person to stand in a roadway for the purpose of soliciting a ride from the opera-
tor of any private vehicle.
Section 84: Blind Pedestrians: (a) For the purpose of preventing traffic
accidents on the public streets of the City of Baytown, it shall be unlawful for
any person, except persons wholly or partially blind, to carry or use on the pub-
lic streets of the City of Baytown any cane or walking stick which is white in co-
lor, or white with red end. A cane or walking stick may be used on the streets
and other public places of the City of Baytown by a person wholly or partially
blind, as a means of protecting him or her from traffic accidents and for the pur-
pose of identifying him or her by drivers of vehicles and operators of motor driven
vehicles and pedestrians, with whom such persons may come in contact on said
streets and public places.
(b) Any driver of a vehicle, operator of a motor driven vehicle, or pedes-
trian, who approaches or comes in contact with a person wholly or partially blind
and carrying a cane or walking stick white in color, or white with red end, shall
immediately come to a full stop and take such other precautions, before proceeding,
as may be necessary to avoid accident or injury to the person carrying such cane
• or walking stick.
(c) Any person other than a person wholly or partially blind, who shall
carry a cane or walking stick white in color, or white with red end, or who shall
fail to come to a full stop when approaching or coming in contact with a person
wholly or partially blind and carrying a cane or walking stick white in color or
white with red end, or who shall fail to take such precautions before proceeding
as may be necessary to avoid accident, or injury to a person carrying a cane or
walking stick, white in color or white with red end, shall be guilty of a misde-
meanor.
Section 85: Driving Throu h Gasoline Station: It shall be unlawful for any
person operating an automobile or other gasoline propelled vehicle to drive same
into or through any garage or gasoline station in the City of Baytown without
coming to a'full stop while in such garage or gasoline station.
Section 86: Disolaying Advertising: It shall be unlawful for anyone to op-
erate any vehicle on any street within the corporate limits of the City of Baytown
for the primary purpose of displaying advertising.
Section 67: Opening of Vehicle Doors: It shall be unlawful for the owner,
operator or any other person to open the door of a vehicle or to step from a parked
vehicle into a roadway or sidewalk in such a manner as to interfere with or impede
the progress of any vehicle or pedestrian.
Section 88: Penalty: any person, firm or corporation violating any provi-
sions of this ordinance or failing to observe any provisions hereof shall be deemed
guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined in any Sum not less than
Ten ($10.00) Dollars and not more than Two Hundred ($200.00) Dollars.
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Section 89: Repealing Clause: All ordinances or Parts of ordinances incon-
sistent with the terms of this ordinance are hereby repeated; provided, however,
that such repeal shall be only to the extent of such inconsistency, and in all oth-
er respects this ordinance shall be cumulative of other ordinances regulating and
governing the subject matter covered by this ordinance.
Section 90: Savings Clause: If any provision, exception, section, subsec-
tion, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance or the application
of same to any person or set of circumstances, shall for any reason be held uncon-
stitutional, void or invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the validity of the
remaining provisions of this ordinance or their application to other persons or sets
of circumstances and to this end all provisions of this ordinance are declared to
be severable.
Section 91: Effective Date: This ordinance shall take effect from and after
ten (10) days from its passage by the City Council. The City Clerk is hereby di-
rected to give notice hereof by causing the caption of this ordinance to be pub-
lished in the official newspaper of the City of Baytown at least twice within ten
(10) days after the passage of this ordinance.
INTRODUCED, READ and PASSED by the affirmative vote of a ajori y of the
City Council of the City of Baytown, on this the day of , 1960.
ATTEST:
Edna Oliver, City Clerk
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R. H. Pruett, Mayor