CHAPTER 71: TRAFFIC RULES

Section
General Provisions
71.001 Authority of police officers
71.002 Obedience to police officers required

Emergency Vehicles
71.015 Emergency vehicles; driver authority
71.016 Following emergency vehicle

Processions and Parades
71.030 Permit requirement
71.031 Driving through processions

Accidents
71.045 Accident involving damage to vehicle
71.046 Duty to give information and aid
71.047 Immediate accident report
71.048 Driver unable to report
71.049 Written report to state
71.050 Garage reports

Traffic-Control Devices
71.060 Placement by City Manager
71.061 Installation by Street Superintendent
71.062 Conformity with Manual
71.063 Signal legend
71.064 Flashing signals
71.065 Pedestrian-control signals
71.066 Obedience required
71.067 Unauthorized devices
71.068 Interference with devices

Additional Traffic Regulations
71.080 Obstruction of driver’s view or driving controls
71.081 Unlawful riding; clinging to vehicles
71.082 Riding on motorcycles
71.083 Coasters, roller skates, and the like
71.084 Pedestrians on roadways

Railroads
71.095 Speed limit
71.096 Obstruction of traffic
Cross-reference:
Speed limits, see Chapter 73 Schedule I
Statutory reference:
Operation of vehicles on highways, see Tex. Trans. Code, §§ 502.151, 502.178, 621.001 et seq.,
623.012 - 623.018, 622.901, 622.902, 622.951, 623.051, 623.052, 725.001 - 725.003, 725.021,
and 725.022
Traffic signs, signals, and markings, see Tex. Trans. Code, § 544.001

GENERAL PROVISIONS

§ 71.001 AUTHORITY OF POLICE OFFICERS.
Police officers are hereby authorized to direct all traffic or pedestrians by voice, hand, or signal in the enforcement of the laws of the state and the city, but whenever and wherever any police officer shall
find it necessary to the safeguarding of the pedestrians or the expeditious handling of traffic, or in the
safety of persons or property, police officers shall direct traffic and pedestrians as conditions may require notwithstanding other provisions of the traffic laws.
(Prior Code, § 9-8)

§ 71.002 OBEDIENCE TO POLICE OFFICERS REQUIRED.
No person shall wilfully fail or refuse to comply with any lawful order or direction of any police
officer invested by law with authority to direct, control, or regulate traffic.
(Prior Code, § 9-9) Penalty, see § 70.99
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Trans. Code, §§ 542.004 and 542.501

EMERGENCY VEHICLES
§ 71.015 EMERGENCY VEHICLES; DRIVER AUTHORITY.
(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 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 herein
stated.

(B) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may:

(1) Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this chapter;

(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 he or she does not endanger life or property; and

(4) Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions.

(C) The exemptions herein granted to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when that
vehicle is making use of audible and visual signals meeting the requirements of Tex. Trans. Code,
§§ 547.323, 547.324, 547.701, and 547.702, 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. The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle that is used for law enforcement purposes may operate
without using the emergency warning devices required by this division only when the driver is
responding to an emergency call or when he or she is in pursuit of a suspected violator of the law and
he or she has probable cause to believe that:

(1) Knowledge of his or her presence will cause the suspect to destroy or lose evidence of a suspected felony;

(2) Knowledge of his or her presence will cause the suspect to cease a suspected continuing felony before the driver has acquired sufficient evidence to establish grounds for arrest;

(3) Knowledge of his or her presence will cause the suspect to evade apprehension or identification of the suspect or his or her vehicle; or

(4) Traffic conditions on a multi-laned roadway are such that movements of motorists in response to the emergency warning devices may increase the potential for a collision or may unreasonably extend the duration of the pursuit.

(D) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle that is used for law enforcement purposes may
not operate without using the emergency warning devices as provided above unless he or she has first
notified a designated office of his or her intention to operate without those devices. The designated
office to which this notification is made shall keep an accurate record of the exact time notification is
received.

(E) The foregoing provisions 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 these provisions protect the driver from the consequences of his or her reckless disregard for the safety of others.
(Prior Code, § 9-6)
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Trans. Code, §§ 542.002, 542.004, 545.401, and 546.001 - 546.005

§ 71.016 FOLLOWING EMERGENCY VEHICLE.
(A) 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 500 feet or drive into or park his or her vehicle within
the block where the fire apparatus has stopped to answer a fire alarm.

(B) No driver of a vehicle, except a driver on official business, may follow closer than 500 feet behind an ambulance when the flashing red lights of the ambulance are operating. No driver of a vehicle may drive or park his or her vehicle at a place where an ambulance has been summoned for an emergency call in a manner calculated to interfere with the arrival or departure of the ambulance.
(Prior Code, § 9-10) Penalty, see § 70.99
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Trans. Code, § 545.407

PROCESSIONS AND PARADES

§ 71.030 PERMIT REQUIREMENT.
(A) No funeral or other procession or parade, excepting the forces of this state and forces of the Police and Fire Departments, shall occupy, march, or proceed along any street, except in accordance with this chapter and a permit issued by the Chief of Police. The route of the funeral or other procession or parade shall be approved by the Chief of Police.

(B) The driver of each vehicle in a funeral procession shall turn on the headlights as identification that the vehicle is a part of that procession.

(C) Each driver in a funeral or other procession shall drive as near to the right-hand edge of the roadway as practical and safe.
(Prior Code, § 9-11) Penalty, see § 70.99

§ 71.031 DRIVING THROUGH PROCESSIONS.
No driver of a vehicle shall drive between the vehicles comprising a funeral or other authorized procession while they are in motion and when those vehicles are conspicuously designated as required in this chapter. This provision shall not apply at intersections where traffic is controlled by trafficcontrol signals or police officers.
(Prior Code, § 9-12) Penalty, see § 70.99

ACCIDENTS

§ 71.045 ACCIDENT INVOLVING DAMAGE TO VEHICLE.
(A) The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to a vehicle which is driven or attended by any person shall immediately stop that vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close thereto as possible without obstructing traffic more than is necessary but shall forthwith return to and in every event shall remain at the scene of the accident until he or she has fulfilled the requirements of the following section.

(B) However, when an accident occurs on a main lane, ramp, shoulder, median, or adjacent area of a freeway in a metropolitan area and each vehicle involved can be normally and safely driven, each driver shall move his or her vehicle as soon as possible off the freeway main lanes, ramps, shoulders, medians, and adjacent areas to a designated accident investigation site, if available, a location on the frontage road, the nearest suitable cross street, or other suitable location to complete the requirements of the following section, so as to minimize interference with the freeway traffic.
(Prior Code, § 9-18)
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Trans. Code, § 550.022

§ 71.046 DUTY TO GIVE INFORMATION AND AID.
The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person or
damage to any vehicle which is driven or attended by any person shall give his or her name, address, and the registration number of the vehicle he or she is driving and the name of his or her motor vehicle
liability insurer, and shall upon request and if available exhibit his or her operator’s, commercial
operator’s, or chauffeur’s license to the person struck or the driver or occupant of or person attending
any vehicle colliding with and shall render to any person injured in that accident reasonable assistance,
including the carrying, or the making of arrangements for the carrying, of that person to a physician,
surgeon, or hospital for medical or surgical treatment if it is apparent that treatment is necessary or if that carrying is requested by the injured person.
(Prior Code, § 9-19)
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Trans. Code, § 550.023

§ 71.047 IMMEDIATE ACCIDENT REPORT.
The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person or damage to any vehicle to the extent that it cannot be normally and safely driven shall immediately by the quickest means of communication give notice of the accident to the local police department if the accident occurs within a municipality, otherwise to the office of the County Sheriff or the nearest office of the State Highway Patrol.
(Prior Code, § 9-20)
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Trans. Code, § 550.026

§ 71.048 DRIVER UNABLE TO REPORT.
Whenever the driver of a vehicle is physically incapable of reporting an accident and there was another occupant in the vehicle at the time of the accident capable of making a report, that occupant shall make or cause to be made the report.
(Prior Code, § 9-21)

§ 71.049 WRITTEN REPORT TO STATE.
The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person, or damage to the property of any one person, including himself or herself, to an apparent extent of at least $250, shall within ten days after the accident forward a written report of that accident to the State Department of Public Safety.
(Prior Code, § 9-22)
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Trans. Code, §§ 550.061 and 550.062

§ 71.050 GARAGE REPORTS.
The person in charge of any garage or repair shop to which is brought any motor vehicle which shows evidence of having been involved in an accident of which report must be made as provided in the
preceding section, or struck by any bullet, shall report to the Police Department within 24 hours after
that motor vehicle is received, giving the engine number, registration number, and the name and address
of the owner or operator of the vehicle.
(Prior Code, § 9-23)
Statutory reference:
Authority for above section, see Tex. Trans. Code, § 550.067

TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICES

§ 71.060 PLACEMENT BY CITY MANAGER.
The City Manager shall place and maintain traffic-control signs, signals, or devices when and as required under the traffic ordinances of this city to make effective the provisions of those ordinances, and may place and maintain additional traffic-control devices as he or she may deem necessary to regulate traffic under those ordinances or under state law or to guide or warn traffic.
(Prior Code, § 9-36) (Ord. 17-11, passed - - )
Cross-reference:
Traffic register, see § 70.06

§ 71.061 INSTALLATION BY STREET SUPERINTENDENT.
(A) The City Council shall by ordinance direct the Street Superintendent to erect or install, upon, over, along, or beside any highway, street, or alley, signs, signals, and markings, or cause the same to be erected, installed, or placed, in accordance with this chapter and consistent with the Manual. These
traffic-control devices shall be installed immediately or as soon as a specific device can be procured.

(B) Whenever the Street Superintendent has erected and installed any official traffic-control device
at any location in the city or has caused the same to be done under his or her direction, in obedience to
this chapter and the Manual, he or she shall thereafter file a report with the City Secretary in writing and
signed officially by the City Manager, stating the type of traffic-control device and when and where the
same was erected and installed. The City Secretary shall file and maintain the report of the installation
among the official papers of the office of the City Secretary.

(C) It being unlawful for any person other than the City Manager or Street Superintendent, acting
pursuant to an ordinance of the city, to install or cause to be installed any signal, sign, or device
purporting to direct the use of the streets or the activities on those streets of pedestrians, vehicles, or
animals, proof, in any prosecution for a violation of this chapter or any traffic ordinance of the city, that
any traffic-control device was actually in place on any street, shall constitute prima facie evidence that
the same was installed by the city pursuant to the authority of this chapter and of the ordinance directing
the installation of that device.
(Prior Code, § 9-37) (Ord. 17-11, passed - - )

§ 71.062 CONFORMITY WITH MANUAL.
All traffic-control devices, including signs, signals, and markings (pavement and/or curb), installed
or used for the purpose of directing and controlling traffic within the city, shall conform with the State
Manual on Uniform Traffic-Control Devices for Streets and Highways, Volumes I and II, and any
amendments thereto (hereinafter called the Manual). As provided in Tex. Trans. Code, § 544.002, all
signs, signals, and markings erected or used by the city shall be uniform and be located so far as
practicable according to the directions shown in the Manual throughout the city. All existing trafficcontrol
devices and this chapter shall be official traffic-control devices.
(Prior Code, § 9-38) (Ord. 17-11, passed - - )
Statutory reference:
State manual for traffic-control devices, see Tex. Rev. Civ. Stat., Art. 6701d, §§ 29 et seq.

§ 71.063 SIGNAL LEGEND.
(A) Whenever traffic is controlled by traffic-control signals exhibiting different colored lights, or
colored lighted arrows, successively one at a time or in combination, only the colors green, red, and
yellow shall be used, except for special pedestrian signals carrying a word legend, and these lights shall
indicate and apply to drivers of vehicles and pedestrians as follows.

(1) Green indication.

(a) Vehicular traffic facing a circular green signal may proceed straight through or turn right or left unless a sign at that place prohibits either turn. But vehicular traffic, including vehicles turning right or left, shall yield the right of way to other vehicles and to pedestrians lawfully within the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk at the time this signal is exhibited.

(b) Vehicular traffic facing a green arrow signal, shown alone or in combination with another indication, may cautiously enter the intersection only to make the movement indicated by that arrow, or other movement as is permitted by other indications shown at the same time. This vehicular traffic shall yield the right of way to pedestrians lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection.

(c) Unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian-control signal, as provided in § 71.065 below, pedestrians facing any green signal, except when the sole green signal is a turn arrow, may proceed across the roadway within any marked or unmarked crosswalk.

(2) Steady yellow indication.

(a) Vehicular traffic facing a steady yellow signal is thereby warned that the related green movement is being terminated or that a red indication will be exhibited immediately thereafter when vehicular traffic shall not enter the intersection.

(b) Pedestrians facing a steady yellow signal, unless otherwise directed by a pedestriancontrol signal as provided in § 71.065 below, are thereby advised that there is insufficient time to cross the roadway before a red indication is shown, and no pedestrian shall then start to cross the roadway.

(3) Steady red indication.

(a) Vehicular traffic facing a steady red signal alone shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but, if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, and may then turn right or, if the intersecting streets are both one-way streets and left turns are permissible, may turn left, after standing until the intersection may be entered safely, yielding the right of way to pedestrians lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection. Traffic not so turning shall remain standing until an indication to proceed is shown. The city may prohibit these turns on a steady red signal by posting a notice that turns of that type are prohibited. This notice shall be erected at the intersection giving notice thereof.

(b) Unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian-control signal as provided in § 71.065 below, pedestrians facing a steady red signal alone shall not enter the roadway.

(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 sign or marking the stop shall be made at the signal.
(Prior Code, § 9-39) (Ord. 17-11, passed - - ) Penalty, see § 70.99
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Trans. Code, §§ 544.007 and 552.001

§ 71.064 FLASHING SIGNALS.
(A) Whenever an illuminated flashing red or yellow signal is used in a traffic sign or signal, it shall require obedience by vehicular traffic as follows.

(1) Flashing red; stop signal. When a red lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering the intersection, and the right to proceed 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 an intersection or past the signal only with caution.

(B) This section does not apply at railroad grade crossings.
(Prior Code, § 9-41) (Ord. 17-11, passed - - )
Statutory reference:
Obedience to signal indicating approach of train, see Tex. Trans. Code, § 545.251
Similar provisions, see Tex. Trans. Code, § 544.008

§ 71.065 PEDESTRIAN-CONTROL SIGNALS.
Whenever special pedestrian-control signals exhibiting the words “Walk,” “Don’t Walk,” or “Wait”
are in place, those signals shall indicate as follows:

(A) “Walk.” Pedestrians facing this 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) “Don’t Walk” or “Wait.” No pedestrian shall start to cross the roadway in the direction of this
signal, but any pedestrian who has partially completed his or her crossing on the “Walk” signal shall
proceed to a sidewalk or safety island while the “Don’t Walk” or “Wait” signal is showing.
(Prior Code, § 9-40) (Ord. 17-11, passed - - ) Penalty, see § 70.99
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Trans. Code, § 552.002

§ 71.066 OBEDIENCE REQUIRED.
The driver of any vehicle or animal shall obey the instructions of any official traffic-control device
applicable thereto placed in accordance with this chapter, unless otherwise directed by a traffic or police officer, subject to the exceptions granted the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle in this chapter.
(Prior Code, § 9-42) (Ord. 17-11, passed - - )
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Trans. Code, § 544.004

§ 71.067 UNAUTHORIZED DEVICES.
(A) No person shall place, maintain, or display upon or in view of any highway, street, or alley 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 an 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, street, or alley any traffic sign or signal bearing thereon any commercial advertising.

(C) This section shall not be deemed to prohibit the erection upon private property adjacent to highways, streets, or alleys of signs giving useful directional information and of a type that cannot be mistaken for official signs.

(D) In addition to being a misdemeanor, every herein prohibited sign, signal, light, or marking is hereby declared to be a public nuisance and the Chief of Police may remove the same or cause it to be removed without notice.
(Prior Code, § 9-43) (Ord. 17-11, passed - - ) Penalty, see § 70.99
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Trans. Code, § 544.006

§ 71.068 INTERFERENCE WITH DEVICES.
No person shall without lawful authority attempt to or in fact alter, deface, injure, knock down, or
remove any official traffic-control device; any railroad sign or signal; any inscription, shield, or insignia
thereon; or any part thereof.
(Prior Code, § 9-44) (Ord. 17-11, passed - - ) Penalty, see § 70.99


ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC REGULATIONS

§ 71.080 OBSTRUCTION OF DRIVER’S VIEW OR DRIVING CONTROLS.
(A) No person shall drive a vehicle when it is so loaded, or when there are in front seat a number
of persons, exceeding three, so as to obstruct the view of the driver to the front or sides of the vehicle,
or so as to interfere with the driver’s control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle.

(B) No passenger in a vehicle shall ride in a position so as to interfere with the driver’s view ahead
or to the sides, or to interfere with his or her control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle.
(Prior Code, § 9-16) Penalty, see § 70.99
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Trans. Code, §§ 545.206 and 545.417

§ 71.081 UNLAWFUL RIDING; CLINGING TO VEHICLES.
(A) The operator of any motor vehicle shall not carry any person on the fenders, running boards, or bumpers thereof, and no person shall ride on any motor vehicle on that portion not designated or intended for the use of passengers as above described.

(B) No person riding upon any bicycle, motorcycle, coaster, sled, roller skates, or toy vehicle shall
attach the same or himself or herself to any vehicle upon a roadway.
(Prior Code, § 9-17) Penalty, see § 70.99
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Trans. Code, § 551.102

§ 71.082 RIDING ON MOTORCYCLES.
A person operating a motorcycle shall ride only upon the permanent and regular seat attached thereto, and the operator shall not carry any other person nor shall any other person ride on a motorcycle unless that motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person, in which event a passenger may ride upon the permanent and regular seat if designed for two persons, or upon another seat firmly attached to the rear or side of the operator.
(Prior Code, § 9-13) Penalty, see § 70.99
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Trans. Code, § 545.416

§ 71.083 COASTERS, ROLLER SKATES, AND THE LIKE.
No person upon roller skates or riding in or by means of any coaster, toy vehicle, or similar device shall go upon any state or federal highway except when crossing at a crosswalk.
(Prior Code, § 9-14) Penalty, see § 70.99

§ 71.084 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, contributions, employment, or business from the occupant of any vehicle.

(D) No person shall stand on or in proximity to a street or highway for the purpose of soliciting the
watching or guarding of any vehicle while parked or about to be parked on a street or highway.
(Prior Code, § 9-15) Penalty, see § 70.99
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Trans. Code, §§ 552.006 and 552.007

RAILROADS

§ 71.095 SPEED LIMIT.
All railway engines, cars, motor cars, or other types of railroad equipment passing over the railroad
beds within the corporate limits of the city, regardless of use, are prohibited from proceeding at a speed
of more than 50 miles per hour.
(Prior Code, § 9-45) (Ord. 18-21, passed - - ) Penalty, see § 70.99

§ 71.096 OBSTRUCTION OF TRAFFIC.
All railway equipment shall be operated so as not to block or prevent the free passage of both
pedestrian and vehicular traffic at any intersection within the city for longer than ten minutes. The
conductor or engineer or other person in charge shall be personally liable in accordance with § 10.99 of
this code.
(Prior Code, § 9-45) (Ord. 40, passed - - ) Penalty, see § 70.99