EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, ch. 7

in effect

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 700 Scope and effect of regulations.

Section 700. - Scope and effect of regulations. A. No unsafe vehicle or combination of vehicles may be driven or moved on any street or roadway so as to endanger any person. A vehicle is unsafe if it is not equipped with such lamps and other equipment in proper condition as required by this chapter, or if its equipment violates any provision of this chapter. Transporting, moving or knowingly permitting such vehicles to be transported or moved is an offense punishable by a fine of not less than Five Dollars ($5.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), excluding costs, fees and assessments, unless another penalty is provided herein. However, the provisions of this section shall not apply to implements of husbandry, road rollers and farm tractors, except as hereinafter set forth. B. Any person producing proof to the court within forty-eight (48) hours that a condition or equipment for which the person was cited as defective, missing, prohibited, improper, unauthorized or otherwise in violation of this chapter has been remedied by the person shall be entitled to dismissal of such charge without assessment of court costs or fees. (Ord. Nos. 15524, 18454; Ord. No. 21982, § 21, 12-18-2008)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 701 Lighted lamps—When required.

Section 701. - Lighted lamps—When required. Any vehicle using any street or roadway must display lighted lamps and illuminating devices, as hereinafter required, at any time between one-half (½) hour after sunset until one-half (½) hour before sunrise. Such lamps are also required at any other time when a person or vehicle on the street or roadway is, due to insufficient light or other unfavorable atmospheric conditions, not clearly discernable from a distance of five hundred (500) feet ahead.

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 702 Visibility distance and mounted heights of lamps.

Section 702. - Visibility distance and mounted heights of lamps. A. When a requirement is made concerning the distance to which certain lamps and devices shall render objects visible or within which such lamps or devices shall be visible, the provisions shall apply during the times stated in Section 701 to a vehicle without load upon a straight, level, unlighted roadway and under normal atmospheric conditions, unless a different time or standard is expressly stated. B. When a requirement is made concerning the mounted height of lamps or devices, it shall mean from the center of such lamp device to the level ground upon which the vehicle stands when such vehicle is without a load.

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 703 Head lamps on motor vehicles.

Section 703. - Head lamps on motor vehicles. A. Every motor vehicle other than a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle shall be equipped with at least two (2) head lamps with at least one (1) on each side of the motor vehicle, which head lamps shall comply with the requirements and limitations set forth in this chapter. B. Every motorcycle and motor-driven cycle shall be equipped with at least one (1) and not more than two (2) head lamps which shall comply with the requirements and limitations of this chapter. C. After the effective date of this section every head lamp upon every motor vehicle, including every motorcycle and motor-driven cycle, shall be located at a height of not less than twenty-two (22) inches nor more than fifty-four (54) inches measured from the center of the head lamp to the level ground. (Ord. No. 21982, § 22, 12-18-2008)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 704 Headlights must be adjusted.

Section 704. - Headlights must be adjusted. Headlight beams must be so adjusted and focused as not to throw the headlight beam on a plane higher than the mounting of the headlights.

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 705 Multiple-beam road-lighting equipment.

Section 705. - Multiple-beam road-lighting equipment. Except as hereinafter provided, the head lamps, auxiliary driving lamp, auxiliary passing lamp or combination thereof on motor vehicles, except on motorcycles or motor-driven cycles, shall be so arranged that the driver may select at will between distributions of light projected to different elevations. Such lamps may, in addition, be so arranged that such selection can be made automatically subject to the limitations given herein. A. There shall be an uppermost distribution of light or composite beam so aimed and of such intensity as to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least three hundred fifty (350) feet ahead under all conditions of loading. B. There shall be a lowermost distribution of light or composite beam so aimed and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least one hundred (100) feet ahead. On a straight, level road under any condition of loading, none of the high-intensity portion of the beam shall be directed to strike the eyes of an approaching driver. C. Every new motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, registered in the State of Oklahoma after the effective date of the State Highway Safety Code which has multiple-beam road-lighting equipment, shall be equipped with a beam indicator which shall be lighted whenever the uppermost distribution of light from the head lamps is in use and shall not otherwise be lighted. Such indicator shall be so designed and located that when lighted it will be readily visible without glare to the driver of the vehicle so equipped.

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 706 Use of multiple-beam road-lighting equipment.

Section 706. - Use of multiple-beam road-lighting equipment. Whenever a motor vehicle is being operated on a roadway or shoulder adjacent thereto during the times specified in Section 701, the driver shall use a distribution of light or composite beam directed high enough and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at safe distance in advance of the vehicle, subject to the following requirements and limitations: A. Whenever a driver of a vehicle approaches an on-coming vehicle within five hundred (500) feet, such driver shall use a distribution of light or composite beam so aimed that the glaring rays are not projected into the eyes of the on-coming driver. B. Whenever the driver of a vehicle follows another vehicle within two hundred (200) feet to the rear, except when engaged in the act of overtaking and passing, such driver shall use his lowermost distribution of light.

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 707 Tail lamps.

Section 707. - Tail lamps. A. Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer and any other vehicle which is being drawn at the end of a train of vehicles, shall be equipped with at least one (1) tail lamp mounted on the rear which, when lighted as required, shall emit a red light plainly visible from a distance of five hundred (500) feet to the rear; provided that in a train of vehicles only the tail lamp on the rearmost vehicle need actually be seen from the distance specified. Further, every such above-mentioned vehicle, other than a truck-tractor, registered in the State of Oklahoma and manufactured or assembled after the effective date of this section shall be equipped with at least two (2) tail lamps mounted on the rear on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable which, when lighted as herein required, shall comply with the provisions of this section. B. Every tail lamp upon every vehicle shall be located at a height of not more than seventy-two (72) inches nor less than fifteen (15) inches. C. Either a tail lamp or a separate lamp shall be constructed as to illuminate with a white light the rear registration plate and render it clearly legible from a distance of fifty (50) feet to the rear. Any tail lamp or tail lamps, together with any separate lamp for illuminating the rear registration plate, shall be so wired as to be lighted whenever the head lamps, clearance lamps or auxiliary driving lamps are lighted. (Ord. No. 21982, § 23, 12-18-2008)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 708 Back-up lamps.

Section 708. - Back-up lamps. Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not more than two (2) back-up lamps, either separately or in combination with other lamps, but any such back-up lamp shall not be lighted when the motor vehicle is in forward motion.

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 709 Spot lamps, fog lamps and auxiliary lamps.

Section 709. - Spot lamps, fog lamps and auxiliary lamps. A. Vehicle spot lamps shall be subject to the provisions set forth herein: 1. No vehicle shall be equipped with more than two (2) vehicle spot lamps. 2. Vehicle spot lamps shall not be used as a substitute for head lamps. 3. When mounted upon a vehicle, such spot lamps shall be located with the center at a height of not less than thirty (30) inches nor more than seventy-two (72) inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands. Such lamp shall be so directed that: a. No portion of the main substantially parallel beam of light will strike the roadway to the left of the prolongation of the left side of the vehicle; and b. The top of the beam will not strike the roadway at a distance in excess of five hundred (500) feet from the vehicle. 4. Unless they are being used by an authorized emergency vehicle, such spot lamps shall be immediately turned off upon the approach of another vehicle. B. Vehicle fog lamps and auxiliary lamps shall be subject to the provisions given herein. 1. No vehicle shall be equipped with more than two (2) fog lamps. 2. Fog lamps shall be mounted upon the front of the vehicle below the level of the head lamp's center. 3. Fog lamps shall be so adjusted and aimed that no part of the high-intensity portion of the beam shall, at a distance of twenty-five (25) feet, rise above the horizontal plane passing through the center of the lamp. 4. Fog lamps shall not be used as a substitute for head lamps unless conditions of rain or fog exist. When substituted, two (2) such fog lamps mounted on opposite sides of the front of the vehicle must be lighted. C. Every person convicted of a violation of this section shall be guilty of an offense and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not less than Ten Dollars ($10.00) nor more than Fifty Dollars ($50.00), excluding costs and assessments. (Ord. No. 18454)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 710 Number of driving lamps required or permitted.

Section 710. - Number of driving lamps required or permitted. A. At all times specified in Section 701, at least two (2) lighted lamps shall be displayed, one (1) on each side at the front of every motor vehicle other than a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, except when such vehicle is parked subject to the regulations governing lights on parked vehicles. B. Whenever a motor vehicle equipped with head lamps as herein required is also equipped with any auxiliary lamps, spot lamp or any other lamp on the front hereof projecting a beam of intensity greater than three hundred (300) candlepower, not more than a total of four (4) of any such lamps on the front of a vehicle shall be lighted at any one time when upon a street. C. The driver of any vehicle when approaching an on-coming vehicle within a minimum distance of three hundred (300) feet shall not have illuminated any driving lamps, auxiliary lamps or other combination of lamps other than the required head lamps.

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 711 Signal lamps and signal devices.

Section 711. - Signal lamps and signal devices. A. Any motor vehicle may be equipped and when required under this chapter shall be equipped with a stop lamp or lamps on the rear of the vehicle which shall display, when lighted, a red or amber light, or any shade of color between red and amber, visible from a distance of not less than one hundred (100) feet to the rear in normal sunlight which shall be activated upon application of the service brake and which may but need not be incorporated with one (1) or more other rear lamps. B. Any motor vehicle may be equipped and when required under this chapter shall be equipped with lamps showing to the front and rear for the purpose of indicating an intention to turn either to the right or left. Such lamps showing to the front shall be located on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable and when in use shall display a white or amber light, or any shade of color between white and amber, visible from a distance of not less than one hundred (100) feet to the front in normal sunlight. The lamps showing to the rear shall be located at the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable, and when in use shall display a red or amber light, or any shade of color between red and amber, visible from a distance of not less than one hundred (100) feet to the rear in normal sunlight. When activated, such lamps shall indicate the intended direction of turning by flashing the lights showing to the front and rear on the side towards which the turn is made. C. Any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles eighty (80) inches or more in overall width, and manufactured or assembled after the effective date set forth in the Highway Safety Code of the State of Oklahoma, shall be equipped with lamps showing to the front and rear for the purpose of indicating an intention to turn either to the right or left. Such lamps showing to the front shall be located on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable and when in use shall display a white or amber light, or any shade of color between white and amber, visible for a distance of not less than five hundred (500) feet to the front in normal sunlight. The lamps showing to the rear shall be located at the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable and when in use shall display a red or amber light, or any shade of color between red and amber, visible for a distance of not less than five hundred (500) feet to the rear in normal sunlight. When activated, such lamps shall indicate the intended direction of turning by flashing the lights showing to the front and rear on the side toward which the turn is made. D. No stop lamp or signal lamp shall project a glaring light.

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 712 Special restrictions on lamps.

Section 712. - Special restrictions on lamps. A. Any lighted lamp or illuminating device upon a motor vehicle, other than head lamps, spot lamps, auxiliary lamps, flashing turn signals, emergency vehicle warning lamps, construction and maintenance warning lamps and school bus warning lamps, which projects a beam of light of an intensity greater than three hundred (300) candlepower shall be so directed that no part of the high-intensity portion of the beam shall strike the level of the roadway on which the vehicle stands at a distance of more than seventy-five (75) feet from the vehicle. B. No person shall drive or move any vehicle or equipment upon any highway with any lamp or device thereon displaying a red light visible from directly in front of the center thereof. Only regular employees of the United States Government, the State of Oklahoma or any political subdivision thereof engaged in law enforcement or Fire Department duties, or companies offering ambulance services, shall own or operate a vehicle equipped with a red or blue light directed to the front unless a permit has been issued to the person by the Chief of Police. C. Flashing lights are prohibited except on an authorized emergency vehicle, school bus, church bus as defined in 47 O.S. 1991, § 11-705.1, snow-removal equipment, wreckers and tow vehicles while at the scene of an emergency or any vehicle as a means of indicating a right or left turn or in the presence of a vehicular traffic hazard requiring unusual care in approaching, overtaking or passing. Flashing red or blue lights or a combination of flashing red and blue lights may be used on vehicles or machinery owned or operated by any agency of the United States Government, State of Oklahoma or any political subdivision thereof when engaged in the performance of emergency work or on the construction or maintenance of roadways or bridges, or on wreckers and tow vehicles at the scene of an emergency. D. Blue lights are prohibited except as allowed in Subsection C. of this section. (Ord. Nos. 18454, 19491; Ord. No. 21982, § 24, 12-18-2008)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 713 Lamps on parked vehicles.

Section 713. - Lamps on parked vehicles. A. Whenever a vehicle, other than a motor-driven cycle, is parked or stopped upon a roadway or shoulder adjacent thereto, whether attended or unattended, during the hours between one-half (½) hour after sunset and one-half (½) hour before sunrise and there is not sufficient light to reveal such vehicle from a distance of three hundred (300) feet upon such roadway, such vehicle so parked or stopped shall be equipped with one (1) or more lamps meeting the following requirements: 1. At least one (1) lamp shall display, when lighted, a white or amber light visible from a distance of three hundred (300) feet to the front of the vehicle and the same lamp or at least one (1) other lamp shall display, when lighted, a red light visible from a distance of three hundred (300) feet to the rear of the vehicle; and 2. The location of such lamp or lamps shall always be such that at least one (1) lamp or combination of lamps meeting the requirements of this section is installed as near as practicable to the side of the vehicle which is closest to the passing traffic. B. Any lighted head lamps upon a parked vehicle shall be depressed or dimmed.

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 714 Lamp or flag on projecting load.

Section 714. - Lamp or flag on projecting load. Whenever the load upon any vehicle extends to the rear four (4) feet or more beyond the bed or body of such vehicle, there shall be displayed at the extreme rear end of the load, at the time specified in Section 701 hereof, a red light or lantern plainly visible from a distance of at least five hundred (500) feet to the sides and rear. A red light or lantern required under this section shall be in addition to the red rear light required upon every vehicle. At any other time, there shall be displayed at the extreme rear end of such load a red flag or cloth not less than twelve (12) inches square and so hung that the entire area is visible to the driver of a vehicle approaching from the rear.

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 715 Lamps on farm tractors, farm equipment and implements of husbandry.

Section 715. - Lamps on farm tractors, farm equipment and implements of husbandry. A. Every farm tractor and every self-propelled farm equipment unit or implement of husbandry not equipped with an electric lighting system shall at all times mentioned in Section 701 be equipped with at least one (1) lamp displaying, when lighted, a white light visible from a distance of five hundred (500) feet to the front of such vehicle and shall also be equipped with at least one (1) lamp displaying, when lighted, a red light visible from a distance of not less than five hundred (500) feet to the rear. B. Every self-propelled unit of farm equipment not equipped with an electric lighting system shall at all times mentioned in Section 701, in addition to the lamps required in Subsection A, be equipped with two (2) red reflectors visible from a distance up to and including six hundred (600) feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of head lamps. C. Every combination of farm tractor and tow unit of farm equipment or implement of husbandry not equipped with an electric lighting system shall at all times mentioned in Section 701 be equipped with the following lamps: 1. At least one (1) lamp mounted to indicate as nearly as practicable the extreme left projection of such combination and displaying, when lighted, a white light visible from a distance of not less than five hundred (500) feet in front of such combination; and 2. Two (2) lamps each displaying, when lighted, a red light visible from a distance of not less than five hundred (500) feet to the rear of such combination, or as an alternative, at least one (1) lamp displaying, when lighted, a red light visible from a distance of not less than five hundred (500) feet to the rear thereof and two (2) red reflectors visible for a distance up to and including six hundred (600) feet to the rear thereof when illuminated by the lawful upper beams of head lamps. D. Every farm tractor and every self-propelled unit of farm equipment or implement of husbandry equipped with an electric lighting system shall at all times mentioned in Section 701 be equipped with two (2) single-beam or multiple-beam head lamps meeting the requirements of Section 705 of this chapter or, as an alternative, Section 717 of this chapter and at least one (1) red lamp visible, when lighted, from a distance of not less than five hundred (500) feet to the rear; provided, however, that every such self-propelled unit of farm equipment other than a farm tractor shall have two (2) such red lamps or, as an alternative, one (1) such red lamp and two (2) red reflectors visible from a distance up to and including six hundred (600) feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of head lamps. E. Every combination of farm tractor and towed farm equipment or towed implement of husbandry equipped with an electric lighting system shall at all times mentioned in Section 701 be equipped with lamps as follows: 1. The farm tractor implement of every such combination shall be equipped as required in subsection D of this section; 2. The towed unit of farm equipment or implement of husbandry element of such combination shall be equipped with two (2) red lamps visible, when lighted, from a distance of not less than five hundred (500) feet to the rear or, as an alternative, two (2) red reflectors visible from a distance up to and including six hundred (600) feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of head lamps; and 3. Such combination shall also be equipped with a lamp displaying a white or amber light, or any shade of color between white and amber, visible, when lighted, from a distance of not less than five hundred (500) feet to the front and a lamp displaying a red light visible, when lighted, from a distance of not less than five hundred (500) feet to the rear. F. The lamp and reflectors required in this section shall be so positioned as to show from front and rear as nearly as practicable the extreme projection of the vehicle on the side of the roadway used in passing such vehicle. If a farm tractor or a unit of farm equipment, whether self-propelled or towed, is equipped with two (2) or more lamps or reflectors visible from the front, or two (2) or more lamps or reflectors visible from the rear, such lamps or reflectors shall be so positioned that the extreme projection both to the rear and to the right of such vehicle shall be indicated as nearly as practicable.

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 716 Special lighting equipment on school buses.

Section 716. - Special lighting equipment on school buses. It shall be unlawful to operate any flashing, warning, signal light on any school bus except when any such school bus is stopped on a street for the purpose of permitting school children to board or alight from such school bus.

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 717 Lamps on other vehicles and equipment.

Section 717. - Lamps on other vehicles and equipment. Every vehicle, including animal-drawn vehicles and vehicles referred to in Section 700, not specifically required by the provisions of this chapter to be equipped with lamps or other lighting devices, shall at all times specified in Section 701 of this chapter be equipped with at least one (1) lamp displaying, when lighted, a white light visible from a distance of not less than five hundred (500) feet to the front of such vehicle; and shall also be equipped with two (2) lamps displaying, when lighted, red lights visible from a distance of not less than five hundred (500) feet to the rear of such vehicle or, as an alternative, one (1) lamp displaying, when lighted, a red light visible from a distance of not less than five hundred (500) feet to the rear and two (2) red reflectors visible for a distance up to and including six hundred (600) feet to the rear when illuminated by the lawful upper beams of head lamps.

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 718 Only emergency vehicles to be equipped with siren.

Section 718. - Only emergency vehicles to be equipped with siren. No person other than regular employees of the United States Government, the State of Oklahoma or any political subdivision thereof engaged in law enforcement or fire department duties, or companies offering ambulance services shall own or operate a vehicle equipped with a siren attached to the vehicle, unless such person has been issued a siren permit by the Chief of Police. (Ord. No. 18454)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 719 Brake equipment required.

Section 719. - Brake equipment required. A. Every motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle when operated upon a street or roadway shall be equipped with brakes adequate to control the movement of and to stop and hold such vehicle, including two (2) separate means of applying the brakes, each of which means shall be effective to apply the brakes to at least two (2) wheels. If these two separate means of applying the brakes are connected in any way, they shall be so constructed that failure of any one part of the operating mechanism shall not leave the motor vehicle without brakes on at least two (2) wheels. B. All motorcycles and motorscooters, except on actual trail rides conducted outside the public streets and roadways, shall be equipped with brakes adequate to control the movement of such vehicles, to stop and hold such vehicles, including two (2) separate means of applying the brakes: one (1) means shall be effective to apply the brakes to the front wheel, and one (1) shall be effective to apply the brakes to the rear wheels. All such vehicles shall be equipped with a stop lamp on the rear of the vehicle which shall display, when lighted, a red or amber light, or any shade of color between red and 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.

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 720 Horns and warning devices.

Section 720. - Horns and warning devices. A. Every motor vehicle when operated upon a street or roadway shall be equipped with a horn in good working condition and capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than two hundred (200) feet; but no horn or other warning device shall emit an unreasonably loud or harsh sound or whistle. The driver of a motor vehicle shall when reasonably necessary to insure safe operation, give audible warning with his horn, but shall not otherwise use such horn when upon a roadway when such vehicle is in motion. B. No vehicle shall be equipped with nor shall any person use upon a vehicle any siren, whistle, or bell, except as otherwise permitted in the section. C. Any authorized emergency vehicle shall be equipped with a siren, whistle, or bell, capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than five hundred (500) feet and of a type approved by the Chief of Police or his designee. Such warning device shall not be used except when such vehicle is operated in response to an emergency call or is in the immediate pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law, in which events, the driver of such vehicle shall sound such warning device when reasonably necessary to warn pedestrians and other drivers of the approach of the emergency vehicle. (Ord. No. 13046)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 721 Mufflers, prevention of noise.

Section 721. - Mufflers, prevention of noise. 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, and no person shall use a muffler cut-out, by-pass or similar device upon a motor vehicle on any street or highway. 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. (Ord. No. 13642)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 722 Mirrors.

Section 722. - Mirrors. A. Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a mirror mounted on the left side of the vehicle and so positioned and located as to reflect to the driver a view of the roadway to the rear of the motor vehicle. B. Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with an additional mirror mounted either inside the vehicle approximately in the center or outside the vehicle on the right side and so positioned and located as to reflect to the driver a view of the roadway to the rear of the vehicle. (Ord. No. 21982, § 25, 12-18-2008)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 723 Steering apparatus.

Section 723. - Steering apparatus. It shall be an offense to operate a vehicle with the steering apparatus modified or altered in any manner from the original steering apparatus provided by the manufacturer of the vehicle.

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 724 Windshields must be unobstructed and equipped with wipers.

Section 724. - Windshields must be unobstructed and equipped with wipers. A. No person shall drive any motor vehicle with any sign, poster or other nontransparent material, including snow or ice, upon the front windshield, side wings or side or rear windows of such vehicle which obstructs the driver's clear view of the roadway or any intersecting roadway. B. The windshield on every motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, shall be equipped with a device for cleaning rain, snow or other moisture from the windshield, which device shall be so constructed as to be controlled or operated by the driver of the vehicle. C. Every windshield wiper upon a motor vehicle shall be maintained in good working order.

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 725 Motorcyle, motorscooter and motor-driven cycle mirrors.

Section 725. - Motorcyle, motorscooter and motor-driven cycle mirrors. All motorcycles, motorscooters and motor-driven cycles shall be equipped with two (2) mirrors containing a reflection surface of not less than three (3) inches in diameter, mounted one (1) 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. (Ord. No. 20185)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 726 Motorcycle, motorscooter and motor-driven cycle windshields.

Section 726. - Motorcycle, motorscooter and motor-driven cycle windshields. All motorcycles, motorscooters and motor-driven cycles shall be equipped with a windshield of sufficient quality, size and thickness to protect the operator from foreign objects. In lieu of such windshield, the operator shall wear goggles or face shield of material and design to protect him from foreign objects. (Ord. No. 20185)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 727 Motorcycle, motorscooter and motor-driven cycle fenders.

Section 727. - Motorcycle, motorscooter and motor-driven cycle fenders. All motorcycles, motorscooters and motor-driven cycles shall be equipped with a fender over each wheel. All fenders shall be of a type provided by the manufacturer. (Ord. No. 20185)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 728 Motorcycle, motorscooter and motor-driven cycle handlebars.

Section 728. - Motorcycle, motorscooter and motor-driven cycle handlebars. Handlebars on motorcycles, motorscooters and motor-driven cycles shall not exceed twelve (12) inches in height, measured from the crown or point of manufacturer's attachment. (Ord. No. 20185)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 729 Motorcycle, motorscooter and motor-driven cycle speedometers.

Section 729. - Motorcycle, motorscooter and motor-driven cycle speedometers. All motorcycles, motorscooters and motor-driven cycles shall be equipped with a properly operating speedometer capable of registering at least the maximum legal speed limit for that vehicle. (Ord. No. 20185)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 730 Suicide clutch.

Section 730. - Suicide clutch. No person shall ride a motorcycle with the clutch altered from the factory installation or change to the "Suicide Clutch" system.

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 731 Headgear.

Section 731. - Headgear. No person under eighteen (18) years of age shall operate or ride upon any motorcycle, motorscooter or motor-driven cycle, except on actual trail rides conducted outside of public roads and highways, unless such person is equipped with and wearing on the head a crash helmet of a type which complies with standards approved by the Department of Public Safety of the State of Oklahoma, in conjunction with Service Oklahoma, or other state agency designated by the State of Oklahoma. All crash helmets shall consist of lining, padding and chin straps and shall be of the type so as not to distort the view of the driver. (Ord. Nos. 13622, 20185; Ord. No. 25354, § 7, 7-24-2024)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 732 Passengers on motorcycles.

Section 732. - Passengers on motorcycles. No driver of a two (2) or three (3) wheeled motor vehicle shall carry any other person on, upon or within such vehicle on any street or roadway; except, however, that if any two (2) or three (3) wheeled motor vehicle 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 providing a separate seat space within such 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 of age or older to carry a passenger. A demonstration ride by a licensed dealer or his employee is excepted from the provisions of this section.

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 733 Obstruction of driver's view.

Section 733. - Obstruction of driver's view. A. No person shall drive a vehicle when it is so loaded 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 mechanism of the vehicle. B. No passenger in a vehicle shall ride in such a position as to interfere with the driver's view ahead or to the side or to interfere with his control over the mechanism of the vehicle. C. No person shall operate a vehicle so constructed or enclosed in such manner as to prevent the driver from having a clear view of the road ahead and to the sides.

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 734 Display of warning devices when vehicle disabled.

Section 734. - Display of warning devices when vehicle disabled. A. Except as provided in Subsection B., whenever any motor truck, passenger bus, truck-tractor, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer or any motor vehicle towing a house trailer is disabled upon the traveled portion of any roadway or the shoulder thereof at any time when lighted lamps are required on vehicles, the driver of such vehicle shall display the following warning devices upon the roadway: 1. A lighted fuse, a lighted red electric lantern or a portable red emergency reflector shall be immediately placed at the traffic side of the vehicle in the direction of the nearest approaching traffic; and 2. As soon thereafter as possible, but in any event within the burning period of the fuse (fifteen (15) minutes), the driver shall place three (3) liquid-burning flares (pot torches), three (3) lighted red electric lanterns or three (3) portable emergency reflectors on the traveled portion of the roadway in the following order: a. One (1) approximately one hundred (100) feet from the disabled vehicle in the center of the lane occupied by such vehicle and toward traffic approaching in that lane; b. One (1) approximately one hundred (100) feet ahead of the disabled vehicle and in the center of the traffic lane occupied by such vehicle; and c. One (1) at the traffic side of the disabled vehicle not less than ten (10) feet rearward or forward thereof in the direction of the nearest approaching traffic. B. Whenever any vehicle referred to in this section is disabled within five hundred (500) feet of a curve, hillcrest or other obstruction to view, the warning signal in that direction shall be so placed as to afford ample warning to other users of the street, but in no case less than one hundred (100) feet nor more than five hundred (500) feet from the disabled vehicle. C. Whenever any vehicle of a type referred to in this section is disabled upon any roadway of a divided street or highway during the time the lights are required, the appropriate warning devices prescribed in Subsections A. and E. of this section shall be placed as follows: 1. One (1) at a distance of approximately two hundred (200) feet from the vehicle in the center of the lane occupied by the stopped vehicle and in the direction of traffic approaching in that lane; 2. One (1) at a distance of approximately one hundred (100) feet from the vehicle in the center of the lane occupied by the vehicle and in the direction of traffic approaching in that lane; and 3. One (1) at the traffic side of the vehicle approximately ten (10) feet from the vehicle in the direction of the nearest approaching traffic. D. Whenever any vehicle of a type referred to in this section is disabled upon a traveled portion of a roadway or the shoulder thereof at any time when the display of fuses, flares, red electric lanterns or portable red emergency reflectors is not required, the driver of the vehicle shall display two (2) red flags upon the roadway in the lane of traffic occupied by the disabled vehicle, one (1) at a distance of approximately one hundred (100) feet in advance of the vehicle and one (1) at a distance of one hundred (100) feet to the rear of the vehicle. E. Whenever any vehicle used in the transportation of explosives or any cargo tank truck used for the transportation of any flammable liquid or compressed flammable gas is disabled upon a roadway at any time or place mentioned in Subsection A of this section, the driver of such vehicle shall immediately display the following warning devices: One (1) red electric lantern or portable red emergency reflector placed on the roadway at the traffic side of the vehicle and two (2) red electric lanterns or portable red reflectors, one (1) placed approximately one hundred (100) feet to the front and one (1) placed approximately one hundred (100) feet to the rear of the disabled vehicle in the center of the traffic lane occupied by such vehicle. Flares, fuses or signals produced by flame shall not be used as warning devices by disabled vehicles of the type mentioned in this subsection.

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 735 Certain vehicles to carry flares or other warning devices.

Section 735. - Certain vehicles to carry flares or other warning devices. A. Except as provided in Section 700, no person shall operate any truck, passenger bus, school bus or truck-tractor upon any street at any time unless there shall be carried in such vehicle the following equipment: 1. At least three (3) flares or three (3) red electric lanterns, each of which shall be capable of being seen and distinguished, when lighted, at a distance of five hundred (500) feet under normal atmospheric conditions at nighttime; each flare (liquid-burning pot torch) shall be capable of burning for not less than twelve (12) hours in five (5) miles per hour wind velocity and capable of burning in any wind velocity from zero to forty (40) miles per hour; every such flare shall be substantially constructed so as to withstand reasonable shock breakage; 2. At least three (3) red burning fuses, unless red electric lanterns are carried; every fuse shall be made in accordance with specifications of the Bureau of Explosives, New York, and so marked and shall be capable of burning at least fifteen (15) minutes; 3. At least three (3) red cloth flags, each not less than twelve (12) inches square, with standards to support same; and 4. In every bus, truck or truck-tractor transporting persons or property for hire shall be carried at least one (1) spare bulb for each kind of electric lamp, except sealed beam headlights, where such electric lamp is used for any of the lighting devices required by this chapter. B. No person shall operate any motor vehicle used in the transportation of flammable liquids in bulk or transporting compressed flammable gases unless there shall be carried in such vehicle three (3) red electric lanterns meeting the requirements set forth in Subsection A. of this section. There shall not be carried in any such vehicle any flares, fuses or signal produced by a flame. C. In the alternative, it shall be deemed a compliance with this section if the person operating any motor vehicle described in this section shall carry in such vehicle three (3) portable reflector units on standards of a type approved by the Chief of Police or his designee. No portable reflector unit shall be approved unless it is so designed and constructed that it will reflect red light clearly visible for a distance up to and including five hundred (500) feet under normal atmospheric conditions at nighttime when directly in front of lawful upper beams of head lamps. (Ord. No. 12405)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 736 Towing disabled vehicles.

Section 736. - Towing disabled vehicles. No vehicle, unless confined to tracks, shall tow more than one (1) disabled vehicle at a time. No towing connection shall be used which so connects the towing and towed vehicles that is in excess of sixteen (16) feet measured between the rear of the towing and the front of the towed vehicle.

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 737 Unsecured vehicle loads.

Section 737. - Unsecured vehicle loads. No vehicle shall be driven or moved on any street or alley unless such vehicle is so constructed and loaded or covered as to prevent its contents from dropping, shifting, leaking or otherwise escaping or spilling therefrom upon the streets or alleys.

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 738 Passengers on open body of truck—Requirements.

Section 738. - Passengers on open body of truck—Requirements. No driver shall permit passengers to stand on the open body of any truck unless such truck has a protective railing not less than four (4) feet in height completely around the bed.

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 739 Penalty.

Section 739. - Penalty. Unless otherwise provided for in this chapter, every person violating any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of an offense and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not less than Five Dollars ($5.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), excluding costs, fees and assessments. (Ord. Nos. 15524, 18454, 19491; Ord. No. 21982, § 26, 12-18-2008)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 740 Mandatory seat belt use.

Section 740. - 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, installed in any motor vehicle manufactured after January 1, 1972, or required to be installed in the motor vehicle when manufactured pursuant to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208, 49 Code of Federal Regulations, § 571.208. For the purposes of this section, "passenger car" shall mean "vehicle" as defined in 47 O.S. Supp. 1996, § 1102, except that "passenger car" shall not include trucks, truck-tractors, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, motorized bicycles or vehicles used primarily for farm use and licensed pursuant to the provisions of 47 O.S. Supp. 1996, § 1134. 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, however, that 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. Any person violating this section shall be guilty of an offense and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding Twenty Dollars ($20.00), including court costs. (Ord. Nos. 17006, 18454, 19116)

Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 37, § 741 Mandatory child passenger restraint system.

Section 741. - Mandatory child passenger restraint system. A. Every driver, when transporting a child under eight (8) years of age in a motor vehicle operated on the roadways, streets, or highways of the City of Tulsa, 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. For purposes of this section of this title, "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. B. 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. C. 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 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. D. A violation of the provisions of this section shall be admissible as evidence in any civil action or proceeding for damages unless the plaintiff in such action or proceeding is a child under sixteen (16) years of age. In any action brought by or on behalf of an infant for personal injuries or wrongful death sustained in a motor vehicle collision, the failure of any person to have the infant properly restrained in accordance with the provisions of this section shall not be used in aggravation or mitigation of damages. E. A person who is certified as a Child Passenger Safety Technician and who in good faith provides inspection, adjustment, or educational services regarding child passenger restraint systems shall not be liable for civil damages resulting from any act or omission in providing such services, other than acts or omissions constituting gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct. F. Any person convicted of violating subsection A of this section shall be punished by a fine of Fifty Dollars ($50.00), excluding costs, fees and assessments. This fine shall be suspended and the court costs limited to a maximum of Fifteen Dollars ($15.00) in the case of the first offense upon proof of purchase or acquisition by loan of a child passenger restraint system. Provided, the Department of Public Safety shall not assess points to the driving record of any person convicted of a violation of this section. (Ord. Nos. 16914, 18454, 19116, 20185, 20848; Ord. No. 23393, § 1, 10-29-2015)

Source: City of Tulsa, Revised Ordinances and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/ok/tulsa/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_TIT37TURETRCO_CH7EQREFetched: 10/28/2026