TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS.

Austin City Code tit. 12, ch. 12-1, art. 3

in effect

Austin City Code § 12-1-21 DRIVING IN BICYCLE LANE.

§ 12-1-21 - DRIVING IN BICYCLE LANE. (A) A person may not drive a motor-propelled vehicle in, on, or across a bicycle lane except: (1) to enter or leave a driveway, building, or alley; (2) to enter or leave a parking space; or (3) for a bus, to enter or leave a bus stop. (B) Subsection (A) does not apply to a bicycle, scooter, or other similar vehicle that is equipped with an electric motor that is capable of propelling the bicycle, scooter, or vehicle at a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour. (C) A person may not drive on or cross a bicycle lane under this section without first yielding the right-of-way, if necessary, to avoid collision or interference with bicycle traffic. Source: 1992 Code Section 16-1-13; Ord. 031204-13; Ord. 031211-11; Ord. 050310-13.

Austin City Code § 12-1-22 DRIVING IN A PROCESSION.

§ 12-1-22 - DRIVING IN A PROCESSION. (A) The driver of a vehicle in a funeral procession shall: (1) illuminate the vehicle's headlights to identify the vehicle as a part of the procession; (2) drive as near to the right-hand edge of the roadway as practical; and (3) follow the vehicle ahead as closely as practical and safe. (B) Except as provided in Subsection (C), a person may not drive a vehicle between the vehicles in a moving funeral or other authorized procession when the procession vehicles are proceeding as required by Subsection (A). (C) Subsection (B) does not apply at an intersection where traffic is controlled by a traffic-control signal or police officer. Source: 1992 Code Sections 16-1-5 and 16-1-6; Ord. 031204-13; Ord. 031211-11.

Austin City Code § 12-1-23 FOLLOWING POLICE CAR.

§ 12-1-23 - FOLLOWING POLICE CAR. Except at the direction of a police officer, the driver of a vehicle may not follow within 100 feet of a police car that: (1) is traveling on a public street in response to an emergency; and (2) is displaying or using emergency devices, including lights and sirens. Source: 1992 Code Section 16-1-12; Ord. 031204-13; Ord. 031211-11.

Austin City Code § 12-1-24 LEFT TURN RESTRICTED FROM ALLEY OR DRIVEWAY.

§ 12-1-24 - LEFT TURN RESTRICTED FROM ALLEY OR DRIVEWAY. (A) Except as provided by Subsection (B), a person may not make a left turn in a vehicle to enter an alley, driveway, or building from a public street or to exit an alley, driveway, or building onto a public street. (B) Subsection (A) does not apply to a person properly entering or leaving a one-way street or entering or leaving an area designated for left-turn storage and movement of vehicles. Source: 1992 Code Section 16-1-7; Ord. 031204-13; Ord. 031211-11.

Austin City Code § 12-1-25 OBSTRUCTING INTERSECTION OR CROSSWALK.

§ 12-1-25 - OBSTRUCTING INTERSECTION OR CROSSWALK. A driver may not enter an intersection or a marked crosswalk unless there is sufficient space on the other side of the intersection or crosswalk to accommodate the driver's vehicle without obstructing the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians, notwithstanding a traffic-control signal indication to proceed. Source: 1992 Code Section 16-1-16; Ord. 031204-13; Ord. 031211-11.

Austin City Code § 12-1-26 PEDESTRIANS ON CERTAIN ROADWAYS.

§ 12-1-26 - PEDESTRIANS ON CERTAIN ROADWAYS. (A) A pedestrian may not stand in a roadway to: (1) solicit a ride from the driver of a vehicle; or (2) linger, loiter, or remain on a roadway for any purpose. (B) A pedestrian may not cross the following roadways except on an overpass or underpass that crosses the roadway: (1) IH-35; (2) Loop 1 (MoPac Expressway); (3) U.S. Highway 290 (East) from IH-35 to the east city limits; or (4) U.S. Highway 183 (Ed Bluestein Boulevard) from U.S. Highway 290 (East) to Farm Road 969 (Webberville Road). Source: 1992 Code Section 16-1-11; Ord. 031204-13; Ord. 031211-11.

Austin City Code § 12-1-27 SOLICITATIONS BETWEEN AN OCCUPANT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE AND A PEDESTRIAN.

§ 12-1-27 - SOLICITATIONS BETWEEN AN OCCUPANT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE AND A PEDESTRIAN. (A) This section applies in the following areas, including the streets and pedestrian rights-of-way that bound the areas: (1) the area: (a) beginning at the intersection of Cesar Chavez Street and Lamar Boulevard (North); (b) north on Lamar Boulevard (North) to 29th Street (West); (c) east on 29th Street (West) to Guadalupe Street; (d) south on Guadalupe Street to Dean Keeton Street (West/East); (e) east on Dean Keeton Street (West/East) to IH-35; (f) south on IH-35 from Dean Keeton Street (East) to Cesar Chavez Street (East); and (g) west on Cesar Chavez (East/West) from IH-35 to Lamar Boulevard (North), the point of beginning; (2) the area: (a) beginning at the intersection of 45th Street and Duval Street; (b) north on a line defined by the west curb of Duval Street and extending that line north to Koenig Lane; (c) east on Koenig Lane and U.S. Highway 290 North Frontage Road to the intersection of Berkman Drive; (d) south on Berkman Drive to the intersection of 51st Street; (e) west on 51st Street to the intersection of IH-35; (f) south on IH-35 East Frontage Road to the intersection of a line defined by the west curb of Clarkson Avenue; (g) north along that line to the intersection of 45th Street; and (h) west on 45th Street to the point of beginning; and (3) the area: (a) beginning at the intersection of Second Street (East) and Comal Street; (b) south on a line defined by the east curb of Comal Street and extending that line south to the north shore of Town Lake; (c) west along the north shore of Town Lake to Waller Creek; (d) north along the west shore of Waller Creek to Cesar Chavez Street; (e) east on Cesar Chavez Street to the intersection of IH-35; (f) north on IH-35 East Frontage Road to the intersection of Second Street (East); and (g) east on Second Street (East) to the point of beginning. (B) The council finds that the distraction of motorists occasioned by a solicitation between an occupant of a motor vehicle and a pedestrian impedes the safe and orderly flow of traffic, causes vehicles to stop unexpectedly, causes vehicles to linger at traffic control devices, and causes motorists to fail to attend to driving. Distracted drivers pose a significant risk of physical injury to motorists and pedestrians. (C) In this section "private parking area" means privately owned property for vehicle parking, and an adjacent driveway, walkway, setback, and landscaped area. (D) A person who is in or next to a street, on a sidewalk, or in a private parking area commits an offense if the person solicits, or attempts to solicit, services, employment, business, or contributions from an occupant of a motor vehicle. (E) A person in a motor vehicle commits an offense if the person solicits, or attempts to solicit, services, employment, business, or contributions from a person who is in or next to a street, on a sidewalk, or in a private parking area. (F) This section does not apply to: (1) a facility operated by or for the City, and designated by the city manager as a place where the solicitation of employment or services is permitted; or (2) a private parking area unless the owner of the parking area has permanently posted a conspicuous sign at each entrance of the parking area, in both English and Spanish, stating that it is a misdemeanor to engage in solicitation for employment. (G) An offense under this section is punishable by a fine not to exceed $500. Source: 1992 Code Section 16-1-1 and 16-1-20; Ord. 031204-13; Ord. 031211-11.

Austin City Code § 12-1-28 RESERVED.

Austin City Code § 12-1-29 TRUCKS PROHIBITED ON CERTAIN STREETS.

§ 12-1-29 - TRUCKS PROHIBITED ON CERTAIN STREETS. (A) The traffic engineer shall install traffic control signs and markings on streets where trucks are prohibited. (B) A person may not drive or operate a truck on a street where driving or operating a truck is prohibited. (C) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that: (1) the person is operating the truck on a prohibited street to go directly to or from a residence or commercial establishment on that street to deliver or pickup material, and the driver has proof of that purpose; (2) the person is using the truck for a private purpose that does not include the transport, loading, or unloading of material or property; or (3) the vehicle is: (a) owned by a public or private utility; (b) engaged in the business of transporting people; (c) parked at the owner's or lessee's residence or place of business; or (d) the property of a governmental entity. Source: 1992 Code Section 16-2-16; Ord. 031204-13; Ord. 031211-11.

Austin City Code § 12-1-30 U-TURNS RESTRICTED.

§ 12-1-30 - U-TURNS RESTRICTED. The driver of a vehicle may not turn the vehicle to proceed in the opposite direction at: (1) an intersection or median opening on a divided street where a posted traffic sign prohibits turning in the opposite direction; or (2) a location where the turn is not prohibited, unless the turn can be made safely and without interfering with other traffic. Source: 1992 Code Section 16-1-14; Ord. 031204-13; Ord. 031211-11.

Austin City Code § 12-1-31 UNLAWFULLY RIDING ON VEHICLE.

§ 12-1-31 - UNLAWFULLY RIDING ON VEHICLE. (A) A person may not ride on a part of a motor vehicle that is not designed or intended to transport a passenger. (B) The driver of a vehicle may not transport a person on a part of the motor vehicle that is not designed or intended to transport a passenger. (C) The driver of a vehicle commits a violation if the driver knowing operates a vehicle on a roadway with a person on a bicycle, motorcycle, scooter, skates, or other toy vehicle attached to the driver's vehicle. Source: 1992 Code Sections 16-1-9 and 16-1-10; Ord. 031204-13; Ord. 031211-11.

Austin City Code § 12-1-32 USE OF MICRO-MOBILITY DEVICES, SKATEBOARDS, BICYCLE MOTOCROSS BICYCLES, AND TOY VEHICLES ON PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY OR PROPERTY.

§ 12-1-32 - USE OF MICRO-MOBILITY DEVICES, SKATEBOARDS, BICYCLE MOTOCROSS BICYCLES, AND TOY VEHICLES ON PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY OR PROPERTY. (A) A person may not use a toy vehicle on a public street except to cross a street at a crosswalk. (B) A person may not operate a micro-mobility device, or ride a skateboard, toy vehicle, or similar device on public landscaping, amenities or art; or in a manner contrary to the intended use of any amenity. Source: 1992 Code Sections 16-1-8 and 16-1-19; Ord. 031204-13; Ord. 031211-11; Ord. 041216-22; Ord. No. 20190523-059, Pt. 2, 5-3-19.

Austin City Code § 12-1-33 USE OF ENGINE BRAKE OR RETARDER PROHIBITED.

§ 12-1-33 - USE OF ENGINE BRAKE OR RETARDER PROHIBITED. (A) This section applies to a roadway or street within the corporate limits, and extends to within 5,000 feet outside the limits, including a state maintained roadway. (B) A person may not use an engine brake or engine retarder to assist in slowing or braking a motor vehicle, except for a fire truck engaged in emergency duties. Source: Ord. 20060608-072; Ord. 20060831-032; Ord. No. 20151001-044, Pt. 2, 10-12-15.

Austin City Code § 12-1-34 USE OF PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES WHILE OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE, BICYCLE, OR MICRO-MOBILITY DEVICE.

§ 12-1-34 - USE OF PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES WHILE OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE, BICYCLE, OR MICRO-MOBILITY DEVICE. (A) In this section: (1) portable electronic device means a hand-held mobile telephone, personal digital assistant, MP3 or other hand-held music player, electronic reading device, laptop computer, pager, broadband personal communication device, global positioning or navigation system, electronic game device, or portable computing device. (2) use means employing a portable electronic device for any reason including, without limitation, the following activities while holding or touching the device: (a) dialing or deactivating a phone call; (b) speaking in or listening to a conversation; (c) viewing, taking, or transmitting electronic images; (d) composing, sending, viewing, accessing, browsing, retrieving, or saving email messages, text messages, or other electronic data; (e) entering or changing information in a global positioning or navigation system or any software or application designed for navigation; (f) accessing or viewing an internet website or computer application; or (g) playing a game. (3) operating a micro-mobility device or bicycle means riding while the micro-mobility device or bicycle is in motion. (4) authorized emergency personnel means a person who is a law enforcement officer, firefighter, member of a governmental emergency medical services function, or member of a governmental emergency management function. (B) An operator of a motor vehicle may not use a portable electronic device while the vehicle is in motion. (C) A person may not use a portable electronic device while operating a micro-mobility device or bicycle. (D) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution of an offense under this section if: (1) the motor vehicle, micro-mobility device, or bicycle is at a complete stop; (2) the portable electronic device is used in a hands-free mode of operation and used to engage in telephone communication or to listen to audio transmissions; (3) the portable electronic device is a global positioning or navigation device, or global positioning or navigation software on a device, and the device is affixed to the motor vehicle, micro-mobility device, or bicycle; (4) use of a portable electronic device is for obtaining emergency assistance to report a crime, traffic accident, medical emergency, or serious traffic hazard, or to prevent a crime about to be committed; or (5) use of a portable electronic device is in the reasonable belief that a person's life or safety is in immediate danger. (E) This section does not apply to authorized emergency personnel who are using a portable electronic device while the personnel are acting in an official capacity. (F) This section does not apply to an operator who is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission while operating a radio frequency device other than a portable electronic device or an operator using a two-way radio communication in a commercial vehicle. (G) To the extent that this section conflicts with the Texas Transportation Code Section 545.424, regarding the use of wireless communication devices while operating a motor vehicle by minors, or Texas Transportation Code Section 545.425, regarding the use of wireless communication devices in school crossing zones, this section does not apply. Source: Ord. 20091022-028; Ord. 20091217-090; Ord. No. 20140828-041, Pt. 1, 1-1-15; Ord. No. 20190523-059, Pt. 3, 5-3-19.

Austin City Code § 12-1-35 VULNERABLE ROAD USERS.

§ 12-1-35 - VULNERABLE ROAD USERS. (A) In this section, a Vulnerable Road User means: (1) a pedestrian, including a runner, physically disabled person, child, skater, highway construction and maintenance worker, tow truck operator, utility worker, other worker with legitimate business in or near the road or right-of-way, or stranded motorist or passenger; (2) a person on horseback; (3) a person operating equipment other than a motor vehicle, including, but not limited to, a bicycle, handcycle, horse-driven conveyance, or unprotected farm equipment; (4) a person operating a motorcycle, moped, motor-driven cycle, or motor-assisted scooter; or (5) a person operating a micro-mobility device or bicycle. (B) An operator of a motor vehicle passing a vulnerable road user operating on a highway or street shall: (1) vacate the lane in which the vulnerable road user is located if the highway has two or more marked lanes running in the same direction; or (2) pass the vulnerable road user at a safe distance. (C) For the purpose of Subsection (b)(2), when road conditions allow, safe distance is at least: (1) three feet if the operator's vehicle is a passenger car or light truck; or (2) six feet if the operator's vehicle is a truck, other than a light truck, or a commercial motor vehicle as defined by Texas Transportation Code Section 522.003. (D) An operator of a motor vehicle that is making a left turn at an intersection, including an intersection with an alley or private road or driveway, shall yield the right-of-way to a vulnerable road user who is approaching from the opposite direction and is in the intersection, or is in such proximity to the intersection as to be an immediate hazard. (E) An operator of a motor vehicle may not overtake a vulnerable road user traveling in the same direction and subsequently make a right-hand turn in front of the vulnerable road user unless the operator is safely clear of the vulnerable road user, taking into account the speed at which the vulnerable road user is traveling and the braking requirements of the motor vehicle making the right-hand turn. (F) An operator of a motor vehicle may not maneuver the vehicle in a manner that: (1) is intended to cause intimidation or harassment to a vulnerable road user; or (2) threatens a vulnerable road user. (G) An operator of a motor vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any vulnerable road user on a roadway or in an intersection of roadways. (H) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that at the time of the offense the vulnerable road user was acting in violation of the law. Source: Ord. 20091022-030; Ord. No. 20190523-059, Pt. 4, 5-3-19.

Austin City Code § 12-1-36 VEHICLE ENGINE NOISE.

§ 12-1-36 - VEHICLE ENGINE NOISE. (A) A person may not intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence make, or cause to be made, any loud or disturbing noise or vibration that is offensive to a person of ordinary sensibilities from the discharge into the open air of the exhaust from any motor vehicle, except through a muffler or other device that will effectively and efficiently prevent loud or disturbing noise or vibration. (B) A loud or disturbing vehicle engine noise or vibration in violation of this section may be caused by missing or faulty equipment, a vehicle in disrepair, or any one or more the following: (1) excessive acceleration or deceleration while in motion when there is no emergency need; (2) rapid acceleration by means of quick up shifting of transmission gears with either a clutch, manual transmission, or automatic transmission; (3) rapid deceleration by means of quick down shifting of transmission gears with either a clutch, manual transmission, or automatic transmission; (4) racing or revving of the engine by manipulation of the accelerator, gas pedal, or carburetor in applying fuel to the engine in a greater amount than is necessary, whether the vehicle is in motion or standing still; or (5) intentionally applying unnecessarily excessive acceleration from a stationary position, or unnecessary, deliberate, or intentional bursts of acceleration while moving in a non-emergency situation. (C) A vehicle engine noise or vibration is presumed to be loud or disturbing and offensive to a person of ordinary sensibilities in violation of this section if the noise exceeds a decibel level of 85 after the person making the noise receives notice from a peace officer that the noise is a public nuisance. (D) In the enforcement of this section, a peace officer may be required to exercise judgment in determining if a particular noise or vibration violates this section. When making such a determination, the peace officer shall consider the following factors: (1) the intensity (sound pressure) of the noise or vibration; (2) whether the nature of the noise or vibration is usual or unusual; (3) the volume and intensity of the background noise or vibration, if any; (4) the proximity of the noise or vibration to residences; (5) the time of day when the noise or vibration occurs; (6) the duration of the noise or vibration; and (7) whether the noise or vibration is recurrent, intermittent, or consistent. (E) A person commits an offense under this section only if the person has previously received notice from a peace officer that the person's behavior violates this section. Source: Ord. No. 20260226-038, Pt. 1, 3-9-26.

Source: City of Austin, City Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tx/austin/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT12TRRE_CH12-1TRREAD_ART3TRREFetched: 10/27/2026