TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNS, SIGNALS AND DEVICES

Oklahoma City Municipal Code ch. 32, art. II, div. 3

in effect

Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 32-61 Obedience.

§ 32-61. - Obedience. The driver of any vehicle shall obey the instructions of any official traffic control device applicable thereto placed in accordance with traffic laws and ordinances of this City, unless otherwise directed by an authorized person, or excepted under the provisions relating to drivers of authorized emergency vehicles. (Code 1970, § 34-12; Code 1980, § 32-61)

Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 32-62 When official traffic control devices required for enforcement purposes.

§ 32-62. - When official traffic control devices required for enforcement purposes. No provision of this chapter for which official traffic control devices are required shall be enforced against an alleged violator if at the time and place of the alleged violation an official device is not in proper position and sufficiently legible to be seen by an ordinarily observant person. If a particular section does not state that official traffic control devices are required, such section shall be effective even though no devices are erected or in place. (Code 1970, § 34-13; Code 1980, § 32-62)

Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 32-63 Specifications and official devices designated.

§ 32-63. - Specifications and official devices designated. (a) All traffic control signs, signals, barricades and devices shall conform to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices approved by the American Association of State Highway Officials and adopted by the Oklahoma State Highway Commission. (b) All signs, signals, barricades, and devices required hereunder for a particular purpose shall so far as practicable be uniform as to type and relative location throughout the City. All traffic control devices erected and not inconsistent with the provisions of State law or this chapter shall be official traffic control devices. (Code 1970, § 34-11; Ord. No. 17241, § 1, 6-28-83; Code 1980, § 32-63)

Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 32-64 Traffic control signal legend.

§ 32-64. - Traffic control signal legend. The display of signal lights, arrows and words shall be deemed to have the following meanings and requires the appropriate response on the part of vehicular traffic and pedestrians: (1) Green alone, "go." a. vehicular traffic facing the signal, except when prohibited, may proceed straight through or turn right or left unless an official sign at such place prohibits such turn, but any vehicle and any pedestrian lawfully within the intersection or adjacent crosswalk at the time the signal displays green shall have the right-of-way over such vehicular traffic. b. pedestrian traffic facing a green signal may proceed across the roadway within any marked or unmarked crosswalk unless a "walk" signal indicator is operating. (2) Yellow or amber alone, "caution." a. the showing of such signal color following green shall constitute a warning that the "red" or "stop" signal will be exhibited immediately thereafter. b. vehicles facing the signal shall stop before entering the near side crosswalk or at the limit line, if it is marked, unless the vehicle is so near the limit line when the "caution" signal first flashes that a stop cannot be made in safety, in which event vehicles may proceed cautiously through the intersection. c. pedestrians facing the signal shall not enter the roadway until the green or "go" signal is shown alone unless authorized to proceed by a pedestrian "walk" signal. (3) Red alone, "stop." a. vehicular traffic facing the signal shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain standing until green or "go" is shown alone. Except where official signs are erected prohibiting such turns, vehicles in the right traffic lane, after making a stop as required, may enter the intersection cautiously and make a right turn, but such vehicles shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrians or other traffic in the intersection and the turn shall not be made so as to interfere in any way with traffic proceeding on a green signal indication on the cross street. b. pedestrians facing the signal shall not enter or cross the roadway when such movement interferes with traffic proceeding on a green signal indication on the cross street, or when the movement cannot be made in safety. No pedestrian facing such signal shall enter the roadway until the green or "go" is shown alone, unless authorized so to do, by a pedestrian "walk" signal. c. a driver of a vehicle on a one-way street which intersects another one-way street on which traffic moves to the left shall stop in obedience to a red or "stop" signal but may then, except where specifically prohibited, make a left turn into said one-way street, but shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic proceeding as directed by the signal at said intersection. (4) Red with green arrow. a. vehicular traffic facing such signal when in the proper traffic lane may cautiously enter the intersection only to make the movement indicated by the arrow, but shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully within a crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection. If the movement indicated by the green arrow is a left turn, the left turn shall be made only on the red with green arrow signal. b. no pedestrian facing such signal shall enter the roadway until the green or "go" is shown alone unless authorized so to do by a pedestrian "walk" signal. (5) Green arrows alone. a. whenever vehicular traffic movements are controlled by green arrows alone and not displayed with any other signal indication, vehicles facing such signals may make the movements indicated by the green arrows and the movements shall be made only when the green arrows are displayed. (Code 1970, § 34-14; Code 1980, § 32-64; Ord. No. 16887, § 1, 10-5-82; Ord. No. 17391, § 1, 10-18-83)

Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 32-65 Reversible lane signals.

§ 32-65. - Reversible lane signals. Where official traffic control lane signals are installed on streets, parts of streets, or lanes duly authorized to be marked as reversible lane streets, colored lights overhanging a lane shall have the following meanings: (1) Green. Vehicles facing the signal shall use the lane over which the signal is displayed for normal driving purposes. (2) Red. Vehicles facing the signal shall not enter or travel on the lane over which the signal is displayed. (3) Flashing yellow (amber). Vehicles facing the signal shall use the lane over which the signal is displayed for passing movements only, and shall return to a lane controlled by a green signal as soon as feasible. Lanes controlled by flashing yellow signals may be used by vehicles at intersections for turning movements. (Code 1970, § 34-15; Code 1980, § 32-65)

Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 32-66 Pedestrian control signals.

§ 32-66. - Pedestrian control signals. Special pedestrian control signals exhibiting the words "walk," "wait" or "don't walk" shall regulate pedestrian movement as follows: (1) "Walk." Pedestrians facing such signal may proceed across the roadway in the direction of the signal and shall be given the right-of-way by the drivers of all vehicles. (2) "Wait" or "don't walk." No pedestrian shall start to cross the roadway in the direction of such signal, but any pedestrian who has partially completed his crossing on the "walk" signal shall proceed to a sidewalk or safety zone while the "wait" signal is showing. (Code 1970, § 34-16; Code 1980, § 32-66)

Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 32-67 Flashing signals.

§ 32-67. - 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 before entering the nearest crosswalk at an intersection or at a limit line when marked, or, if none, then 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 the intersection or past the signal only with caution. The drivers shall obey any signs posted in addition to the signal device denoting rate of speed either for approaching or passing through the intersection or zone governed by such caution signal. (3) Flashing yellow arrow, "permissive turn signal." When a yellow arrow lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, displayed alone or with another signal indication, drivers of vehicles shall not proceed through the intersection without having slowed that vehicle from its rate of speed, and without exercising caution while proceeding through the intersection only in the direction as indicated by such arrow, or in the direction of any other signal indication displayed at the same time. The driver of such vehicle shall yield to all pedestrians within the associated crosswalk and other vehicles lawfully within the intersection. (b) This section shall not apply at railroad grade crossings. (Code 1970, § 34-17; Code 1980, § 32-67; Ord. No. 24651, § 1, 4-23-13)

Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 32-68 Installation and maintenance.

§ 32-68. - Installation and maintenance. The Public Works Department traffic management division shall install and maintain official traffic signs, markings and traffic control devices which are required by the City. (Code 1970, § 2-242(b); Code 1980, § 32-68)

Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 32-69 Traffic control device locations.

§ 32-69. - Traffic control device locations. Whenever the Commission records the finding based upon a traffic engineering survey and investigation that normal movement of traffic within legal limitations is or has become impeded or dangerous at any intersection or crossing because of increased use of street or changed conditions and that the increased use or change in conditions requires the installation at the intersection of suitable traffic control devices reasonably found from the data reported in the survey to be necessary to restore normal movement of traffic within legal limitations, or to provide greater safety and efficiency in the use of streets entering and leaving the intersection, the Commission shall designate the intersection or location for installation of traffic control devices, and the Director shall initiate necessary steps to obtain and install the same. (Code 1970, § 34-4; Code 1980, § 32-69)

Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 32-70 Schedule of traffic control devices.

§ 32-70. - Schedule of traffic control devices. The Director shall prepare and maintain a schedule of each intersection and location where a traffic control device is installed and the kind of device installed. The schedule shall be designated as "SCHEDULE XI. Traffic Control Devices." The original of Schedule XI shall be kept on file in the office of the City Clerk. (Code 1970, § 34-10; Code 1980, § 32-70)

Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 32-71 School zone or school crossing signs—Specifications.

§ 32-71. - School zone or school crossing signs—Specifications. The following signs are hereby approved and authorized to be utilized in school zones as hereinafter established. (1) School speed limit signs shall be vertical rectangular shaped 24 inches by 48 inches and shall be of reflective material containing the following information: "School, MPH speed limit and the legend (when children are present or when flashing)." (2) End school zone signs shall be: a. block letters on the back of "School Speed Limit" signs with vertical words reading "End Zone"; or b. block letters on a white background 24 inches by 24 inches with horizontal words reading "End School Zone." (3) End school zone signs shall be erected on: a. roadways of two driving lanes, on either side of the roadway; b. roadways in excess of two driving lanes, on the right side of the roadway or in the center of the roadway if such roadway is divided by a median. (Code 1970, § 34-18; Ord. No. 17547, § 1, 2-21-84; Code 1980, § 32-71)

Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 32-72 Same—Definition; establishing school crossings.

§ 32-72. - Same—Definition; establishing school crossings. (a) "School zone" shall mean a designated street or streets adjacent to an unprotected school site or an established school crossing removed from the school site and for the protection of children crossing a street on their route to and from school. (b) School crossings shall be established by resolution adopted by the Commission which shall make its determination on the basis of a traffic engineering study performed by the City Traffic Engineer. (Code 1970, § 34-19; Ord. No. 17547, § 1, 2-21-84; Code 1980, § 32-72; Ord. No. 24857, § 1, 4-1-14)

Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 32-73 Traffic lane markings.

§ 32-73. - Traffic lane markings. When the Commission finds that a paved roadway of sufficient width to allow two or more vehicles to pass abreast requires, for the safety of traffic movement, regular traffic alignment or guidelines to facilitate the positioning of moving vehicles in proper lanes for passing, for turning or for stopping, the Commission is authorized to instruct the Public Works Department to mark traffic lane lines on the roadway surface and to place marks, buttons or signs within or adjacent to intersections indicating the course to be traveled by vehicles turning there. (Code 1970, § 34-5; Code 1980, § 32-73)

Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 32-74 Offset street centerlines.

§ 32-74. - Offset street centerlines. When the Commission finds that the relation of traffic volume moving in one direction over any street is greatly disproportionate to the volume of traffic moving in the opposite direction on the same street, the Commission is authorized to instruct the Public Works Department to align or realign the traffic lanes without regard to the center of the street or roadway and designate the lanes to be used by traffic moving in either direction and install and maintain appropriate lines, signals, barriers, markings or other devices to give notice. (Code 1970, § 34-7; Code 1980, § 32-74)

Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 32-75 Mid-block pedestrian crossings.

§ 32-75. - Mid-block pedestrian crossings. When the Commission finds that pedestrian congestion requires the installation of a crosswalk at a location other than intersections, the Commission is authorized to instruct the Public Works Department to install and maintain official traffic control signals and appropriate devices, markings or signs, and crosswalk markings on the surface of the roadway at such location. (Code 1970, § 34-8; Code 1980, § 32-75)

Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 32-76 Crosswalk markings.

§ 32-76. - Crosswalk markings. The Director may at any time order the installation of pedestrian crosswalks at any street intersection, when the public health, safety and welfare so require. Such pedestrian crosswalks shall be plainly marked on the surface of the roadway. (Code 1970, § 34-9; Code 1980, § 32-76)

Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 32-77 Unauthorized traffic control devices prohibited.

§ 32-77. - Unauthorized traffic control devices prohibited. No person shall place, maintain, or display upon or in view of any highway any unauthorized sign, signal, marking, or device which purports to be or is an imitation of or resembles an official traffic control device or railroad sign or signal, or which attempts to direct the movement of traffic, or which hides from view or interferes with the effectiveness of any official traffic control device or any railroad sign or signal. (Code 1970, § 34-20; Code 1980, § 32-77)

Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 32-78 Interference with devices.

§ 32-78. - Interference with devices. (a) It shall be an offense for any person to alter, destroy, deface, molest, interfere with, tamper with, injure, knock down, remove or have in his possession any official City-owned traffic control device. (b) Subsection (a) shall not apply to any of the following persons when acting within the scope and duty of their employment: (1) any officer, agent, independent contractor, employee, servant or trustee of any governmental agency; (2) any officer, agent, independent contractor, employee, servant or trustee of any contractor, public utility or railroad company. (Code 1970, § 34-21; Ord. No. 17053, § 1, 2-8-83; Code 1980, § 32-78; Ord. No. 20512, § 1, 1-16-96)

Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 32-79 Streetcar signal light.

§ 32-79. - Streetcar signal light. Whenever a streetcar control signal is utilized it shall require obedience by vehicular traffic as follows: (1) The streetcar control signal shall be applied to control the streetcar movements only as follows: a. Horizontal Bars, "stop signal"—When the horizontal bars lens is illuminated, the streetcar facing the signal shall stop before entering the nearest crosswalk at an intersection or at a limit line when marked, or if none, then before entering the intersection and shall remain standing until the Vertical Bars or Diverging Bars lenses are illuminated. b. Vertical Bars, "go signal"—When the vertical bars lens is illuminated, the streetcar facing the signal, except when prohibited, may proceed straight through the intersection, any vehicle and any pedestrian lawfully within the intersection or adjacent crosswalk at the time the signal displays the vertical bars shall have the right-of-way over such streetcar traffic. c. Diagonal Bar, "turn/diverging signal"—When the diagonal bar lens is illuminated, the streetcar facing the signal, except when prohibited, may proceed through the intersection by turning right or left, any vehicle and any pedestrian lawfully within the intersection or adjacent crosswalk at the time the signal displays the diagonal shall have the right-of-way over such streetcar traffic. (2) If a streetcar control signal is not installed at an intersection, then the streetcar shall obey the standard traffic control signals identified within this Division. (Ord. No. 26009, § 2, 9-25-18)

Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 32-80 Streetcar lane markings.

§ 32-80. - Streetcar lane markings. When the Commission finds that a paved roadway of sufficient width to allow a streetcar lane to pass abreast other lanes of traffic requires, for safety of traffic movement, guidelines to facilitate the positioning of moving streetcars in the proper streetcar lane for passing, for turning or for stopping, the Commission is authorized to instruct the Public Works Department to mark streetcar traffic lines on the roadway surface and to place marks, buttons, or signs within or adjacent to intersections indicating the course to be traveled by streetcars. If a streetcar lane has been marked on the roadway surface and marks, buttons, or signs, then this is a designated streetcar lane for streetcar traffic only. All other vehicles shall not be permitted to travel within the streetcar lane for safety purposes. (Ord. No. 26009, § 2, 9-25-18)

Source: City of Oklahoma City, Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/ok/oklahoma_city/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=OKMUCO2020_CH32MOVETR_ARTIIADEN_DIV3TRCOSISIDEFetched: 10/28/2026