OPERATION

Meridian Code of Ordinances ch. 23, art. III

in effect

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-56 Certain persons prohibited from driving.

Sec. 23-56. - Certain persons prohibited from driving. It shall be unlawful for any of the following persons to drive motor vehicles in the city: (1) Any person under the age of fifteen (15) years. (2) Any person whose license to operate a motor vehicle on the highways of the state has been previously revoked or suspended and such revocation or suspension period has not expired. (3) Any person who is an habitual drunkard or who is addicted to the use of other narcotic drugs. (4) Any person who would not be able by reason of physical or mental disability, in the opinion of the commissioner of public safety of the state or other person authorized to grant an operator's license, to operate a motor vehicle on the highways with safety. However, persons who have one (1) arm or leg or have arms or legs deformed, and have their car provided with mechanical devices whereby they are able to drive in a safe manner over the highways, if otherwise qualified, shall be permitted to drive. Moreover, deafness shall not be a bar to driving. (5) Any person who is under the age of seventeen (17) years while driving any motor vehicle while in use as a school bus for the transportation of pupils to or from school, or any motor vehicle while in use as a public or common carrier of persons or property. (6) Any person who has previously been adjudged to be afflicted and suffering from any mental disability and who has not at time of application been restored to mental competency. (Code 1962, § 23-38)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-57 Duty to keep vehicle under control.

Sec. 23-57. - Duty to keep vehicle under control. It shall be the duty of the operator of any vehicle to keep such vehicle under constant control. (Code 1962, § 23-39)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-58 Duty to watch for hazards, avoid accidents.

Sec. 23-58. - Duty to watch for hazards, avoid accidents. It shall be the duty of the operator of any vehicle to keep a vigilant watch for all other vehicles, pedestrians and other traffic hazards and to proceed with care and caution to avoid colliding with other vehicles, pedestrians or other hazards. (Code 1962, § 23-40)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-59 Racing prohibited.

Sec. 23-59. - Racing prohibited. It shall be unlawful for the driver of any vehicle to engage in or participate in any race or drag race upon any street. (Code 1962, § 23-41)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-60 Reckless driving.

Sec. 23-60. - Reckless driving. Any person who drives any vehicle in such a manner as to indicate either a wilful or a wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving. (Code 1962, §§ 23-41, 23-42)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-61 Duty to keep to right; exceptions.

Sec. 23-61. - Duty to keep to right; exceptions. Upon all roadways of sufficient width a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows: (1) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing such movement; (2) When the right half of a roadway is closed to traffic while under construction or repair; (3) Upon a roadway divided into three (3) or more marked lanes for traffic under the rules applicable thereon; or (4) Upon a roadway designated and signposted for one-way traffic; (5) When directed otherwise by a police officer; (6) When necessary to avoid an accident. (Code 1962, § 23-43)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-62 Slow traffic to keep to right.

Sec. 23-62. - Slow traffic to keep to right. All slow-moving traffic, such as drays, trucks, horse-drawn vehicles, and street rollers shall keep as near the right-hand curb as practicable. (Code 1962, § 23-44)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-63 Driving on roadways laned for traffic.

Sec. 23-63. - Driving on roadways laned for traffic. Whenever any roadway has been divided into three (3) or more clearly marked lanes for traffic the following rules in addition to all others consistent herewith shall apply: (1) A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety. (2) A vehicle shall not be driven in the center lane upon a roadway which is divided into three (3) lanes except when: a. Overtaking and passing another vehicle where the roadway is clearly visible and such center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance; b. Such vehicle is in preparation for a left turn; or c. Such center lane is at the time allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the direction such vehicle is proceeding and is signposted to give notice of such allocation. (3) Official signs may be erected directing slow-moving traffic to use a designated lane or allocating specified lanes to traffic moving in the same direction, and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of every such sign. (4) Upon all roadways any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. (5) Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two (2) abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. Persons riding two (2) abreast shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic and, on a laned roadway, shall ride within a single lane. (Code 1962, § 23-45)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-64 Duties when meeting vehicles.

Sec. 23-64. - Duties when meeting vehicles. Drivers of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions shall pass each other to the right and upon roadways having width for not more than one (1) line of traffic in each direction each driver shall give to the other at least one-half of the main traveled portion of the roadway as nearly as possible. (Code 1962, § 23-46)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-65 Following too closely.

Sec. 23-65. - Following too closely. (a) The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway. (b) The driver of any motor truck or motor truck drawing another vehicle when traveling upon a roadway outside of a business or residence district shall not follow within one hundred and fifty (150) feet of another motor truck or motor truck drawing another vehicle. The provisions of this subdivision shall not be construed to prevent overtaking and passing nor shall the same apply upon any lane specially designated for use by motor trucks. (c) It shall be unlawful for the driver of any truck or other vehicle to drive in or near the center of any highway for a distance of more than two hundred (200) yards or at any time refuse to turn to the right in order that any driver desiring to pass said truck or other vehicle, which may desire to drive at a higher legal rate of speed. (Code 1962, § 23-47)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-66 Overtaking, passing regulations.

Sec. 23-66. - Overtaking, passing regulations. (a) The following rules shall govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction subject to those limitations, exceptions and special rules, as provided for in the following paragraphs of this section: (1) The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle. (2) Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle on audible signal and shall not increase the speed of his vehicle until complete passed by the overtaking vehicle. (b) No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction at an intersection or unless such left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction or any vehicle overtaken. In every event the overtaking vehicle must return to the right-hand side of the roadway before coming within one hundred (100) feet of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. (c) No vehicle shall, in overtaking and passing another vehicle or at any other time, be driven to the left side of the roadway under the following conditions: (1) When approaching the crest of a grade or upon a curve in the roadway where the driver's view along the highway is obstructed. (2) When approaching within one hundred (100) feet of any bridge, viaduct or tunnel or when approaching within one hundred (100) feet of or traversing any intersection or railroad grade crossing. (3) Where official signs are in place directing that traffic keep to the right, or a distinctive center line is marked, which distinctive line also directs traffic as declared in the sign manual adopted by the state highway commission. (Code 1962, § 23-48)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-67 Required position and method of turning at intersections.

Sec. 23-67. - Required position and method of turning at intersections. (a) The driver of a vehicle intending to turn at an intersection shall do so as follows: (1) Both the approach for a right turn and a right turn shall be made as close as practical to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway. (2) The approach for a left turn shall be made in that portion of the right half of the roadway nearest the center line thereof and after entering the intersection the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection to the right of the center line of the roadway being entered. (3) Approach for a left turn from a two-way street into a one-way street shall be made in that portion of the right half of the roadway nearest the center line thereof and by passing to the right of such center line where it enters the intersection. A left turn from a one-way street into a two-way street shall be made by passing to the right of the center line of the street being entered upon leaving the intersection. (4) Where both streets or roadways are one-way, both the approach for a left turn and a left turn shall be made as close as practicable to the left-hand curb or edge of the roadway. (b) The city, in its jurisdiction may cause markers, buttons, or signs to be placed within or adjacent to intersections and thereby require and direct that a different course from that specified in this section be traveled by vehicles turning at an intersection. When markers, buttons, or signs are so placed no driver of a vehicle shall turn a vehicle at an intersection other than as directed and required by such markers, buttons, or signs. (Code 1962, § 23-49)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-68 Restricted turn intersections.

Sec. 23-68. - Restricted turn intersections. The chief of police is hereby authorized to determine those intersections at which drivers of vehicles shall not make a right, left or no turn, and shall place proper signs at such intersections. The making of such turns may be prohibited between certain hours of any day and permitted at other hours, in which event the same shall be plainly indicated on the signs or they may be removed when such turns are permitted. (Code 1962, § 23-50)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-69 "U" turns.

Sec. 23-69. - "U" turns. The driver of any vehicle shall not turn such vehicle so as to proceed in the opposite direction upon any street in the city. (Code 1962, § 23-51)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-70 Signal required to turn, stop, reduce speed.

Sec. 23-70. - Signal required to turn, stop, reduce speed. (a) No person shall turn a vehicle from a direct course from a roadway unless and until such movement can be made with reasonable safety and then only after giving an appropriate signal as provided for in the following section in the event any other vehicle may be affected by such movement. (b) A signal of intention to turn right or left shall be given continuously for a reasonable distance before turning. (c) No person shall stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle without first giving an appropriate signal as provided for in the following section to the driver of any vehicle immediately to the rear when there is opportunity to give such signal. (Code 1962, § 23-52)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-71 Method of giving signals to turn, stop, reduce speed.

Sec. 23-71. - Method of giving signals to turn, stop, reduce speed. All signals required by the preceding section shall be given in the following manner: (1) Left turn. Hand and arm extended horizontally or by the activation of blinking lights on the left front and rear of the vehicle. (2) Right turn. Hand and arm extended upward or moved with a sweeping motion from the rear to the front or by the activation of blinking lights on the right front and rear of the vehicle. (3) Stop or decrease of speed. Hand and arm extended downward. (Code 1962, § 23-53)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-72 Speed limits.

Sec. 23-72. - Speed limits. (a) Generally. It shall be unlawful for any person to drive or operate any motor vehicle on the streets of the city at such rate of speed as may be unreasonable or unsafe under the circumstances then existing; nor in any case at more than twenty-five (25) miles an hour in the downtown section or more than thirty (30) miles per hour elsewhere in the city except as otherwise posted. (b) School zones. Notwithstanding other speed limits herein set out the speed of vehicles proceeding through school zones during regular school hours and one-half hour before school begins and one-half hour after school is out shall not exceed fifteen (15) miles per hour. (c) Applicability. The maximum speed limits herein prescribed shall not apply to vehicles of the police or fire department or to any ambulance answering any emergency call or transferring an injured person to a hospital. (Code 1962, § 23-54; Ord. No. 3267, §§ 1—3, 2-16-67; Ord. No. 4021, § 2, 7-18-95)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-73 Designation, marking of one-way streets.

Sec. 23-73. - Designation, marking of one-way streets. Whenever any street, avenue or alley is designated for one-direction of traffic only, the public works director shall place and maintain a sign or marker giving notice thereof and no such designation of any street, avenue or alley shall be effective unless such sign or marker has been so placed. Signs or markers indicating the direction of lawful traffic movement shall be placed at every intersection where movement of traffic in the opposite direction is prohibited. The failure to obey any such sign shall be a violation of this Code. (Code 1962, § 23-55; Ord. No. 4021, § 3, 7-18-95)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-74 Vehicles approaching or entering intersection.

Sec. 23-74. - Vehicles approaching or entering intersection. (a) Except as may otherwise be provided in this article, the driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway. (b) Except as may otherwise be provided in this article, when two (2) vehicles enter an intersection from different highways at the same time the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right. (c) The chief of police shall have authority to designate boulevards, on which all vehicles shall have the right-of-way over vehicles crossing the same. (d) At all street crossings on boulevards, and at dangerous crossings on all other streets, appropriate traffic signs shall be maintained by the police department. Vehicles entering or crossing such boulevards or dangerous crossings shall stop before entering or crossing the same and proceed with caution. The drivers of vehicles approaching all other street crossings must have the vehicles under control and approach the same with caution. (e) The driver of a vehicle shall stop as required by this chapter at the entrance to a through highway and shall yield the right-of-way to other vehicles which have entered the intersection from said through highway or which are approaching so closely on said through highway as to constitute an immediate hazard. However, said driver having so yielded may proceed and the drivers of all other vehicles approaching the intersection on said through highway shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle so proceeding into or across the through highway. (f) The driver of a vehicle shall likewise stop in obedience to a stop sign as required by this chapter at an intersection where a stop sign is erected at one (1) or more entrances thereto although not a part of a through highway and shall proceed cautiously, yielding to vehicles not so obliged to stop which are within the intersections or approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard, but may then proceed. (Code 1962, § 23-56)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-75 Stops before emerging from alley, driveway or building.

Sec. 23-75. - Stops before emerging from alley, driveway or building. The driver of a vehicle within a business or residence district emerging from an alley, driveway, or building shall stop such vehicle immediately prior to driving onto a sidewalk or into the sidewalk area extending across any alley-way or private driveway. (Code 1962, § 23-57)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-76 Starting parked vehicle.

Sec. 23-76. - Starting parked vehicle. No person shall start a vehicle which is stopped, standing, or parked unless and until such movement can be made with reasonable safety. (Code 1962, § 23-58)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-77 Backing vehicles.

Sec. 23-77. - Backing vehicles. It shall be unlawful for the operator of any vehicle to back the same unless such movement can be made with reasonable safety and without interfering with other traffic. (Code 1962, § 23-59)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-78 Operation when approaching railroad crossings.

Sec. 23-78. - Operation when approaching railroad crossings. (a) All vehicles approaching railroad street crossing shall remain on the right-hand side of the center of the street approaching such crossings. Whenever any person driving a vehicle approaches a railroad grade crossing under any of the circumstances stated in this section, the driver of such vehicle shall stop within fifty (50) feet but not less than fifteen (15) feet from the nearest rail of such railroad, and shall not proceed until he can do so safely. The foregoing requirements shall apply when. (1) A clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device gives warning of the immediate approach of a railroad train; (2) A crossing gate is lowered or when a human flagman gives or continues to give a signal of the approach or passage of a railroad train; (3) A railroad train approaching within approximately nine hundred (900) feet of the highway crossing emits a signal in accordance with section 77-9-225 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, and such railroad train, by reason of its speed or nearness to such crossing, is an immediate hazard; (4) An approaching railroad train is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to such crossing. (b) No person shall drive any vehicle through, around or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad crossing while such gate or barrier is closed or is being opened or closed. (Code 1962, § 23-60)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-79 Certain vehicles must stop at all railroad grade crossings.

Sec. 23-79. - Certain vehicles must stop at all railroad grade crossings. (a) The driver of any motor vehicle carrying passengers for hire, or of any school bus carrying any school child, or of any vehicle carrying explosive substances of flammable liquids as a cargo or part of a cargo, before crossing at grade any track or tracks of a railroad, shall stop such vehicle within fifty (50) feet but not less than ten (10) feet from the nearest rail of such railroad and while so stopped shall listen and look in both directions along such track for any approaching train and for signals indicating the approach of a train, except as hereinafter provided, and shall not proceed until he can do so safely. (b) No stop need be made at any such crossing where a police officer or a traffic control signal directs traffic to proceed. (c) This section shall not apply at street railway grade crossings within a business or residence district. (Code 1962, § 23-61)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-80 Funeral processions to burn lights, follow closely.

Sec. 23-80. - Funeral processions to burn lights, follow closely. The drivers of all vehicles in a funeral procession shall keep the front lights of such vehicles burning at all times the procession is in progress and they shall follow the vehicle in front sufficiently close so as not to invite a break through the procession of other vehicles. (Code 1962, § 23-62)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-81 Driving through processions prohibited.

Sec. 23-81. - Driving through processions prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person to ride or drive any animal or vehicle of any kind through any funeral procession, or other procession, except upon the signal of a traffic officer; provided, that this section shall not apply to fire apparatus, police department vehicles or ambulances engaged in answering an emergency call or in the transportation of an injured or sick person to a hospital. (Code 1962, § 23-63)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-82 Trailers and towed vehicles.

Sec. 23-82. - Trailers and towed vehicles. (a) Every trailer which shall be towed on the public highways at a speed in excess of twenty (20) miles per hour shall be coupled to the towing vehicle by means of a safety chain, chains, cables, or equivalent devices in addition to the regular trailer hitch or coupling. This requirement does not apply to a semitrailer having a connecting device composed of a fifth wheel and kingpin assembly meeting the requirements of the Interstate Commerce Commission, nor to a pole, pipe, casing, long or piling dolly. No more slack shall be left in any such safety chains, cables or equivalent devices than shall be necessary to permit proper turning. The safety chains, cables or equivalent device shall be so connected to the towed and towing vehicles and to the drawbar to prevent the drawbar from dropping to the ground if the drawbar fails, and shall be of sufficient strength to control the trailer in event of failure of the regular trailer hitch or coupling. (b) When one (1) vehicle is towing another the drawbar or other connection shall be of sufficient strength to pull all weight towed thereby. Said drawbar or other connection shall not exceed fifteen (15) feet from one (1) vehicle to the other except the connection between any two (2) vehicles transporting poles, pipe, machinery or other objects of structural nature which cannot readily be dismembered. (c) When one (1) vehicle is towing another and the connection consists of a chain, rope, or cable, there shall be displayed upon such connection a white flag or cloth not less than twelve (12) inches square. (d) No more than two (2) vehicles in combination shall be towed by saddle-mounts. No more than one (1) motor vehicle shall be towed by tow-bar. (e) At nighttime, the car being towed shall display lamps as required by state law. Not more than one (1) motor vehicle shall be towed at a time. (Code 1962, § 23-64)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-83 Towing more than one trailer prohibited.

Sec. 23-83. - Towing more than one trailer prohibited. It shall be unlawful to attach more than one (1) trailer to any motor vehicle being operated over and along the streets of the city. (Code 1962, § 23-65)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-84 Sitting in lap of driver prohibited.

Sec. 23-84. - Sitting in lap of driver prohibited. It shall be unlawful for the driver of any vehicle to have in his lap any other person, adult or minor, nor shall the driver of such vehicle be seated in the lap of any person while the vehicle is in motion. (Code 1962, § 23-66)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-85 Regulation of travel through 26th Avenue underpass.

Sec. 23-85. - Regulation of travel through 26th Avenue underpass. All persons traveling through the underpass on 26th Avenue shall observe the following rules and regulations: (1) It shall be unlawful for any person to loiter in such underpass or in the entrances thereto. (2) Upon the approach of any emergency vehicle, all other vehicles shall clear the underpass and remain clear thereof until the emergency vehicle or vehicles have passed through. (3) All vehicles shall use the west passageway in traveling south and the east passageway in traveling north through such underpass. (4) No vehicle shall stop in such underpass. (5) No vehicle shall turn around in such underpass or the entrances thereto, and the same rules and regulations with respect to turning on the streets and avenues shall apply as to such underpass. (6) No vehicle shall undertake to pass another vehicle in such underpass. (7) No vehicle shall stop in any such manner as to in any way block the entrances to such underpass. (8) No vehicle shall travel at a greater rate of speed than fifteen (15) miles an hour passing through such underpass. (9) No pedestrian shall walk in such underpass upon the driveways thereof, except in crossing the driveway at the north entrance to reach the stairway on the east side of the entrance to such underpass, or in going from the stairway to the sidewalk on the west side thereof, and shall cross at the point at right angles to the sidewalk. (10) It shall be unlawful for any person to walk upon or be upon the revetment walls at the entrances or approaches to such underpass. (Code 1962, § 23-67)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-86 Emergency vehicles—Duties on approach of.

Sec. 23-86. - Emergency vehicles—Duties on approach of. (a) Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle, when the driver is giving audible signal by siren, exhaust whistle or bell, the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the street clear of any intersection and shall stop and remain in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer. (b) This section shall not operate to relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway. (Code 1962, § 23-68)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-87 Same—To have right-of-way.

Sec. 23-87. - Same—To have right-of-way. United States mail vehicles, ambulances and vehicles of the police and fire departments shall have the right-of-way on any street. All vehicles pertaining to the fire department shall have prior right-of-way over all other vehicles or cars upon the streets of the city. It shall be unlawful for any person in charge or control of any buggy, wagon, carriage, automobile engine or train, or any other vehicle propelled by whatsoever motive power, to carelessly, wantonly, wilfully, or maliciously delay any fire apparatus of the city going to or returning from any supposed or actual fire. (Code 1962, § 23-69)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-88 Vehicles to stop for restive horses.

Sec. 23-88. - Vehicles to stop for restive horses. Every person running, operating or driving a motor vehicle shall, at the request or upon signal by putting up the hand, from any person driving or riding a restive horse, cause such motor vehicle to stop and remain standing, and on request shall cause the engine or motor of such vehicle to stop and remain standing, and on request shall cause the engine or motor of such vehicle to cease running so long as may be reasonably necessary to allow such horse to pass in safety. (Code 1962, § 23-70)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-89.1 Same—Preamble.

Sec. 23-89.1. - Same—Preamble. Whereas, the city council hereby finds that the high volume of motor vehicles travelling on congested roadways in the City of Meridian makes mixing pedestrian and the moving, slowing or temporarily stopping of motor vehicles in the same space, at the same time, inherently dangerous. The city council finds that pedestrians distracting drivers from the task of driving: by approaching a stopped vehicle, attracting and/or attempting to attract the attention of the driver of a motor vehicle for the purpose of inducing that driver to slow or stop the vehicle to facilitate the transfer of anything from the driver or occupant of the vehicle to the pedestrian or the transfer of anything by the pedestrian to the driver or passenger is hazardous to public; The city council further finds that the prohibitions set forth in this chapter are narrowly tailored to serve the significant interest of promoting and protecting the public health, safety and welfare and that said prohibitions leave open ample alternative channels of communication throughout the city; Whereas, the intent of these sections 23-89.1 through 23-89.4 to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of the City of Meridian, and to assure the free, orderly, undisrupted movement of motor vehicles on designated highways within the city limits, and to provide for the safety and interests of pedestrians and of occupants of motor vehicles located on designated roadways within the City of Meridian and to reduce the number of pedestrian and motor vehicle accidents occurring within the city; and Whereas, pedestrians are increasingly using highways and roadways in ways for which the roads were not designed or intended. These uses include approaching vehicles when stopped or in use or staying upon medians and in the public right-of-way for purposes other than crossing the highway. These activities create safety hazards for pedestrians and distract drivers, making automobile accidents more likely. This chapter is designed to decrease the safety hazards by restricting such activity. These safety concerns are most acute in the busiest streets within the City of Meridian, identified as arterial streets, main trafficways and those within a congested district. (Ord. No. 4528, 11-19-19)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-89.2 Same—Definitions.

Sec. 23-89.2. - Same—Definitions. As used in this section the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings: Except where the content otherwise specifically requires, as used in these sections, the following definitions from Miss. Code Ann. § 63-3-125 are hereby incorporated in and apply to sections 23-89.1 through 23-89.4: Island or median means the paved or unpaved area between traffic lanes dividing a street or highway into separates lanes of traffic traveling in opposite directions, or in the case of left or right turn lanes, vehicles traveling in the same direction. Laned highway means a highway the roadway of which is divided into three or more clearly marked lanes for vehicular traffic. Private road or driveway means every way or place in private ownership and used for vehicular travel by the owner and those having express or implied permission from the owner but not by other persons. Roadway means that portion of a highway improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel. Sidewalk means that portion of a street between curb lines, or the lateral lines of a roadway, and the adjacent property lines intended for the use of pedestrians. Street or highway means the entire width between property lines of every way or place of whatever nature when any part thereof is open to the use of the public, as a matter of right, for purposes of vehicular traffic. Through highway means every highway or portion thereof at the entrances to which vehicular traffic from intersecting highways is required by law to stop before entering or crossing the same and when stop signs are erected as provided in sections 23-89.1 through 23-89.4. (Ord. No. 4528, 11-19-19)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-89.3 Same—Prohibition against entering or staying upon a designated roadway.

Sec. 23-89.3. - Same—Prohibition against entering or staying upon a designated roadway. (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to enter any designated roadway, or remain alongside any designated roadway, and approach a vehicle stopped on the roadway to attract, or attempt to attract the attention of the driver or occupant of a motor vehicle for the purpose of inducing the driver of the motor vehicle to remain stopped, slow or stop the vehicle to facilitate a transfer of anything from the driver or occupant of the vehicle to the pedestrian or the transfer of anything by the pedestrian to the driver or occupant. (b) No person shall activate a pedestrian crosswalk signal for any purpose other than to stop traffic to allow such person to cross the roadway. (c) No driver or operator of a motor vehicle shall park, stop or leave standing a vehicle on a designated roadway or suddenly decrease the speed of such vehicle or deviate from a traffic lane to respond to persons violating subsections (a) or (b). (d) Exceptions: This chapter does not apply to: (1) Persons in or upon public or private parking lots, alleys or private roads; (2) Persons using a crosswalk to cross the roadway; (3) Persons engaged in law enforcement, emergency or rescue activities, including providing assistance to an injured or disabled vehicle or person; (4) Persons entering a vehicle as an invited passenger where it is lawful to do so including, but limited to: activity permitted pursuant to chapter 21, article II, taxis limousines, and airport limousines- or other "for hire" transportation services including public transportation services; (5) Persons engaged in the repair or maintenance activities of the highway under the direction of the City of Meridian or State of Mississippi; (6) Streets or portions thereof that have been closed pursuant to express authorization from the city to include, but not be limited to: community events licensed pursuant to City of Meridian Ordinance chapter 23, article V; (7) Persons entering the roadway for the purpose of conducting business with a food truck properly licensed pursuant appendix A, zoning article IV. (Ord. No. 4528, 11-19-19)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-89.4 Same—Penalty.

Sec. 23-89.4. - Same—Penalty. Any person who violates the provisions of the ordinance codified in sections 23-89.1 through 23-89.4 is guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon a conviction, a person shall be sentenced to a fine not to exceed two hundred fifty (250) dollars and/or imprisonment not to exceed thirty (30) days. (Ord. No. 4528, 11-19-19)

Meridian Code of Ordinances § 23-89.5 Same—Severability.

Sec. 23-89.5. - Same—Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of the ordinance codified in sections 23-89.1 through 23-89.4 is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of the ordinance. (Ord. No. 4528, 11-19-19)

Source: City of Meridian, Mississippi, Code of Ordinances (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/ms/meridian/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH23TRMOVE_ARTIIIOPFetched: 11/1/2026