IN GENERAL

Fort Worth City Code ch. 22, art. I

in effect

Fort Worth City Code § 22-1 DEFINITIONS.

§ 22-1 DEFINITIONS. Whenever the following terms are used in this chapter, they shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section. ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE or ABANDONED VEHICLE. A motor vehicle that is inoperable and more than eight years old and left unattended on public property for more than 48 hours, or a motor vehicle that has remained illegally on public property for a period of more than 48 hours, or a motor vehicle that has remained on private property without the consent of the owner or person in control of the property for more than 48 hours. AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLE. Vehicles of the fire department (fire patrol), police vehicles, vehicles used by City of Fort Worth employees for abandoned vehicle enforcement, vehicles used by City of Fort Worth employees for the emergency management office, public and private ambulances for which permits have been issued by the state board of health, emergency vehicles of municipal departments or public service corporations as are designated or authorized by the governing body of an incorporated city, and private vehicles operated by volunteer firefighters or certified emergency medical services volunteers while answering a fire alarm or responding to a medical emergency, and vehicles operated by blood banks or tissue banks, accredited or approved under the laws of this state or the United States, while making emergency deliveries of blood, drugs or medicines or organs. Statutory reference: Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.201 BUS LANE. That portion of roadway devoted primarily to the use by buses of the public bus transportation system operating in the Fort Worth area, such system being commonly known as “CITRAN.” COMMERCIAL DELIVERY ROUTE. Any street or highway so designated by the city council for the use by any commercial motor vehicle, truck-tractor, trailer, semi-trailer, or any combination thereof. COMMERCIAL LOADING ZONE. A space or section of the curb set aside for the purpose of loading and unloading of persons or the purpose of loading, unloading, delivery or pick up of supplies or merchandise. COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE. (1) A motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, designed or used primarily to transport property. The term includes a passenger car reconstructed and used primarily for delivery purposes; and (2) A motor vehicle displaying the registrant’s name and address permanently affixed in characters at least three inches high on both sides of the vehicle, with such display being in a color contrasting with that of the vehicle and placed approximately midway vertically on doors or side panels. CROSSWALK. (1) That part of a roadway at an intersection included within the connections of the lateral lines of the sidewalks on opposite sides of the highway measured from the curbs, or in the absence of curbs from the edges of the traversable roadway; and (2) Any portion of a roadway at an intersection or elsewhere distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing, by lines or other markings. Statutory reference: Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.302(3) FREEWAY. A divided, controlled access highway for through traffic. Statutory reference: “Limited-access or controlled-access highway,” see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.302(8) Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.302(3) FRONTAGE ROAD. A street located next to a freeway and auxiliary thereto, constructed so as to provide vehicular access to and from the freeway. The following terms have the same definition as FRONTAGE ROAD and any one of these terms may be substituted for the term FRONTAGE ROAD when used in this Chapter 26: “access road,” “access street,” “frontage street,” “service road” and “service street.” HIGHWAY. The entire width between the boundary lines of every way publicly maintained when any part thereof is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel. Statutory reference: Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.302(5) INTERSECTION. (1) The area embraced within the prolongation or connection of the lateral curb lines, or if none, then the lateral boundary lines of the roadways of two or more highways which join one another at any angle, or the area within which vehicles traveling upon different highways joining at any angle may come in conflict; (2) Where a highway includes two roadways 30 feet or more apart, then every crossing of each roadway of such divided highway by an intersecting highway shall be regarded as a separate intersection. In the event such intersecting highway also includes two roadways 30 feet or more apart, then every crossing of two roadways of such highways shall be regarded as a separate intersection; and (3) The junction of any alley with a street or highway shall not constitute an intersection. Statutory reference: Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.303 JUNKED VEHICLE. (1) A vehicle that is self-propelled and: a. Does not have lawfully attached to it an unexpired registration insignia (sticker) and license plate; and b. Is inoperable and has remained inoperable for more than 72 consecutive hours if the vehicle is on public property, or for more than 20 consecutive days if the vehicle is on private property. (2) A vehicle that is self-propelled and is wrecked, dismantled or partially dismantled, and has remained inoperable for more than 72 consecutive hours if the vehicle is on public property, or for more than 20 consecutive days if the vehicle is on private property. (3) The term JUNKED VEHICLE shall include any part of a junked vehicle or tarps or covers thereon, that is visible at any time of the year from any private lot, tract or parcel of land, occupied or unoccupied, improved or unimproved, other than the lot, tract or parcel of land on which the vehicle, vehicle part, tarp or cover is located or from any public place or public-right-of-way. LARGE RECREATIONAL VEHICLE. (1) A recreational vehicle which exceeds 26 feet in length, but is less than 40 feet in total length; (2) A boat trailer or other trailer which exceeds 26 feet in length, but is less than 40 feet in total length; or (3) A converted or partially converted bus which exceeds 26 feet in length, but is less than 40 feet in total length. MOBILE HOME. A living quarters equipped and used for sleeping and eating which may be moved from one location to another over a public street by being pulled behind a motor vehicle. MOTOR VEHICLE. Every vehicle which is self-propelled and every vehicle which is propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not operated upon rails. Statutory reference: Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.201(11) MOTORBUS. Every vehicle which is used in transporting persons upon the public streets of the City of Fort Worth for compensation or hire and has a passenger carrying capacity of more than 16 persons except those operated by muscular power or exclusively on stationary rails or tracks or owned by a public or governmental agency and operated for the transportation of children to and from school functions or privately owned and operated for the transportation of children to and from school functions or those operated for the transportation of persons to and from church functions. Statutory reference: Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.201(3), (15), (16) MOTORCYCLE. Every motor vehicle having a saddle for the use of the rider and designed to propel itself with not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, but excluding a tractor. Statutory reference: Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.201(9) OFFICIAL TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICE. Any sign, signal (including a traffic-control signal), marking or device not inconsistent with state statute or this chapter, placed or erected by authority of a public body or official having jurisdiction, for the purpose of regulating, warning or guiding traffic. Statutory reference: Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.304 OVERSIZE COMMERCIAL VEHICLE. (1) Any vehicle designed for the transport of more than 15 passengers, inclusive of the driver; (2) Any trailer or semi-trailer that is more than 20 feet in length from end to end, more than seven feet in width at their widest point, or more than nine feet in height from the ground to its highest point; or (3) Any motor vehicle with a gross weight, registered weight or gross weight rating, as those terms are defined in state law, of more than 15,000 pounds, including but not limited to the following: a. Dump truck; b. Truck-tractor; c. Concrete-mixing truck; d. Stake-bed truck; e. Flat-bed tow truck; or f. Panel truck. OVERSIZE RECREATIONAL VEHICLE. (1) A recreational vehicle which is 40 feet or greater in total length; (2) A boat trailer or other trailer which is 40 feet or greater in total length; or (3) A converted or partially converted bus which is 40 feet or greater in total length. PARK or PARKING. The standing of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, upon a roadway, otherwise than temporarily in obedience to an official traffic-control device or for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading merchandise or passengers. Statutory reference: Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.401(6) PARKING METER. A device that registers the amount of time purchased for the parking of a motor vehicle in a parking zone. PASSENGER LOADING ZONE. A space or section of the curb set aside for the exclusive use of loading and unloading of persons. PEDESTRIAN. Any person afoot. Statutory reference: Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.001(3) PERMIT. A current and valid document issued by or through the department of transportation and public works that allows on-street parking at metered or un-metered locations for a specific period of time. A PERMIT may also be a handicapped tag issued by a county or state administration. POLE TRAILER. Every vehicle without motive power designed to be drawn by another vehicle and attached to the towing vehicle by means of a reach, or pole, or by being boomed, or otherwise secured to the towing vehicle, and ordinarily used for transporting long or irregularly shaped loads such as poles, pipes or structural members capable, generally, of sustaining themselves as beams between the supporting connections. Statutory reference: Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.201(13) POLICE OFFICER. Every officer of the municipal police department or any officer authorized to direct or regulate traffic or to make arrests for violations of traffic regulations. Statutory reference: Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.002(4) PRE-ARRANGED MOTORBUS. A motorbus, that allows passengers to board and dismount the motorbus at pre-arranged times at fixed pick-up and drop-off locations. Passengers may schedule the pre-arranged appointments by telephone, electronic communication, or other available means with the motorbus owner. PRIMA FACIE. The term PRIMA FACIE is to be defined according to the law of the State of Texas, and, to the extent that there is no conflict with state law, the following meaning shall apply: Such as will suffice to constitute proof of a fact unless and until it is overcome, rebutted or contradicted by other evidence; no particular weight is assigned to prima facie evidence by law except that the factfinder may find a verdict based upon it; as in all criminal cases, the accused starts out with a presumption of innocence that must be overcome by evidence beyond a reasonable doubt. Annotation: Prudence dictates that the judge define this term when he or she uses it in his or her instructions to the jury. See Thomas v. State, 474 S. W. 2d 692 (Tex. Crim. 1972). PRIVATE ROAD OR DRIVEWAY. 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. Statutory reference: Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.302(9) RECREATIONAL VEHICLE. A motor vehicle primarily designed as a temporary living quarters for recreational camping or travel use. The term includes a travel trailer, camping trailer, truck camper and motor home. RIGHT-OF-WAY. The right of one vehicle or pedestrian to proceed in a lawful manner in preference to another vehicle or pedestrian approaching under such circumstances of direction, speed and proximity as to give rise to danger of collision unless one grants precedence to the other. Statutory reference: Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.401(8) ROADWAY. That portion of a highway improved, designed or ordinarily used for vehicular travel, exclusive of the berm or shoulder. In the event a highway includes two or more separate roadways the term ROADWAY as used herein shall refer to any such roadway separately, but not to all such roadways collectively. Statutory reference: Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.302(11) SEMI-TRAILER. Every vehicle with or without motive power, other than a pole trailer, designed for carrying persons or property and for being drawn by a motor vehicle and so constructed that some part of its weight and that of its own load rests upon or is carried by another motor vehicle. Statutory reference: Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.201(17) SIDEWALK. That portion of a street between the curb lines, or the lateral lines of a roadway, and the adjacent property lines intended for the use of pedestrians. Statutory reference: Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.302(16) STAND or STANDING. The halting of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, otherwise than temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in receiving or discharging passengers. Statutory reference: Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.401(9) STOP or STOPPING. When prohibited, means any halting, even momentarily, of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a police officer or official traffic-control device. Statutory reference: Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.401(10) STREET. The entire width between the boundary lines of every way publicly maintained when any part thereof is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel. Statutory reference: Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.302(5) TEXAS LITTER ABATEMENT ACT. Tex. Health and Safety Code Ch. 365. TRAFFIC. Pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles, streetcars and other conveyances either singly or together while using any highway for purposes of travel. Statutory reference: Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.301 TRAFFIC-CONTROL SIGNAL. Any device, whether manually, electrically or mechanically operated, by which traffic is alternately directed to stop and permitted to proceed. Statutory reference: Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.304(3) TRAILER. Every vehicle with or without motive power designed for carrying persons or property and for being drawn by a motor vehicle and so constructed that no part of its weight rests upon the towing vehicle. Statutory reference: Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.201(20) TRUCK ROUTE. Any street or highway so designated by the city council for use by any commercial motor vehicle, truck-tractor, trailer, semi-trailer or any combination thereof. TRUCK-TRACTOR. Every motor vehicle designed or used primarily for drawing other vehicles and not so constructed as to carry a load other than part of the weight of the vehicle and load so drawn. Statutory reference: Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.201(22) VEHICLE. Every mechanical device, in, upon or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a public highway, including motor vehicles, commercial motor vehicles, truck tractors, trailers and semi-trailers, severally, as hereinafter defined, but excepting devices moved by human power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks. The term includes self-propelled off-road vehicles designed and intended to be operated in places other than on public streets, including, but not limited to, race cars, dirt track vehicles, all-terrain vehicles and golf carts. Statutory reference: Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.201(23) (1964 Code, § 26-1) (Ord. 6920, § 1, passed 10-1-1973; Ord. 7015, § 1, passed 6-3-1974; Ord. 8077, § 1, passed 4-1-1980; Ord. 9252, § 1, passed 11-13-1984; Ord. 9852, § 1, passed 3-31-1987; Ord. 12938, § 1, passed 4-1-1997; Ord. 15712, § 1, passed 10-7-2003; Ord. 16539, § 1, passed 8-9-2005; Ord. 17867, § 1, passed 11-6-2007; Ord. 18162-07-2008, § 1, passed 7-8-2008; Ord. 18441-01-2009, § 1, passed 1-13-2009; Ord. 19947-10-2011, §§ 2A, 2B passed 10-25-2011; Ord. 20315-08-2012, § 1, passed 8-7-2012; Ord. 21854-09-2015, § 1, passed 9-1-2015; Ord. 23193-04-2018, § 1, passed 4-17-2018; Ord. 23478-12-2018, § 1, passed 12-4-2018; Ord. 23767-08-2019, § 1, passed 8-27-2019) Cross-reference: Definitions and rules of construction generally, see § 1-2

Fort Worth City Code § 22-2 CITY TRAFFIC ENGINEER - OFFICE CREATED.

§ 22-2 CITY TRAFFIC ENGINEER - OFFICE CREATED. The office of city traffic engineer within the department of transportation and public works is hereby established. (1964 Code, § 26-2) (Ord. 8658, § 2, passed 10-5-1982; Ord. 23503-12-2018, § 3, passed 12-11-2018) Cross-reference: Human resources, see §§ 2-176 et seq.

Fort Worth City Code § 22-3 SAME - POWERS AND DUTIES RELATIVE TO TRAFFIC GENERALLY.

§ 22-3 SAME - POWERS AND DUTIES RELATIVE TO TRAFFIC GENERALLY. (a) It shall be the general duty of the city traffic engineer to determine the installation and proper timing of official traffic-control devices, to conduct engineering analyses of traffic accidents and to devise remedial measures, to conduct engineering investigation of traffic conditions and to cooperate with other city officials in the development of ways and means to improve traffic conditions, and to carry out the means to improve traffic conditions, and to carry out the additional powers and duties imposed by the ordinances. (b) The city traffic engineer, except as otherwise directed by this chapter, and except as otherwise directed from time to time by the city council, shall have power and he or she is hereby authorized: (1) To regulate the operation and parking of vehicles within the city, including private property used for public purposes, by the erection or placing of official traffic-control devices to indicate prohibited or limited parking, prima facie maximum and minimum reasonable and prudent speeds specified by statute or established by ordinance or other lawful manner, restricted speed areas, one-way streets, through or arterial streets, stop streets, “U” turns, school zones, loading and unloading zones and the place and manner of operating or parking vehicles; (2) To regulate the movement of pedestrians upon the streets and sidewalks by the erection or placing of official traffic-control devices indicating the flow of pedestrian traffic where, in his or her opinion, there is a particular danger to pedestrians, and to maintain such devices, or cause them to be maintained; (3) To designate truck routes and to regulate the parking of vehicles of various sizes and weights; (4) To cause all such necessary official traffic-control devices to be erected or placed on any street or part of a street when he or she deems such action necessary; (5) To mark off traffic lanes on streets and parts of streets indicating and directing the flow of traffic, when, in his or her judgment, such action is necessary; (6) To determine and designate the character or type of, and to place and maintain, or cause to be placed and maintained, all official traffic-control devices, including all official traffic signs and signals; (7) To determine and designate intersections where particular hazard exists and to determine whether vehicles shall stop at one or more entrances to any such stop intersection, and to erect a stop sign at every such place where a stop is required; (8) To determine and designate intersections where particular hazard exists and to designate whether vehicles on one of the intersecting streets yield the right-of-way to vehicles on the other street and to erect a “yield” sign at every place where need is determined for such a sign; (9) To erect or place official traffic-control devices, including appropriate signs and markings, to designate the truck routes and commercial delivery routes described in this chapter; (10) To designate, for such period as might be necessary, alternate truck routes and commercial delivery routes whenever any street designated as a truck route or commercial delivery route is being repaired or is otherwise temporarily out of use; (11) To determine and designate spaces and/or lanes for exclusive uses as bus zones, bus lanes, taxicab stands and passenger and freight loading zones, no parking zones and “one-way” traffic lanes in which driving is prohibited in one direction and permitted in the opposite direction, and to place or erect official traffic-control devices, indicating same, within any areaway, parkway, traffic-way or parking space owned or controlled by any public service concern, public service utility company, terminal company, railroad or other quasi-public corporation or public concern, designed for the temporary parking of patrons of such public concern, utility or corporation; (12) To designate, upon any street or portion of any street, the parking meter zones set forth in this chapter where it is determined, upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation, that the installation of parking meters shall be necessary to aid in the regulation, control or inspection of the parking of vehicles in the exercise of the police power of regulating, operating or controlling the operation of vehicles using the public streets, to install and maintain parking meters upon the curb immediately adjacent to the individual parking spaces, in order to control and regulate such parking meter zones, to designate the maximum parking time for each parking meter, basing this designation upon the investigation above set forth; to erect or place an official traffic-control device, including lines or marks on the curb or on the street about or alongside each parking meter, in order to designate the parking space for which such meter is to be used; (13) To establish such loading zones as are necessary for the conduct of business and to use official traffic-control devices to designate such zones; and (14) To designate some member of his or her department to make regular collections of the money deposited in parking meters, which member shall remove these coins from the meters, place the coins in sealed or locked containers, and deliver such containers and funds to the place designated by the city secretary. (1964 Code, § 26-3) (Ord. 6920, § 2, passed 10-1-1973; Ord. 7015, § 2, passed 6-3-1974; Ord. 9252, § 2, passed 11-13-1984)

Fort Worth City Code § 22-4 DIRECTION OF TRAFFIC.

§ 22-4 DIRECTION OF TRAFFIC. Officers of the police department are hereby authorized to direct all traffic, either in person or by means of visible or audible signals, in conformance with the provisions of this chapter; provided that, in the event of a fire or other emergency or to expedite traffic or safeguard pedestrians, officers of the police department and fire department may direct traffic, as conditions may require, notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter. (1964 Code, § 25-4) Statutory reference: Authority to regulate traffic by means of police officers, see Tex. Transportation Code § 542.202

Fort Worth City Code § 22-5 AUTHORITY OF CHIEF OF POLICE TO ADOPT EMERGENCY REGULATIONS.

§ 22-5 AUTHORITY OF CHIEF OF POLICE TO ADOPT EMERGENCY REGULATIONS. The chief of police is hereby empowered to make and enforce regulations necessary to make effective the provisions of this chapter and to make and enforce temporary regulations to cover emergencies or special conditions. (1964 Code, § 26-5)

Fort Worth City Code § 22-6 OBEDIENCE TO POLICE.

§ 22-6 OBEDIENCE TO POLICE. It shall be unlawful for any person operating a vehicle to refuse or fail to comply with any lawful order, signal or direction of a police officer. (1964 Code, § 26-6) Statutory reference: Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.501

Fort Worth City Code § 22-7 APPLICATION OF CHAPTER - PUBLIC EMPLOYEES.

§ 22-7 APPLICATION OF CHAPTER - PUBLIC EMPLOYEES. The provisions of this chapter applicable to the drivers of vehicles upon the highways shall apply to the drivers of all vehicles owned or operated by the United States, this state or any county, city, town, district or any other political subdivision of the state, subject to such specific exceptions as are set forth in this chapter with reference to authorized emergency vehicles. (1964 Code, § 26-7) Statutory reference: Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.002

Fort Worth City Code § 22-8 SAME - AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLES.

§ 22-8 SAME - AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLES. (a) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle, when responding to an emergency call or when in the pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law or when responding to, but not upon returning from, a fire alarm, may exercise the privileges set forth in this section, but subject to the conditions herein stated. (b) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may: (1) Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this chapter; (2) Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation; (3) Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as he or she does not endanger life or property; and/or (4) Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions. (c) The exemptions herein granted to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when such vehicle is making use of audible and visual signals meeting the requirements of Tex. Revised Civil Statutes Article 6701d, § 124, except that an authorized emergency vehicle operated as a police vehicle need not be equipped with or display a red light visible from in front of the vehicle. The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle that is used for law enforcement purposes may operate without using the emergency warning devices required by this subsection (c) only when the driver is responding to an emergency call or when he or she is in pursuit of a suspected violator of the law and he or she has probable cause to believe that: (1) Knowledge of his or her presence will cause the suspect to destroy or lose evidence of a suspected felony; (2) Knowledge of his or her presence will cause the suspect to cease a suspected continuing felony before the driver has acquired sufficient evidence to establish grounds for arrest; (3) Knowledge of his or her presence will cause the suspect to evade apprehension or identification of the suspect or his or her vehicle; or (4) Traffic conditions on a multilaned roadway are such that movements of motorists in response to the emergency warning devices may increase the potential for a collision or may unreasonably extend the duration of the pursuit. (d) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle that is used for law enforcement purposes may not operate without using the emergency warning devices as provided above unless he or she has first notified a designated office of his or her intention to operate without such devices. The designated office to which such notification is made shall keep an accurate record of the exact time notification is received. (e) The foregoing provisions shall not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor shall such provisions protect the driver from the consequences of his or her reckless disregard for the safety of others. (1964 Code, § 26-8) Cross-reference: Ambulances/emergency medical services, see Ch. 5 Statutory reference: Operation of vehicles upon approach of authorized emergency vehicle, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.156 Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code Ch. 546

Fort Worth City Code § 22-9 SAME - PERSONS PROPELLING PUSHCARTS, RIDING BICYCLES OR ANIMALS OR DRIVING ANIMALS.

§ 22-9 SAME - PERSONS PROPELLING PUSHCARTS, RIDING BICYCLES OR ANIMALS OR DRIVING ANIMALS. Every person propelling any pushcart or riding a bicycle or an animal upon a roadway, and every person driving any animal shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter applicable to the driver of any vehicle, except those provisions of this chapter with reference to the equipment of vehicles and except those which by their very nature can have no application. (1964 Code, § 26-9) Statutory reference: Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 542.003

Fort Worth City Code § 22-10 SOUNDING HORN; UNNECESSARY NOISE.

§ 22-10 SOUNDING HORN; UNNECESSARY NOISE. It shall be unlawful for the driver or operator of any motor-driven vehicle to sound the horn, gong or other device for giving warning upon same, in a loud, unusual or unnecessary manner or to use same at any time or place except as a warning of danger. (1964 Code, § 26-19) Statutory reference: Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 547.501

Fort Worth City Code § 22-11 USE OF SIREN.

§ 22-11 USE OF SIREN. It shall be unlawful for any person except a person operating an authorized emergency vehicle to use a siren on any vehicle; provided, that those who are permitted to use a siren shall be required to use the same only when an emergency call is being made. (1964 Code, § 26-20) Statutory reference: Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 547.501

Fort Worth City Code § 22-12 BOARDING OR ALIGHTING FROM MOVING VEHICLES.

§ 22-12 BOARDING OR ALIGHTING FROM MOVING VEHICLES. It shall be unlawful for any person to board or alight from any vehicle while such vehicle is in motion. (1964 Code, § 26-21)

Fort Worth City Code § 22-13 RIDING ON MOTORCYCLES.

§ 22-13 RIDING ON MOTORCYCLES. A person operating a motorcycle shall ride only upon the permanent and regular seat attached thereto, and such operator shall not carry any other person nor shall any other person ride on a motorcycle unless such motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person, in which event a passenger may ride upon the permanent and regular seat if designed for two persons, or upon another seat firmly attached to the rear or side of the operator. (1964 Code, § 26-22) Statutory reference: Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code § 545.416

Fort Worth City Code § 22-14 CLINGING TO VEHICLES.

§ 22-14 CLINGING TO VEHICLES. It shall be unlawful for any person riding upon any bicycle, coaster, sled, roller skates or any toy vehicle to cling to or attach himself or herself or his or her vehicle to any streetcar or vehicle upon a roadway. (1964 Code, § 26-23)

Fort Worth City Code § 22-15 UNLAWFUL RIDING.

§ 22-15 UNLAWFUL RIDING. It shall be unlawful for any person to ride, or for the operator of a vehicle to permit another person to ride, upon any portion of any vehicle not designed or intended for the use of passengers when the vehicle is in motion. This provision shall not apply to an employee engaged in the necessary discharge of duty, or to persons riding within truck bodies in space intended for merchandise. (1964 Code, § 26-24)

Fort Worth City Code § 22-16 ROLLER SKATES, COASTERS, ETC., IN STREETS.

§ 22-16 ROLLER SKATES, COASTERS, ETC., IN STREETS. It shall be unlawful for any person upon roller skates, or riding in or by means of any coaster, toy vehicle or similar device to go upon any roadway except while crossing a street on a crosswalk. (1964 Code, § 26-25)

Fort Worth City Code § 22-17 REPAIRING VEHICLES ON STREETS.

§ 22-17 REPAIRING VEHICLES ON STREETS. (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to do any repair work upon any vehicle on any street in the city. (b) As used in this section, the term REPAIR WORK shall mean any nature of work upon such vehicles, including, but not being limited to, motor repairs, body repairs and greasing such vehicles, but such term, as used in this chapter, shall not include such emergency repair work as may be necessary to allow a damaged or stalled vehicle to be moved to a place other than the streets of the city. (1964 Code, § 26-27)

Fort Worth City Code § 22-18 PERMIT REQUIRED TO PARK VEHICLE FOR SALE OR DISPLAYING ADVERTISING ON STREET; PERMIT FEE; CONDITIONS OF ISSUANCE OF PERMIT.

§ 22-18 PERMIT REQUIRED TO PARK VEHICLE FOR SALE OR DISPLAYING ADVERTISING ON STREET; PERMIT FEE; CONDITIONS OF ISSUANCE OF PERMIT. It shall be unlawful for any person to park upon a street any vehicle displayed for sale or for the purpose of displaying advertising; provided, that the city manager, or such official of the city as he or she might designate, is hereby authorized to issue permits for the parking of automobiles, trucks, vans, trailers or similar vehicles on a street for the purpose of displaying advertising or products in connection with any lawful convention, charitable event, civic event (not including political campaigns), or an event celebrating the opening or dedication of a new enterprise, business, commercial or industrial facility, subject to the following conditions: (a) Only metered parking spaces or such unmetered parking spaces as have not been previously restricted as to use shall be utilized for this purpose; (b) A fee of $5 per day for each metered parking space or a fee of $5 per day for each 21 linear feet of curb space in nonmetered zones so utilized shall be paid in advance of the issuance of a permit; (c) The number of days for which each such permit is issued shall be shown in writing on the face of the permit; and Sundays and legal holidays shall be included for the purpose of computing the permit fee and the period of time for which the permit is issued; (d) The city manager or such official of the city as he or she shall designate shall prescribe such conditions for the issuance of each permit as he or she deems necessary in the public interest, and he or she shall approve, prior to the issuance of a permit, the nature and content of all advertising material to be displayed. It shall be a violation of this section for any person holding a permit hereunder to display or permit to be displayed any advertising material other than that which has been so approved; (e) No automobile, truck, van, trailer or similar vehicle parked on a public street under this section shall exceed 96 inches in width, including load; and (f) A permit issued under this section will not authorize the use of any loudspeaker or public address system in the parking spaces permitted to be used. (1964 Code, § 26-28) Cross-reference: Licenses and miscellaneous business regulations, see Ch. 20

Fort Worth City Code § 22-19 INTOXILIZER TEST FEE.

§ 22-19 INTOXILIZER TEST FEE. (a) Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meaning indicated: INTOXILIZER TEST. The same as breathalizer test. PERSON. Any individual or employee of a municipality, town or village other than this city. (b) Amount. Any person who shall request authorized city personnel to conduct an intoxilizer test shall pay a fee of $75. (Ord. 9453, § 1, passed 8-6-1985)

Fort Worth City Code § 22-20 GENERAL PENALTY; CONTINUING VIOLATIONS.

§ 22-20 GENERAL PENALTY; CONTINUING VIOLATIONS. Whenever in this chapter an act is prohibited or is made or declared to be unlawful or an offense or a misdemeanor, or whenever in this chapter the doing of any act is required or the failure to do any act is declared to be unlawful, where no specific penalty is provided therefor, the violation of any such provision of this chapter shall be subject to punishment as provided in § 1-6 of this code; provided, however, if the maximum penalty provided by this chapter for any such offense is greater than the maximum penalty provided for the same or a similar offense under the laws of the state, then the maximum penalty for violation as provided by state statute shall be the maximum penalty under this chapter. (1964 Code, § 26-200) (Ord. 6920, § 9, passed 10-1-1973) Statutory reference: Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code Ch. 542

Fort Worth City Code § 22-21 CRUISING PROHIBITED IN DESIGNATED AREAS.

§ 22-21 CRUISING PROHIBITED IN DESIGNATED AREAS. (a) Short title. This section shall be known and may be cited as the “cruising ordinance.” (b) Purposes and findings. (1) Purposes. The purpose of this section is to increase emergency vehicle and police access to certain areas (“no cruising zones”) by enhancing the orderly and unobstructed flow of motor vehicle traffic throughout such areas. This will be accomplished by: a. Reducing traffic congestion caused by an increased volume of motor vehicle traffic participating in repetitive transit throughout such areas; b. Reducing the likelihood of preventable mishaps and crises arising from an inability of police and emergency personnel to respond to locations within such areas due to excessive traffic congestion caused by cruising; c. Enhancing police and emergency personnel response time to such areas by reducing the excessive traffic congestion caused by cruising; and d. Increasing access by members of the general public to such areas, which access is currently restricted due to unnecessary traffic congestion arising from cruising. (2) Findings. In determining that a need exists for this section, the city council finds and determines as follows. a. Cruising and the resulting gridlock of traffic have created significant problems in gaining access to certain areas, (“no cruising” zones), not only for the general public, but more importantly for emergency vehicles. b. Incidents have occurred in which the police department has been delayed in responding to police incidents and emergencies because of the traffic congestion resulting from cruising. c. Incidents have occurred in which fire department and emergency medical personnel have been delayed in responding to medical emergencies because of traffic congestion resulting from cruising. d. The inability of the police department to respond within a reasonable time to police incidents and the inability of the fire department to respond within a reasonable time to fire alarms or calls for medical help could result in a great loss of life and property. e. It is in the interest of the public health, safety and welfare to resolve the cruising problem in order to provide freer access to such areas by emergency vehicles and the general public. (c) Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the following terms, phrases, words and their derivations shall have the meaning given herein. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense include the future; words in the plural number include the singular; and words in the singular number include the plural. The word “shall” is always mandatory and not merely directory. In this section: CRUISE or CRUISING. To operate a motor vehicle, or to permit the operation of a motor vehicle under one’s care, custody or control, so as to pass the same traffic control point within a no cruising zone three times within any two-hour period. NO CRUISING ZONE. The area bounded by and including the following streets or portions of streets, which area shall be known as the “Stockyards Historic District No Cruising Zone.” Street | Extent 23rd Street | Clinton Street to Packers Avenue 26th Street | Clinton Street to the St. Louis and Southwestern Railway Tracks Clinton Street | 23rd Street to 26th Street Packers Boulevard | 23rd Street north in a line to Stockyards Boulevard Stockyards Boulevard | North Main Street to the St. Louis and Southwestern Railway Tracks TRAFFIC CONTROL POINT. Any point established by the chief of police within a no cruising zone for the purpose of monitoring cruising. (d) Violations. A person commits an offense under this section, if: (1) Between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m., on any day of the week; (2) He or she cruises, as defined herein; and (3) In a “no cruising zone” marked in accordance with subsection (h) below. (e) Enforcement. A citation shall be issued under this section any time after a police officer has determined that the driver of a vehicle has passed a traffic control point more than three times within a two-hour period. (f) Penalties. A person determined to be in violation of this section shall be fined, upon conviction, not less than $50 and not more than $500. (g) Affirmative defenses. It shall be an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the motor vehicle was: (1) Owned by a municipality, a county, the State of Texas or the United States government; (2) An emergency or conspicuously marked public safety vehicle; (3) A licensed public transportation vehicle; or (4) A vehicle being used for business purposes and verification of this business was provided. (h) Demarcation of the “no cruising zone.” (1) The City of Fort Worth traffic engineer shall mark a “no cruising zone” by conspicuously posting appropriate signs at each entrance to the zone. (2) A “no cruising zone” requiring demarcation shall consist of an area described in subsection (c) above. (Ord. 11131, § 1, passed 7-21-1992)

Fort Worth City Code § 22-22 through 22-35 RESERVED.

Source: City of Fort Worth, Code of Ordinances, City Charter and Zoning Ordinance (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/ftworth/latest/ftworth_tx/0-0-0-23993Fetched: 10/26/2026