IN GENERAL

Tucson Code ch. 20, art. I

in effect

Tucson Code § 20-1 Definitions.

Sec. 20-1. Definitions. The words and phrases used in this chapter shall, for the purpose of this chapter, have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in A.R.S. title 28, except for the words and phrases defined herein, as follows: Sec. 20-1(1). Alley means any public or private way set aside as a right-of-way for municipal services, or street or alley purposes and as a means of reaching the rear end of lots or buildings. Sec. 20-1(2). Annual permit means a permit allowing the operation or movement, during a calendar year, of a specific vehicle, or vehicle and load, along truck routes established pursuant to section 20-15 of this Code. Sec. 20-1(3). Bicycle zone means a place adjacent to a curb reserved for the exclusive use or purpose of parking bicycles. Such zone shall be designated by blue and white marking on the curb or signs appropriately marked for the exclusive use of bicycles, or by both such signs and blue and white curb markings. Sec. 20-1(4). Booting means to place a device on a vehicle to prevent the vehicle's movement until the device is removed. Sec. 20-1(5). Business district means the area contiguous to and including a street, where within any six hundred (600) feet along the street there are buildings used for business or industrial purposes which occupy at least three hundred (300) feet of frontage on one side, or three hundred (300) feet collectively on both sides of the street. Sec. 20-1(6). Central business district means all streets and portions of streets within the area described as follows: All that area bounded by the following streets: On the north by Sixth Street; on the east by Fourth Avenue; on the south by Cushing Street to Stone Avenue and from Stone Avenue by East Fourteenth Street; and on the west by Granada Avenue. Sec. 20-1(7). Commercial vehicle means any vehicle originally registered for commercial use, or any vehicle rated for a load capacity in excess of one (1) ton, or any vehicle not originally designed for personal private passenger transportation. Sec. 20-1(8). Curb means the raised edge or curbline along the lateral lines of a roadway, or in the absence of a raised edge, the curbline or lateral lines along the edge of the vehicular travel lanes, to include any designated or marked road shoulder. Sec 20-1(9). Disabled or handicapped curb loading zone means a space adjacent to a curb reserved for the exclusive use of vehicles during the loading or unloading of passengers or materials for the physically disabled as defined in section 20-222 of this Code. Such zone shall be designated by blue marking on the curb, or by appropriate signs, or by both such signs and blue curb markings. Sec. 20-1(10). Divided highway or street means any street or highway within the city that has been divided into two (2) roadways by leaving an intervening space, island or other physical barrier, or clearly indicated dividing section so constructed as to obstruct or impede vehicular traffic. Sec. 20-1(11). Envelope permit means a permit issued for the operation or movement, during a calendar year, along truck routes established pursuant to section 20-15 of this Code, of a nonspecific and nonreducible vehicle, or vehicle and load, that does not exceed two hundred fifty thousand (250,000) pounds in gross weight, fourteen (14) feet in width, sixteen (16) feet in height, one hundred twenty (120) feet in length, and has at least four (4) axles. Sec. 20-1(12). Freight curb loading zone means a space adjacent to a curb for the exclusive use of authorized vehicles, as defined in section 20-195.1 of this Code, during the loading or unloading of freight. Such zone shall be designated by yellow marking on the curb, or by appropriate signs, or by both such signs and yellow curb markings. Sec. 20-1(13). Impound means to tow or remove a vehicle and then store the vehicle at a garage or lot designated by the police department or maintained by the city. Sec. 20-1(14). In governmental service means owned or operated by any federal, state, county, or municipal agency, or any agency whose primary source of operating revenue is public taxation. Sec. 20-1(15). Mobile home means a nonmotorized dwelling, as defined in section 23-21 of this Code. Sec. 20-1(16). Mobile home permit means a permit issued for a one-time, one-way, continuous movement of a specific mobile home, whose dimensions and/or weight exceed the limits set forth in A.R.S. title 28, sections 1002 through 1031, or any successor provision(s), along a designated route to a designated location. Any subsequent movement of the mobile home, whether from the designated location back to its original location, or to any other location, shall require a new and separate mobile home permit. Sec. 20-1(17). Motor vehicle means 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. Sec. 20-1(18). No parking zone means a space adjacent to a curb which is designated by red markings on the curb, or by appropriate signs, or by both such signs and red markings on the curb. Sec. 20-1(19). Official time standard means whenever certain hours are named herein, they shall mean standard time or such time as may be in current use in the city. Sec. 20-1(20). Oversize or overweight vehicle, load or mobile home means a vehicle, load or mobile home whose dimensions and/or weight exceed the limits set forth in A.R.S., title 28. Sec. 20-1(21). Passenger curb loading zone means a place adjacent to a curb reserved for the exclusive use of vehicles during the loading or unloading of passengers or their personal effects. Such zone shall be designated by white marking on the curb, or by appropriate signs, or by both such signs and white curb markings. Sec. 20-1(22). Police officer means every officer of the municipal police department or any certified law enforcement officer authorized to direct or regulate traffic or to make arrests for violations of traffic regulations. Sec. 20-1(23). Recreational vehicle means a motor vehicle or vehicle combination that is designed and customarily used for private pleasure use and includes vehicles commonly called motor homes, pickup trucks with campers, travel trailers, boat trailers, or horse trailers. Sec. 20-1(24). Residence district means the area contiguous to and including a street, not comprising a business district, where for a distance of three hundred (300) feet or more the property along the street is predominantly improved with residences. Sec. 20-1(25). Right-of-way means the privilege of the immediate use of the street, highway and alleys. Sec. 20-1(26). Roadway means that portion of a street improved, designed, and used for vehicular travel. Sec. 20-1(27). Sidewalk means that portion of a street between the curbs, or the lateral lines of a roadway, and the adjacent property lines, is improved for the use of pedestrians. Sec. 20-1(28). Single trip permit means a permit issued for a one-time, one-way, continuous operation or movement of a specific vehicle, or vehicle and load, along a designated route to a designated location. Where the single trip permit is for both a vehicle and load, it shall be permissible under that permit to completely unload the vehicle at the designated location and thereafter return the empty transporting vehicle directly to its original location, so long as the return trip is completed within twenty-four (24) hours of beginning the movement of vehicle and load that is authorized under the permit. Sec. 20-1(29). Thirty-day permit means a permit allowing the operation or movement of a specific vehicle, or vehicle and load, along a designated route for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of issuance. Sec. 20-1(30). Traffic means pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles and other conveyances, either singly or together, while using any highway, street or alley for purposes of travel. Sec. 20-1(31). Traffic agent means any person authorized by this code to enforce any provisions of this code. Sec. 20-1(32). Traffic division means the traffic division of the police department of the city; or in the event a traffic division is not established, then such term, whenever used herein, shall be deemed to refer to the police department of the city. Sec. 20-1(33). Unimproved pedestrian area means that portion of a street between the curbs, or the lateral lines of a roadway, and the adjacent property lines, which is not improved with a sidewalk, is not landscaped, and is physically capable of continuous pedestrian use. An unimproved pedestrian area less than four (4) feet wide is determined to be incapable of pedestrian use. (1953 Code, ch. 17, § 1; Ord. No. 1821, § 3, 4-21-85; Ord. No. 4502, § 2, 6-21-76; Ord. No. 4653, § 1, 5-16-77; Ord. No. 5931, § 2, 12-19-83; Ord. No. 6041, § 1, 6-25-84; Ord. No. 6988, § 1, 6-20-88; Ord. No. 7757, § 1, 1-27-92; Ord. No. 8270, § 1, 11-21-94; Ord. No. 8464, § 1, 3-20-95; Ord. No. 8958, § 7, 9-22-97; Ord. No. 10418, § 2, 6-12-07; Ord. No. 11063, § 1, 3-27-13) State law reference – Similar provisions, A.R.S. 20-8-602.

Tucson Code § 20-2 Civil traffic violations.

Sec. 20-2. Civil traffic violations. It shall be a civil traffic violation for any person, firm or corporation to violate any of the provisions of article I, II, III, IV, V or VI of this chapter. Except that it shall not be a violation if evidence is gathered through the use of any automatic photo red light cameras or any automatic photo speed cameras such as were in use by a private contractor for traffic enforcement on behalf of the City in 2012. The City shall not use, or contract for the use of, such technology or any technology for traffic control that does not produce a human, on-site, eyewitness to violations who is able to testify in court. (1953 Code, ch. 17, § 6; Ord. No. 5391, § 3, 8-3-81; Ord. No. 5931, § 3, 12-19-83; Ord. No. 11297, 8-5-15; Res. No. 22499, 11-17-15) Editor’s note—Proposition No. 201, adding the second and third paragraphs to this section 20-2, was approved at a Special Election held on November 3, 2015.

Tucson Code § 20-3 Penalties.

Sec. 20-3. Penalties. Unless otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, the violation of any provision of article I, II, III, V or VI shall result in the imposition of a civil sanction which shall not exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00). (1953 Code, ch. 17, § 23c; Ord. No. 5391, § 4, 8-3-81; Ord. No. 5931, § 4, 12-19-83; Ord. No. 9492, § 2, 11-27-00)

Tucson Code § 20-4 Applicability to public employees.

Sec. 20-4. Applicability to public employees. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the driver of any vehicle owned by or used in the service of the United States Government, this state, county or city; and it shall be unlawful for any such driver to violate any of the provisions of this chapter except as otherwise permitted in this chapter or by state statute. (1953 Code, ch. 17, § 8) State Law References: Similar provisions, A.R.S. § 28-623.

Tucson Code § 20-5 Applicability to pushcarts, animals, animal-drawn vehicles.

Sec. 20-5. Applicability to pushcarts, animals, animal-drawn vehicles. Every person propelling any pushcart or riding an animal upon a roadway, and every person driving any animal-drawn vehicle shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter applicable to the driver of any vehicle, except those provisions which by their very nature can have no application. (1953 Code, ch. 17, § 10) State Law References: Similar provisions, A.R.S. § 26-625.

Tucson Code § 20-6 Reserved.

Tucson Code § 20-7 Office of traffic engineer created; general powers, duties.

Sec. 20-7. Office of traffic engineer created; general powers, duties. The office of city traffic engineer is hereby established. The duties of the traffic engineer shall be, among other things, to regulate traffic under the provisions of this chapter and the traffic ordinances of the city. It shall be the general duty of the traffic engineer to establish, change, remove or prohibit, as conditions may require, boulevard stops, pedestrian lanes, U-turns and right- and left-hand turns, traffic lanes, and other necessities of traffic, subject to the approval of the city manager, and under such regulations as he may prescribe; provided, that nothing in this section shall be construed as conferring upon the office of traffic engineer the duties or authority over traffic of the chief of police. (1953 Code, ch. 17, § 2; Ord. No. 11400, § 2, 9-20-16)

Tucson Code § 20-8 Enforcement duties of police.

Sec. 20-8. Enforcement duties of police. It shall be the duty of the officers of the police department or such officers as are assigned by the chief of police to enforce all traffic laws of the city and all of the state vehicle laws applicable to traffic in the city. (1953 Code, ch. 17, § 3)

Tucson Code § 20-9 Police authorized to direct traffic; emergency authority.

Sec. 20-9. Police authorized to direct traffic; emergency authority. Officers and reserve officers of the police department, community service officers, volunteers with appropriate training appointed by the chief of police to assist with traffic control, or such officers as are assigned by the chief of police are hereby authorized to direct all traffic by voice, hand or signal in conformance with state and city traffic laws; provided, that in the event of a fire or other emergency or to expedite traffic or to safeguard pedestrians, such officers may direct traffic as conditions may require notwithstanding the provisions of the traffic laws. (1953 Code, ch. 17, § 4; Ord. No. 4605, § 1, 1-3-77; Ord. No. 12030, 1, 8-22-23)

Tucson Code § 20-10 Authority of officers of fire department.

Sec. 20-10. Authority of officers of fire department. Officers of the fire department, when at the scene of a fire, may direct or assist the police in directing traffic thereat or in the immediate vicinity. (1953 Code, ch. 17, § 5)

Tucson Code § 20-11 Reserved.

Sec. 20-11. Reserved. Editors Note: Section 20-11, requiring obedience to police and fire officers, derived from the 1953 Code, ch. 17, § 7, was repealed by § 1 of Ord. No. 5931, adopted Dec. 19, 1983.

Tucson Code § 20-11.1 Appointment of park rangers as special policemen.

Sec. 20-11.1. Appointment of park rangers as special policemen. The police chief may in his sound discretion certify as peace officers certain persons employed by the city parks and recreation department as park rangers, provided they meet the following qualifications: Sec. 20-11.1(1). Attend a full training course at the Tucson Police Academy. Sec. 20-11.1(2). Be not less than twenty-one (21) years of age. Sec. 20-11.1(3). Be a citizen of the United States and of good moral character and able to read and write the English language understandably. (Ord. No. 2954, § 1, 1-16-67; Ord. No. 4605, § 2, 1-3-77)

Tucson Code § 20-11.2 Jurisdiction of special policemen.

Sec. 20-11.2. Jurisdiction of special policemen. (a) The authority of the park rangers as special policemen shall be limited to when they are on duty as park rangers and when they are off duty but in the parks and in the park ranger's uniform and shall be limited, further, in that such authority shall exist only in public parks of the city or while in fresh pursuit out of public parks: (1) When the person to be arrested has committed a misdemeanor or felony in the presence of the park ranger in the parks; or (2) When the park ranger has reasonable ground to believe a felony has been committed in the parks, and reasonable grounds to believe the persons to be arrested has committed it. (b) Public parks shall include all those grounds dedicated or deeded to the city for park purposes or those that are used for public park and recreation purposes, grounds maintained by the parks and recreation department and all structures or improvements included within any of the above areas when such structures are maintained or their use controlled by the parks and recreation department. (Ord. No. 2954, § 1, 1-16-67; Ord. No. 3010, § 2, 6-5-67; Ord. No. 4605, § 3, 1-3-77)

Tucson Code § 20-11.3 Authority of special policemen.

Sec. 20-11.3. Authority of special policemen. A park ranger, as a special policemen, shall be considered as and have the authority of a peace officer to make arrests within their jurisdiction, as set forth in section 20-11.2 of this chapter. (Ord. No. 2954, § 1, 1-16-67; Ord. No. 4605, § 4, 1-3-77)

Tucson Code § 20-11.4 Status of special policemen.

Sec. 20-11.4. Status of special policemen. Special policemen shall not be a part of, nor affiliated or connected in any official capacity with, the city police department. Special policemen shall exercise such other limited police powers as may be delegated to them by the police chief. A special policemen shall not be subject to, or acquire any rights under any police pension fund of the state or of the city. (Ord. No. 2954, § 1, 1-16-67)

Tucson Code § 20-11.5 Compensation of special policemen.

Sec. 20-11.5. Compensation of special policemen. Special policemen shall receive no compensation from the city police department for duties performed. (Ord. No. 2954, § 1, 1-16-67)

Tucson Code § 20-11.6 Revocation of authority.

Sec. 20-11.6. Revocation of authority. The police chief shall have the authority to revoke the status of special policemen when he finds such revocation to be in the best interest of the city. (Ord. No. 2954, § 1, 1-16-67)

Tucson Code § 20-11.7 Appointment of community service officers.

Sec. 20-11.7. Appointment of community service officers. The chief of police shall, at his discretion, have the authority to appoint certain persons to the position of community service officer, providing they meet the following qualifications: Sec. 20-11.7(1). Attend a specified training course at the Tucson Police Academy. Sec. 20-11.7(2). Must be eighteen (18) years of age. Sec. 20-11.7(3). Be a citizen of the United States and of good moral character, and able to understand, read and write the English language. Sec. 20-11.7(4). Possess a high school diploma (or general equivalency diploma). (Ord. No. 4605, § 5, 1-3-77; Ord. No. 8761, §§ 1, 2, 10-7-96)

Tucson Code § 20-11.8 Authority of community service officers.

Sec. 20-11.8. Authority of community service officers. Community service officers shall have the authority: Sec. 20-011.8(1). To investigate traffic accidents occurring within the city limits of Tucson. Sec. 20-11.8(2). To issue summons, or commence an action or proceeding before a court or judge for any violation of any state statute or local ordinance relating to traffic laws, providing that such violence is related to a traffic accident within the jurisdiction of the city. Sec. 20-11.8(3). To commence an action or proceeding before a court or judge for any violation of city ordinance or state statutes regulating the standing or parking of vehicles. Sec. 20-11.8(4). To investigate complaints of thefts or attempted thefts of property, and to file reports relating to each offense. Sec. 20-11.8(5). To carry out any lawful order of, or conduct such investigations as directed by, the chief of police not involving hazardous duty. (Ord. No. 4605, § 6, 1-3-77; Ord. No. 8761, § 3, 10-7-96)

Tucson Code § 20-11.9 Appointment of civilian volunteer police assist specialists.

Sec. 20-11.9. Appointment of civilian volunteer police assist specialists. The chief of police shall have the authority and discretion to appoint certain persons to the position of unarmed civilian volunteer police assist specialist, providing those persons meet the following qualifications: Sec. 20-11.9(1). Attend training as required under the direction of the chief of police. Sec. 20-11.9(2). Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, of good moral character, and able to understand, read and write the English language. (Ord. No. 7671, § 1, 8-5-91)

Tucson Code § 20-11.10 Authority of civilian volunteer police assist specialists.

Sec. 20-11.10. Authority of civilian volunteer police assist specialists. Civilian volunteer police assist specialists, acting in an unarmed capacity, shall have the authority at the discretion of the chief of police, to: Sec. 20-11.10(1). Commence an action or proceeding before the administrative hearing officer for any violation of any chapter of the Tucson Code regarding the stopping, standing or parking of motor vehicles. Sec. 20-11.10(2). Testify, on behalf of the city as required before the administrative hearing officer or any subsequent court proceedings involving any violation of any chapter of the Tucson Code regarding the stopping, standing or parking of motor vehicles. Sec. 20-11.10(3). Assist in the taking of reports involving civil infractions of the Tucson Code and file reports relating to such infractions. Sec. 20-11.10(4). Carry out any lawful order of the chief of police, not involving hazardous duty, the exercise of the power of arrest or the use of force. (Ord. No. 7671, § 1, 8-5-91)

Tucson Code § 20-12 Impounding vehicles--When permitted.

Sec. 20-12. Impounding vehicles--When permitted. (a) Members of the police department are hereby authorized to impound a vehicle from a street, alley or highway under any of the circumstances enumerated in this section. (b) Members of the fire department are authorized to impound a vehicle under the circumstances enumerated in subsections (d)(6) or (7) of this section. (c) Traffic agents are authorized to remove a vehicle under the circumstances enumerated in subsections (d)(1), (3), (4), (6), (7), (9), (10) or (11) of this section. (d) Vehicles may be impounded under the following circumstances: (1) When any vehicle is left unattended upon any bridge, viaduct or causeway, or in any tube or tunnel where such vehicle constitutes an obstruction to traffic. (2) When a vehicle upon a highway is so disabled as to constitute an obstruction to traffic, and the person in charge of the vehicle is by reason of physical injury incapacitated to such an extent as to be unable to provide for its custody or removal. (3) When any vehicle is left unattended upon a street or alley and is parked illegally or constitutes a definite hazard or obstruction to the normal movement of traffic. (4) When any vehicle is left unattended upon a street for a period in excess of twenty- four (24) hours. (5) When any person is arrested while in possession of a motor vehicle and taken into custody. (6) When any vehicle other than an authorized emergency vehicle is parked, whether or not attended, in a properly designated fire lane established pursuant to chapter 13 of this Code, or earlier legislation. (7) When any vehicle other than an authorized emergency vehicle is parked, whether or not attended, within fifteen (15) feet of a fire hydrant placed on either public or private property. (8) When any person is given a civil citation for operating a motor vehicle off the roadway within a quarter mile of a structure in violation of section 11-70.1 of this Code. (9) When a special limited magistrate or magistrate orders a vehicle impounded as authorized by this Code. (10) When any vehicle is owned by a person who has three (3) or more unpaid civil parking infractions or has failed to respond as set forth in section 20-203(a) of this Code. (11) When any vehicle has been booted for more than forty-eight (48) hours. (12) When any person is arrested or given a citation for operating a motor vehicle in violation of section 20-161 of this Code, relating to racing motor vehicles. (1953 Code, ch. 17, § 17; Ord. No. 4969, § 1, 5-14-79; Ord. No. 5544, § 1, 4-12-82; Ord. No. 8464, § 2, 3-20-95; Ord. No. 9697, § 1, 4-15-02; Ord. No. 10418, § 2, 6-12-07; Ord. No. 11452, § 2, 4-19-17)

Tucson Code § 20-13 Same--Notice.

Sec. 20-13. Same--Notice. Sec. 20-13(1). If owner known. Whenever an officer removes a vehicle from a street as authorized in section 20-12, and the officer knows or is able to ascertain from the registration records in the vehicle the name and address of the owner thereof such officer shall immediately give or cause to be given notice in writing to such owner of the fact of such removal and the reasons therefor and of the place to which such vehicle has been removed. In the event any such vehicle is stored in a public garage, a copy of such notice shall be given to the proprietor of such garage. Sec. 20-13(2). If owner unknown. Whenever a traffic agent removes a vehicle from a street under section 20-12 and does not know and is not able to ascertain the name of the owner, or for any other reason is unable to give the notice to the owner as herein before provided, and in the event the vehicle is not returned to the owner within a period of three (3) days, the traffic agent shall immediately send or cause to be sent a written report of such removal by mail to the motor vehicle division, state highway department, whose duty it is to register motor vehicles, and shall file a copy of such notice with the proprietor of any public garage in which the vehicle may be stored. Such notice shall include a complete description of the vehicle, the date, time and place from which removed, the reasons for such removal, and name of the garage or place where the vehicle is stored. (1953 Code, ch 17, § 18; Ord. No. 10418, § 2, 6-12-07)

Tucson Code § 20-14 Same--Redemption or sale.

Sec. 20-14. Same--Redemption or sale. Application for redemption of a vehicle impounded under the provisions of sections 20-12 and 20-13 shall be made by the owner or his duly authorized agent, who shall be entitled to the possession thereof upon payment to the city of the sum of five dollars ($5.00), together with all other costs of removal, storage, and any assessments due pursuant to section 20-203 that may have accrued thereon. In the event the vehicle impounded shall not be redeemed by its owner or agent within thirty (30) days, then such vehicle shall be sold for such penalty, charges, costs and any assessments due pursuant to section 20-203 that may have accrued thereon, in a manner provided by A.R.S. Title 28. This remedy shall be cumulative of any and all other penalties provided by this chapter. (1953 Code, ch. 17, § 19; Ord. No. 8464, § 3, 3-20-95; Ord. No. 8958, § 7, 9-22-97; Ord. No. 9697, § 2, 4-15-02)

Tucson Code § 20-15 Truck routes established.

Sec. 20-15. Truck routes established. Within the incorporated city all streets identified as arterial or collector streets in the Major Streets and Routes Plan, adopted by Resolution 12340 and as amended, are hereby established as truck routes. (1953 Code, ch. 17, § 20; Ord. No. 3448, § 1, 5-18-70; Ord. No. 5927, § 1, 12-19-83; Ord. No. 7757, § 2, 1-27-92; Ord. No. 10418, § 2, 6-12-07)

Tucson Code § 20-15.1 Driving vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating in excess of twenty thousand (20,000) pounds on streets not designated as truck routes prohibited; exceptions.

Sec. 20-15.1. Driving vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating in excess of twenty thousand (20,000) pounds on streets not designated as truck routes prohibited; exceptions. (a) All vehicles having a total gross vehicle weight rating in excess of twenty thousand (20,000) pounds, including, but not limited to, trucks, truck tractors, road tractors, trailers, semitrailers, vehicle transporters, or any combination of such vehicles, shall use only those streets established as truck routes. It is unlawful to drive any vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating in excess of twenty thousand (20,000) pounds on a street not established as a truck route, except as provided in section 20-15.2 below, or where a permit has been issued by the chief of police, or that officer's designee, pursuant to the procedures set forth in section 20-16. (b) The director of transportation, or the director's designee, is authorized to prohibit certain vehicles from using certain designated streets, including truck routes, by the placement of appropriate signs limiting the gross weight of vehicles permitted to use those streets. However, the vehicles may use the streets designated under this section to make a delivery or pickup or to provide services to a property as permitted under section 20-15.2(b). (Ord. No. 7757, § 3, 1-27-92; Ord. No. 8270, § 2, 11-21-94; Ord. No. 10418, § 2, 6-12-07)

Tucson Code § 20-15.2 Exceptions to truck route restrictions.

Sec. 20-15.2. Exceptions to truck route restrictions. (a) Section 20-15.1 does not apply to recreational vehicles. (b) A vehicle regulated under section 20-15.1 may: (1) Leave the truck routes by the shortest route to perform the following activities, after which it must return to the nearest designated truck route. (i) Deliver, pick up, load, or unload merchandise, materials, or equipment, including furniture and other household goods, except as prohibited under section 20-17; or (ii) Provide construction, repair, or similar services to a property. (2) Drive on any street within a business district, except as prohibited under section 20-15.1(b) or section 20-17. (Ord. No. 7757, § 3, 1-27-92)

Tucson Code § 20-16 Special permission required to use streets not designated for trucks or to operate or move vehicles, loads or mobile homes exceeding state limitations; exemptions; permit and fee structure; violation a civil infraction.

Sec. 20-16. Special permission required to use streets not designated for trucks or to operate or move vehicles, loads or mobile homes exceeding state limitations; exemptions; permit and fee structure; violation a civil infraction. (a) Except as may be otherwise specifically provided in subsection (b), where it is necessary for a vehicle whose use of city streets is regulated under section 20-15.1(a) to use a street not established as a truck route pursuant to section 20-15; or for any oversize or overweight vehicle, load, or mobile home to use any street, whether established as a truck route or not, that lies within the corporate limits of the city and that is not designated as a state highway, application shall be made to the chief of police, or that officer's designee, for a permit for such use under police department supervision, and no such use of streets as is set forth in this subsection shall occur, unless and until such permit is issued. (b) A permit pursuant to subsection (a) is not required in the following situations: (1) Where a vehicle whose use of city streets is regulated under section 20-15.1(a) engages in activities specifically authorized by section 20-15.2(b). (2) Where the total maximum width of the vehicle, or of the vehicle and load, does not exceed one hundred two (102) inches, exclusive of safety equipment, and the operation or movement takes place solely on streets established as truck routes pursuant to section 20-15. (3) Where the vehicle is exempted from size, weight and load limitations under A.R.S. section 28-1001(b), or any successor provision(s). (c) The chief of police, or that officer's designee, is hereby authorized to issue the permits required under subsection (a). The categories of authorized permits shall be as follows: single trip permits, mobile home permits, thirty-day permits, envelope permits, and annual permits. Permits to use a street not designated as a truck route shall be issued on a single trip or thirty-day basis only. Envelope permits shall be issued on an annual basis only, and neither envelope permits nor single trip permits shall be issued for the movement of mobile homes. Any movement of a mobile home subject to the permit requirements of this section shall be undertaken as one continuous journey pursuant to a mobile home permit, which shall be valid for ninety-six (96) hours from the time of issuance. (d) A person seeking any of the types of permits authorized under subsection (c) shall submit an application, accompanied by the corresponding fee as established in subsection (e). Such fees shall be waived for a vehicle, load or mobile home in governmental service. In addition, no fee shall be collected for a vehicle, load, or mobile home for whose operation or movement a valid permit has been issued by the state, a political subdivision of the state, or any other municipality, when the operation or movement of such vehicle, load, or mobile home terminates in or transits the city. (e) Permit fees shall be as follows: Type of Permit | Non Truck Route | Oversize | Overweight | Envelope Single trip: | $15.00 | $ 15.00 | $ 25.00 | -- Mobile home: | -- | $ 15.00 | $ 25.00 | -- Thirty-day: | $30.00 | $ 30.00 | $ 50.00 | -- Annual: | -- | $240.00 | $480.00 | $600.00 Note: The fee for annual permits issued after January 31 of a calendar year shall be reduced by one-twelfth ( 1/12) for each full calendar month that has expired prior to issuance of the permit. Where a vehicle, load, or mobile home is both oversize and overweight, the permit fee shall consist solely of the overweight fee. (f) Upon receipt of the application, and payment of any applicable fee, the chief of police, or that officer's designee, may grant the requested permit. The permit may restrict the use of any street, whether or not established as a truck route, or the operation or movement of any oversize or overweight vehicle, load, or mobile home, by day of the week, time of the day, route, or location within the city, and may set such additional restrictions as are necessary for public safety and convenience. (g) All annual permits issued under this section shall expire at midnight on January 1 of the next calendar year, and persons seeking an annual permit for the new calendar year shall be required to submit a new application and permit fee. (h) Any violation of the provisions of this section, specifically including, but not limited to, the failure to obtain a required permit or to comply with permit restrictions, is declared to be a civil infraction punishable by a mandatory sanction of not less than one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00), nor more than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500.00), no part of which shall be suspended or waived by the court. (1953 Code, ch. 17, § 20; Ord. No. 8270, § 3, 11-21-94; Ord. No. 8958, § 7, 9-22-97)

Tucson Code § 20-17 Districts where loading, unloading large vehicles prohibited; variances.

Sec. 20-17. Districts where loading, unloading large vehicles prohibited; variances. (a) No single-unit vehicle having more than two (2) axles or having an overall length in excess of twenty-six (26) feet, and no tractor-semitrailer having more than three (3) axles or having an overall length in excess of forty (40) feet shall be permitted to load or unload any packages of merchandise within that district bounded on the north by the south and west line of Toole Avenue and Franklin Street, on the east by the east line of Fourth Avenue, on the south by the south line of Fourteenth Street and Cushing Street, and on the west by the west line of Granada Avenue, between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. (b) The director of transportation, or the director's designee, may grant written variances from the provisions as set forth in subsection (a) provided: (1) The nature of the merchandise being delivered is exceptional; or (2) The nature of the business or service on the property is exceptional; and (3) The applicant can conform to any required barricading and signing as set forth in section 25-24; and (4) The variance is not against the public interest, safety, convenience or general welfare. (1953 Code, ch. 17, § 21; Ord. No. 7157, § 1, 3-20-89; Ord. No. 10418, § 2, 6-12-07)

Tucson Code § 20-18 Governmental vehicles exempt from truck route and loading or unloading provisions.

Sec. 20-18. Governmental vehicles exempt from truck route and loading or unloading provisions. The provisions of sections 20-15 through 20-17 shall not be construed to prohibit the use of any street, alley or area of the city by vehicles of the United States Government, this state, county or city while in performance of their official or normal duties. (1953 Code, ch. 17, § 22)

Tucson Code § 20-19 Driving on property of another prohibited without permission.

Sec. 20-19. Driving on property of another prohibited without permission. It is unlawful for the driver of a motor vehicle to drive a vehicle in or upon property of another without having in his possession the written permission of the person legally entitled to possession of the property. However, no person charged with violating this section shall be found responsible and such charge against him shall be dismissed, if he subsequently produces in court the aforesaid written permission. (1953 Code, ch 17, § 23; Ord. No. 4115, § 1, 12-10-73; Ord. No. 5391, § 5, 8-3-81; Ord. No. 5931, § 6, 12-19-83)

Tucson Code § 20-19.1 through 20-20 Reserved.

Secs. 20-19.1, 20-20. Reserved. Editors Note: Section 20-19.1, prohibiting parking on property of another without permission, derived from Ord. No. 5391, § 6, adopted Aug. 3, 1981, and § 20-20 providing for impounding and redemption of motor vehicles parked on property of another, derived from the 1953 Code, ch. 17, § 23, were both repealed by § 1 of Ord. No. 5931, adopted Dec. 19, 1983. See now § 20-223 for these provisions.

Tucson Code § 20-21 Driving in parks and playgrounds.

Sec. 20-21. Driving in parks and playgrounds. It is unlawful to drive a motor vehicle in or upon the parks and playgrounds of the city except on streets or roads designated for vehicular traffic. (1953 Code, ch. 17, § 23a; Ord. No. 5391, § 7, 8-3-81)

Tucson Code § 20-21.1 Reserved.

Sec. 20-21.1. Reserved. Editors Note: Section 20-21.1, regulating parking in parks and playgrounds, derived from Ord. No. 5391, § 8, adopted Aug. 3, 1981, was repealed by § 1 of Ord. No. 5931, adopted Dec. 19, 1983. See now § 20-224.

Tucson Code § 20-22 Driving on city-owned property.

Sec. 20-22. Driving on city-owned property. It shall be unlawful for a driver of any motor vehicle to drive a motor vehicle in or upon city-owned property, other than public streets or alleys, when signs prohibiting or regulating driving have been placed thereon by the director of transportation, or the director's designee, as authorized by this chapter, unless in compliance with such erected signs. (1953 Code, ch. 17, § 23b; Ord. No. 5931, § 7, 12-19-83; Ord. No. 10418, § 2, 6-12-07)

Tucson Code § 20-23 Reserved.

Sec. 20-23. Reserved. Editors Note: Section 20-23, prohibiting parking for purpose of sale on unpaved lots, derived from Ord. No. 4968, § 1, adopted June 11, 1979, and Ord. No. 5391, § 9, adopted Aug. 3, 1981, was repealed by § 1 of Ord. No. 5931, adopted Dec. 19, 1983. See now § 20-226.

Tucson Code § 20-24 Reserved.

Sec. 20-24. Reserved. Editors Note: Section 20-24, prohibiting clinging to moving vehicles, derived from the 1953 Code, ch. 17, § 13, was repealed by § 1 of Ord. No. 5931, adopted Dec. 19, 1983.

Tucson Code § 20-25 Boarding, alighting from moving vehicles.

Sec. 20-25. Boarding, alighting from moving vehicles. No person shall board or alight from any vehicle while such vehicle is in motion. (1953 Code, ch. 17, § 14)

Tucson Code § 20-26 Opening vehicle doors into traffic.

Sec. 20-26. Opening vehicle doors into traffic. It shall be unlawful for any person to open any door of a vehicle on the street side thereof when other moving vehicles are so close thereto as to constitute a hazard. (1953 Code, ch. 17, § 15)

Tucson Code § 20-27 Unlawful riding.

Sec. 20-27. Unlawful riding. No person shall ride on any vehicle upon any portion thereof not designed or intended for the use of passengers. This provision shall not apply to an employee engaged in the necessary discharge of a duty, or to persons riding within truck bodies in space intended for merchandise. (1953 Code, ch. 17, § 16)

Tucson Code § 20-28 Roller skating, skateboards, coasting, toy vehicles, prohibited on roadways; skateboards prohibited in central business district areas and all library property and facilities within the Tucson-Pima Library System; exceptions:

Sec. 20-28. Roller skating, skateboards, coasting, toy vehicles, prohibited on roadways; skateboards prohibited in central business district areas and all library property and facilities within the Tucson-Pima Library System; exceptions: (a) No person upon roller skates, or riding in or by means of any coaster, toy vehicle, or similar device shall go upon any roadway, except while crossing a street in a crosswalk, and, when so crossing, such person shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of duties applicable to pedestrians. (b) Unless otherwise provided for in this section, it shall be a civil infraction for any person upon or by means of any skateboard or similar device, to operate or cause to be operated any such device upon any publicly owned property, including streets or sidewalks, within the area described as: That area bounded by the following streets: On the north by the intersection of Alameda and Granada Avenue, east along Alameda to Church Avenue, south along Church Avenue to Cushing Street, west along Cushing Street to Grenada Avenue and north along Granada Avenue to Alameda Street. (c) It shall be a civil infraction for any person upon or by means of any skateboard or similar device, to operate or cause to be operated any such device upon any Tucson-Pima Library property or facility, including adjacent streets or sidewalks, when such prohibition is clearly and conspicuously posted by the city. (1953 Code, ch. 17, § 9; Ord. No. 8474, § 1, 3-27-95; Ord. No. 8588, § 1, 10-23-95; Ord. No. 8862, § 1, 4-14-97; Ord. No. 9198, § 1, 2-1-99)

Tucson Code § 20-29 Requirement for helmet use; Bicycle renters and sellers; civil penalties; waiver of fine.

Sec. 20-29. Requirement for helmet use; Bicycle renters and sellers; civil penalties; waiver of fine. Sec. 20-29(1). No person under eighteen (18) years of age shall ride a bicycle or be a passenger on a bicycle, ride in a restraining seat attached to a bicycle, or ride in a trailer towed by a bicycle unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet which meets the current standards of the American National Standards Institute for protective headgear. Sec. 20-29(2). It shall be unlawful for any person to rent or lease any bicycle to or for the use of a person under the age of eighteen (18) years unless: (a) The person is in possession of a protective helmet meeting the standards set out above in section 20-29(1) at the time of such rental or lease; or (b) The rental or lease includes a protective bicycle helmet meeting the standards set out above in section 20-29(1) and the person agrees to wear the helmet at all times while operating or riding as a passenger on the bicycle. Sec. 20-29(3). A person regularly engaged in the business of selling bicycles shall provide any purchaser of a bicycle with a written explanation, either on the receipt of sale or on a separate form indicating receipt of a written explanation of the provisions of section 20-29(1) and (3). Sec.20-29(4). Any person in violation of this section shall be found guilty of a civil infraction and be required to pay a minimum fine of fifty dollars ($50.00) which cannot be suspended except pursuant to subsection 20-29(5). Sec. 20-29(5). The penalty provided in this section for a violation of section 20-29(1) may be waived if an offender presents suitable proof that an approved helmet has been purchased or otherwise obtained since the time of the violation and that the minor uses or intends to use said helmet whenever required to do so by this section. (Ord. No. 8167, § 1, 11-22-93)

Tucson Code § 20-30 Operating motorized skateboards and motorized play vehicles; definitions; prohibitions; penalty.

Sec. 20-30. Operating motorized skateboards and motorized play vehicles; definitions; prohibitions; penalty. A. Purpose and intent. It is the purpose and intent of this enactment to provide for the regulation of motorized skateboards and motorized play vehicles in order to protect the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, motor vehicle drivers and operators of motorized skateboards and motorized play vehicles alike. The increasing prevalence of motorized skateboards and growing concerns about their safe uses requires local regulation in order to protect the public safety. The state has granted municipalities express authority to regulate or prohibit the operation of motorized skateboards. Therefore, the mayor and council find it is in the public interest to prohibit the operation of motorized skateboards and motorized play vehicles except on private property. B. Definitions. In this article, unless the context otherwise requires: Motorized play vehicle means a coaster, scooter, any other alternatively fueled device, or other motorized vehicle that is self-propelled by a motor or engine, gas or electric, and which is not otherwise defined in A.R.S. title 28, as a "motor vehicle," "motorcycle," "motor-driven cycle," "motorized wheelchair" or "electric personal assistive mobility device." Motorized skateboard means a self-propelled device that has a motor, gas or electric, a deck on which a person may ride and at least two (2) tandem wheels in contact with the ground, and which is not otherwise defined in A.R.S. title 28, as a "motor vehicle," "motorcycle," "motor-driven cycle," "motorized wheelchair" or "electric personal assistive mobility device." C. Prohibited operation. 1. No motorized skateboard or motorized play vehicle may be operated on any public sidewalk, roadway, or any other part of a highway or on any bikeway, bicycle path or trail, equestrian trail, or shared-use path. 2. No motorized skateboard or motorized play vehicle may be operated on any private property of another without the written permission of the owner, the person entitled to immediate possession of the property, or the authorized agent of either. 3. No person shall operate a motorized skateboard or motorized play vehicle on any private property in a manner causing excessive, unnecessary, or offensive noise which disturbs the peace and quiet of any neighborhood or which causes discomfort or annoyance to a reasonable person of normal sensitivity. D. Responsibilities of parents, guardians, and legal custodians. 1. The parent, guardian, or legal custodian of any minor shall not authorize or knowingly permit such minor to violate any of the provisions of this section. 2. If a fine is imposed upon a minor who is found to be in violation of this section, the parents or legal guardian having custody or control of the minor shall be jointly and severally liable with the minor for payment of the fine, whether or not the parents or guardian knew of, or anticipated, a violation of this section. E. Violation declared civil traffic violation. Any violation of this section is punishable as a civil traffic violation pursuant to sections 20-2 and 20-3 of this chapter. (Ord. No. 9962, § 1, 5-10-04)

Source: City of Tucson, Tucson Code (Charter and General Ordinances) and Unified Development Code (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/tucson/latest/tucson_az/0-0-0-14786Fetched: 10/28/2026