Chapter 10.20
TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICES
Sections:
10.20.010 Authority to install.
10.20.020 Manual and specifications.
10.20.040 Effect of provisions when signs not in place.
10.20.060 Display of unauthorized signs, signals or markings.
10.20.070 Interference with devices prohibited.
10.20.010 Authority to install.
The Traffic Commission shall place and maintain traffic-control signs, signals and devices when and as required under this title to make effective the provisions of this title. [Code 2000 § 70.35; Code 1981 § 10.12.010.]
Statutory reference: For provisions authorizing cities to place such devices, see IC 9-21-4-3. For statutory provisions authorizing cities to regulate traffic by means of traffic-control devices, see IC 9-21-1-3(a)(2).
10.20.020 Manual and specifications.
All traffic-control signs, signals and devices shall conform to the Indiana Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways approved by the Indiana Department of Transportation. All signs and signals required under this title for a particular purpose shall, so far as practicable, be uniform as to type and location throughout the city. All traffic-control devices so erected and not inconsistent with the provisions of the state law or this title shall be official traffic-control devices. [Code 2000 § 70.36; Code 1981 § 10.12.020.]
10.20.030 Obedience required.
The driver of any vehicle shall obey the instructions of any official traffic-control device placed in accordance with this title, unless otherwise directed by a Police or Fire Department officer. [Code 2000 § 70.37; Code 1981 § 10.12.030.]
Penalty: See AMC 10.10.070.
Statutory reference: For provisions requiring obedience to traffic-control devices, see IC 9-21-4-18.
10.20.040 Effect of provisions when signs not in place.
No provisions of this title for which signs are required shall be enforced against an alleged violator if at the time and place of the alleged violation an official sign is not in proper position and sufficiently legible to be seen by an ordinarily observant person. Whenever a particular section does not state that signs are required, such section shall be effective even though no signs are erected or in place. [Code 2000 § 70.38; Code 1981 § 10.12.040.]
Penalty: See AMC 10.10.070.
10.20.050 Signal legend.
Whenever traffic is controlled by traffic-control signals exhibiting the words “go,” “caution” or “stop,” or exhibiting different colored lights successively, the colors of lights and meanings shall be as specified in IC Title 9 and shall apply to all drivers and pedestrians. [Code 2000 § 70.39; Code 1981 § 10.12.050.]
10.20.060 Display of unauthorized signs, signals or markings.
(A) No person shall place, maintain or display upon or in view of any highway any unauthorized sign, signal, marking or device which purports to be or is an imitation of or resembles an official traffic-control device or railroad sign or signal, or which attempts to direct the movement of traffic, or which hides from view or interferes with the effectiveness of any official traffic-control device or any railroad sign or signal, and no person shall place or maintain nor shall any public authority permit upon any highway any traffic sign or signal bearing thereon any commercial advertising except as otherwise permitted in IC 9-21-4-5. This shall not be deemed to prohibit the erection upon private property adjacent to highways of signs giving useful directional information and of a type that cannot be mistaken for official signs.
(B) Every such prohibited sign, signal or marking is declared to be a public nuisance and the authority having jurisdiction over the highway is empowered to remove the same or cause it to be removed without notice. [Code 2000 § 70.40; Code 1981 § 10.12.070.]
Penalty: See AMC 10.10.070.
10.20.070 Interference with devices prohibited.
No person shall without lawful authority attempt to or in fact alter, deface, injure, knock down or remove any official traffic-control devices, signs, signals or any railroad sign or signal or any inscription, shield or insignia thereon, or any other part thereof. [Code 2000 § 70.41; Code 1981 § 10.12.080.]
Penalty: See AMC 10.10.070.