Chapter 7.20 RULES OF THE ROAD

It shall be a civil traffic infraction for any person to fail to comply with any of the provisions set forth in this chapter. [Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.010.]

7.20.020 Drivers to be licensed.

No person shall operate a vehicle on the roadways within the jurisdiction of the Chehalis Tribe unless he or she has obtained a valid operator’s license issued by any jurisdiction recognized by the Chehalis Tribe. [Res. 2016-17; Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.020.]

7.20.030 Operator’s license on person.

No person shall operate a vehicle on the roadways within the jurisdiction of the Chehalis Tribe unless he or she has a valid operator’s license issued to him or her by any jurisdiction recognized by the Chehalis Tribe, on his or her person or within the vehicle operated. [Res. 2016-17; Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.030.]

7.20.040 Driving while license is suspended, revoked.

No person shall operate a vehicle within the jurisdiction of the Chehalis Tribe when the person’s operator’s license has been suspended or revoked by any jurisdiction, except in compliance with the terms of a valid occupational license or limited use license under CTC 7.10.120. [Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.040.]

7.20.050 Learner’s permit.

No person under the age of 16 years of age shall operate a vehicle within the Tribe’s jurisdiction except in full compliance with all requirements of a valid State or Tribal learner’s permit. [Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.050.]

7.20.060 Motorcycle endorsement required.

No person shall drive a motorcycle or a motor-driven cycle, except a moped, unless such person has a valid driver’s license specially endorsed by a jurisdiction recognized by the Chehalis Tribe, to enable the holder to drive such vehicles, nor may a person drive a motorcycle of a larger engine displacement than that authorized by the special endorsement. [Res. 2016-17; Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.055.]

7.20.070 Yield to emergency vehicles.

The driver of every vehicle shall yield the right-of-way by pulling over to the far right of the road and stopping upon immediate approach of an authorized emergency or law enforcement vehicle making lawful use of sirens and visual signals. [Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.060.]

7.20.080 Following fire vehicle prohibited.

The driver of any vehicle, other than one on official business, shall not follow any official fire vehicle traveling in response to a fire alarm closer than 500 feet, or stop any vehicle closer than 500 feet from an official fire vehicle. [Res. 2016-17; Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.070.]

7.20.090 Crossing fire hose.

No person shall drive or move a vehicle over any unprotected fire hose without the consent of the fire vehicle. [Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.080.]

7.20.100 Emergency vehicles exempted from speed limits – Due care required.

The speed limits designated in this title shall not apply to authorized emergency vehicles when operated in emergencies. Nothing in this title shall relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using a roadway. [Res. 2016-17; Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.090.]

7.20.110 Motorcycles – Operation on laned roads.

A. All motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane and no motor vehicle shall be driven in a way that deprives a motorcycle of the full use of a lane.

B. The operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane as is occupied by the vehicle being overtaken.

C. The operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass a vehicle while any oncoming vehicles are adjacent to the vehicle being overtaken.

D. Motorcycles shall not be operated more than two abreast in a lane.

E. Subsections B and C of this section shall not apply to enforcement officers in the performance of their official duties. [Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.100.]

7.20.120 Motorcycles – Riding on the permanent seat only.

A person operating a motorcycle shall ride only upon the permanent and regular seat attached to the motorcycle 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. A passenger shall ride only upon a seat designed for that purpose. [Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.110.]

7.20.130 Motorcycles – Footpegs.

A motorcycle must be equipped with foot pegs for each person the motorcycle is designed to carry. [Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.120.]

7.20.140 Motorcycles – Both feet not to be on the same side.

No person shall ride a motorcycle in a position where both feet are placed on the same side of the motorcycle. [Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.130.]

7.20.150 Motorcycles – Clinging to other vehicles.

No person riding upon a motorcycle shall attach himself or herself or the motorcycle to any other vehicle on a roadway. [Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.140.]

7.20.160 Vehicles driven off existing roadways.

The operator of any “off-road vehicle,” “all-terrain vehicle,” “three-wheeler,” and any other motor vehicle must comply with all applicable provisions of this title when such vehicles are operated on the roadways within the jurisdiction of the Chehalis Tribe, including Tribal trust land. Such applicable code provisions include but are not limited to licensing, safety equipment, and rules of the road.

Permission of the landowner shall be obtained by the operator prior to operation of any motor vehicle, including but not limited to “off-road vehicles,” “all-terrain vehicles” and “three-wheelers,” on fee land and allotted lands held in trust by the United States for an individual or subject to restrictions against alienation.

The operator of any motor vehicle on or off the roadway shall be responsible for all damage to persons and property, including damage to terrain caused by operation of the vehicle. [Res. 2016-17; Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.150.]

7.20.170 Pedestrians – Drivers to exercise care.

Every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian upon any roadway and shall exercise proper precaution upon seeing any child or incapacitated person upon a roadway. [Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.160.]

7.20.180 Pedestrians – Under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

A pedestrian who is under the influence of alcohol or any drug to a degree which renders him or her a hazard shall remain safely off the main traveled portion of the roadway. [Res. 2016-17; Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.170.]

7.20.190 Pedestrians – To remain off the road.

Every pedestrian shall remain safely off the main traveled portion of the roadway (on the shoulder) and shall travel only on the left-hand side of the roadway facing traffic. [Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.180.]

7.20.200 Throwing glass or other materials on road.

A. No person shall throw or deposit or allow to be deposited upon any roadway any glass, nails, tacks, wire, cans, manure, fireworks, burning materials, bottles, or any other substance likely to injure any person or animal or vehicle upon or near the edge of such roadway.

B. Any person removing a wrecked or damaged vehicle from a roadway shall remove any glass or other injurious substance dropped from the vehicle onto the roadway. [Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.190.]

7.20.210 Permitting escape of load and other materials.

Any person operating a vehicle from which any glass, manure or other objects have fallen or escaped which could endanger travel upon the roadway shall immediately remove all such glass or objects from the roadway. [Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.200.]

7.20.220 Interference with signs and signals.

No person shall deface, injure, or remove any of the official traffic signs or signals placed or erected within the jurisdiction of the Tribe. [Res. 2016-17; Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.210.]

7.20.230 Speed limits.

No person shall drive a vehicle in excess of the posted speed limits within the jurisdiction of the Chehalis Tribe or as designated by this title for the particular district or location. The speed limit within the jurisdiction of the Chehalis Tribe is 35 miles per hour unless otherwise posted or unless otherwise specified in this title. [Res. 2016-17; Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.220.]

7.20.240 Due care required.

No person shall drive a vehicle or a bicycle upon a roadway in a manner or at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard to the traffic, surface, and width of the roadways and the hazards at intersections and any other conditions then existing. Nor shall any person drive in a manner or at a speed which is greater than will permit the driver to exercise proper control of the vehicle or bicycle and to decrease speed or to stop as may be necessary to avoid colliding with any person, vehicle, or other conveyance on or entering the roadway in compliance with legal requirements and with the duty of drivers and other persons using the roadway to exercise due care. [Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.230.]

7.20.250 Speed limits – Changes by the Business Committee.

The Business Committee may initiate an engineering and traffic investigation to determine whether the maximum speed limits within the Chehalis Tribe’s jurisdiction are greater or less than is reasonable and safe under the conditions of a particular roadway or section of roadway. The Business Committee may then declare a reasonable and safe maximum speed limit and cause same to be posted. [Res. 2016-17; Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.240.]

7.20.260 Drive on the right side of the road.

Every vehicle shall be driven on the right half of the roadway except as follows:

A. When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction;

B. When a roadway is not sufficiently wide;

C. When an obstruction exists making it necessary to drive to the left of center; provided, that any person so doing shall yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic. [Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.250.]

7.20.270 Turning, stopping, moving right or left – Signals required.

No person shall turn a vehicle or move right or left upon a roadway unless such movement can be made with reasonable safety and unless the proper hand signal or lighted turn signal is given. Whenever the signal is given by means of the hand and arm, the driver shall indicate his intention to turn to the left by extending his hand and arm horizontally from and beyond the left side of the vehicle, his intention to turn to the right by extending his hand and arm upward and beyond the left side of the vehicle, and his intention to stop or suddenly decrease speed by extending his hand and arm downward from and beyond the left side of the vehicle. The signal herein required is to be given before turning to the right or the left, whether by means of the hand and arm or by means of an approved mechanical or electrical device. [Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.260.]

7.20.280 Turning at intersections.

The driver of a vehicle intending to turn at an intersection shall do so as follows:

A. Approach for a right turn shall be made in the lane for traffic nearest to the right-hand side of the roadway and the right turn shall be made as closely as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.

B. Approach for a left turn shall be made in the lane for traffic to the right and nearest to the center line of the roadway and the left turn shall be made by passing to the right of such center line where it enters the intersection, and upon leaving the intersection by passing to the right of the center line of the roadway then entered; provided, that the provisions of this section shall not apply to passenger vehicles actually engaged in loading or unloading passengers at an intersection prior to making a left turn. [Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.270.]

7.20.290 Right-of-way – Vehicle turning left.

The driver of a vehicle intending to turn left into an alley, driveway, or other roadway shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. [Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.280.]

7.20.300 Right-of-way – Yielding for road construction.

The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to any authorized vehicle or pedestrian engaged in work upon a roadway. [Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.290.]

7.20.310 Overtaking and passing.

The following rules shall govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction:

A. A driver may overtake and pass another vehicle only while traveling on the left side of the roadway and shall not again drive on the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle;

B. A driver may overtake and pass another vehicle only when the left side of the roadway is clearly visible and free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to avoid interfering with the flow of oncoming traffic;

C. No vehicle shall be driven on the left side of the roadway when approaching or upon the crest of a grade or a curve in the roadway where the driver’s view is obstructed;

D. No driver shall at any time drive on the left side of the roadway where signs or markings are in place to define a no-passing zone;

E. A driver shall overtake and pass another vehicle in a safe manner. [Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.300.]

7.20.320 Passing school bus.

The driver of a vehicle approaching a school bus from either direction shall stop the vehicle before reaching the school bus when the school bus displays a visual signal to stop. The driver shall not proceed until such visual signal is withdrawn. [Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.310.]

7.20.330 Following too closely.

The driver of a vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable for the speed and travel conditions. [Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.320.]

7.20.340 “U” turns.

The driver of a vehicle shall not turn such vehicle so as to proceed in the opposite direction unless such movement can be made in safety, without interfering with other traffic. [Res. 2016-17; Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.330.]

7.20.350 Backing.

A driver shall not back a vehicle unless such movement can be made safely and without interfering with the other traffic. [Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.340.]

7.20.360 Traffic signs, signals and markings.

The driver of any vehicle and every bicyclist shall obey the instructions of any official traffic sign, signal and marking placed within the jurisdiction of the Chehalis Tribe, unless otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer, or flagger, or firefighter. [Res. 2016-17; Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.350.]

7.20.370 Stopping, standing or parking on road.

No person shall stop, park, or leave standing any vehicle so as to interfere with traffic on the traveled portion of the roadway.

This prohibition shall not apply to the driver of any vehicle that is disabled to the extent that it is impossible to avoid temporarily leaving the vehicle in such position. The driver shall arrange for the prompt removal of the vehicle. [Res. 2016-17; Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.360.]

7.20.380 Stopping, standing or parking prohibited in certain places.

No person shall stop, park, or leave standing any vehicle, except momentarily, to pick up or discharge a passenger:

A. In front of any driveway or within five feet of the curb radius thereto;

B. Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant;

C. Within 20 feet of the driveway entrance to a fire station;

D. On the side of the street opposite the entrance to any fire station; or

E. At any place where official signs or markings prohibit stopping, standing, or parking. [Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.370.]

7.20.390 Leaving children unattended in vehicle.

No person shall leave children under the age of 12 years unattended in a vehicle. [Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.380.]

7.20.400 Obstructing the driver’s view.

No person shall drive a vehicle when it is so loaded as to obstruct the driver’s view to the front, rear or sides of the vehicle or as to interfere with the driver’s control over the vehicle. [Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.390.]

7.20.410 Tribal Center regulations.

Within the Chehalis Tribal Center complex, located at 420 Howanut Road and including the entire parcel of land held in trust for the Chehalis Tribe bordered by Howanut Road and Niederman Road, the following traffic regulations shall apply in addition to the other applicable provisions under this title:

A. Maximum allowable speed shall be 10 miles per hour;

B. No parking shall be allowed on the roadway except in designated areas clearly marked or except temporary parking by authorized delivery vehicles;

C. No parking or stopping for other than traffic safety reasons shall be allowed in the entrance to the complex or in a manner that blocks or obstructs the entrances either completely or in part; and

D. The Chairman of the Chehalis Tribe is delegated the authority to designate and post certain areas within the complex for special purpose parking only. No person who does not meet the special designation shall be allowed to park at those locations. [Res. 2016-17; Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.400.]

7.20.420 Alcoholic beverages – Prohibitions.

A. No person shall drink any alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle when the vehicle is upon a roadway.

B. No person shall have an open or unsealed receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage in his or her possession while in a motor vehicle when the vehicle is upon a roadway.

C. No driver of a motor vehicle that is on a roadway shall keep an open or unsealed receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage within the vehicle unless the receptacle is kept in the trunk or other area of the vehicle not accessible to the occupants. [Res. 2016-17; Res. 2011-020; Res. 2006-63; GC vote 3/7/1989. Prior code § 4.1.5.410.]