Article I. In General

Section 17-1. Definitions.

The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall, for the purpose of this chapter have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section, except as hereinafter specifically provided:

"Authorized emergency vehicles." Vehicles of the Fire Department, police vehicles, ambulances and emergency vehicles as are designated or authorized by the Chief of Police.

"Bicycle." Every device propelled by human power upon which any person may ride, having two tandem wheels either of which is over twenty inches in diameter, and including any device generally recognized as a bicycle though equipped with two front or two rear wheels.

"Crosswalks."

(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.

(2) Any portion of a roadway at an intersection or elsewhere distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface.

"Driver." Every person who drives or is in actual physical control of a vehicle.

"Intersection." 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 streets which join one another at, or approximately at, right angles, or the area within which vehicles traveling upon different streets joining at any other angle may come in conflict.

"Motor vehicle." Every vehicle which is self-propelled or designed for self propulsion except vehicles operated exclusively on rails.

"Official traffic-control devices." All signs, signals, markings and devices not inconsistent with this chapter placed or erected by authority of the town or official having jurisdiction, for the purpose of regulating, warning or guiding traffic. (1967 Code by Ordinance 519 aka E-34 effective 5/7/1967)

"Park." Park means to halt a vehicle, whether or not it is occupied, other than temporarily: (i) when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a police officer or traffic control device; or (ii) for the purposes of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading property or passengers. (Ordinance 264 effective 1/5/1994)

"Pedestrians." Any person afoot.

"Policeman or police officer." Every officer authorized to direct or regulate traffic or to make arrests for violations of traffic regulations.

"Sidewalk." That portion of a street between the curb lines, or the lateral lines of a roadway and the adjacent property intended for the use of pedestrians.

"Stop." When required, means complete cessation of movement.

"Stop, stopping or standing." When prohibited, means any stopping or standing of a vehicle whether occupied or not, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with directions of a police officer or traffic-control sign or signal.

"Street." The term "street" shall include all avenues, lanes, alleys and highways in the town.

"Traffic." Pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles and other conveyances either singly or together while using any street for the purpose of travel.

"Traffic - control signal." Any device, whether manually, electrically or mechanically operated, by which traffic is alternately directed to stop and to proceed.

(1967 Code by Ordinance 519 aka E-34 effective 5/7/1967)

"Truck". "Any motor vehicle with a registered gross weight of ten thousand (10,000) pounds or greater." (Ordinance 338 effective 3/4/1996, historical reference 264)

"Vehicle." Every device in, upon or by which any person or property is or may be transported, or drawn upon a street, except devices moved by human power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks. (1967 Code by Ordinance 519 aka E-34 effective 5/7/1967)