CHAPTER 8

Vehicles and Traffic

Article I	Model Traffic Code

Sec. 8-1-10	Adoption

Sec. 8-1-20	Applicability

Sec. 8-1-30	Interpretation

Sec. 8-1-40	Penalty assessment; point reduction

Sec. 8-1-50	Violations; traffic infractions

Sec. 8-1-60	Violations; traffic offenses

Article II	Motor Vehicles

Sec. 8-2-10	Purpose

Sec. 8-2-20	Definitions

Sec. 8-2-30	Abandoned motor vehicles

Sec. 8-2-40	Inoperable vehicles prohibited

Sec. 8-2-50	Repair prohibited

Sec. 8-2-60	Oversized commercial vehicles; moving vans; delivery vehicles

Sec. 8-2-70	Recreational vehicles

Sec. 8-2-80	Inspection and enforcement; abatement

Article III	Vehicle Weight Limits

Sec. 8-3-10	Definitions

Sec. 8-3-20	Weight limit

Sec. 8-3-30	Exceptions

Article IV	Railroads and Railway Crossings

Sec. 8-4-10	Blocking or obstructing streets

Article V	Drivers Licenses and Vehicle Registration

Sec. 8-5-10	Licenses for drivers required

Sec. 8-5-20	Persons exempt from license

Sec. 8-5-30	Instruction permits and temporary licenses

Sec. 8-5-40	Permitting unauthorized person to drive

Sec. 8-5-50	Registration required

Sec. 8-5-60	Definitions

Sec. 8-5-70	Penalties

ARTICLE I

Model Traffic Code

Sec. 8-1-10.	Adoption.

Pursuant to Parts 1 and 2 of Article 16 of Title 31, C.R.S., there is hereby adopted by reference Articles I and II, inclusive, of the 2003 edition of the Model Traffic Code for Colorado, promulgated and published as such by the Colorado Department of Transportation, Safety and Traffic Engineering Branch, 4201 East Arkansas Avenue, EP 700, Denver, Colorado 80222. The subject matter of the Model Traffic Code relates primarily to comprehensive traffic control regulations for the Town. The purpose of this Article and the code adopted herein is to provide a system of traffic regulations consistent with state law and generally conforming to similar regulations throughout the State and the Nation. Copies of the Model Traffic Code adopted herein are now on file in the office of the Town Clerk and may be inspected during regular business hours. (Ord. 2007-16, 2007, §1)

Sec. 8-1-20.	Applicability.

This Article and the Model Traffic Code adopted herein shall apply to every street, alley, sidewalk area, driveway, park and every other public way, public place or public parking area, either within or outside the corporate limits of the Town, the use of which the Town has jurisdiction and authority to regulate. The provisions of Model Traffic Code Sections 1401, reckless driving, 1402, careless driving, and 1413, eluding a police officer, shall apply not only to public places and ways but throughout the Town. (Ord. 2007-16, 2007, §1)

Sec. 8-1-30.	Interpretation.

This Article and the Model Traffic Code adopted herein shall be so interpreted and construed as to effectuate its general purpose to conform to the State's uniform system for the regulation of vehicles and traffic. Article and section headings of this Chapter or the Model Traffic Code adopted herein shall not be deemed to govern, limit, modify or in any manner affect the scope, meaning or extent of the provisions of any article or section thereof. (Ord. 2007-16, 2007, §1)

Sec. 8-1-40.	Penalty assessment; point reduction.

If a person receives notice of a penalty assessment for a violation and such person pays the fine and surcharge for such violation on or before the payment is due as set forth in the penalty assessment, the points assessed for the violation will be reduced as follows:

(1)	For a violation having an assessment of four (4) points: points are reduced by two (2) points.

(2)	For a violation having an assessment of three (3) points: points are reduced by two (2) points. (Ord. 2007-16, 2007, §1)

Sec. 8-1-50.	Violations; traffic infractions.

It shall be unlawful for any person to violate any of the provisions of this Chapter and the Model Traffic Code as adopted herein. Except as set forth in Section 8-1-60 below, violations of the Model Traffic Code are hereby deemed noncriminal traffic infractions. A traffic infraction shall be a civil matter for which punishment by imprisonment shall not be available, for which a penalty assessment notice may be issued and which is punishable by a maximum fine of five hundred dollars ($500.00).

(1)	For any violation of any provision of this Chapter and the Model Traffic Code as adopted hereby which is a traffic infraction, no trial by jury shall be available, no arrest warrant shall issue for failure to appear or to pay, no privilege of self-incrimination shall apply, the standard of proof shall be a preponderance of the evidence and the conduct of all proceedings applicable to such a violation shall otherwise be in conformity with those generally applicable to civil matters.

(2)	For any violation of any provision of this Chapter and the Model Traffic Code as adopted herein which is a traffic infraction, the court may enter a judgment of liability by default against the defendant for failure to appear or to pay, and may assess such penalties, together with such court costs and surcharges, as are established by law. (Ord. 2007-15, 2007, §1)

Sec. 8-1-60.	Violations; traffic offenses.

It shall be unlawful for any person to violate any of the provisions of this Chapter and the Model Traffic Code as adopted herein. The violation of the following sections of the Model Traffic Code shall constitute a criminal traffic offense and shall be punishable as provided by Section 1-4-20 of this Code or as otherwise required by state law:

(1)	Section 607 of the Model Traffic Code, interference with official devices.

(2)	Section 705 of the Model Traffic Code, operation on approach of emergency vehicles.

(3)	Section 1101 of the Model Traffic Code, where the speed as driven is twenty-four (24) miles per hour or more over the lawful speed limit.

(4)	Section 1105 of the Model Traffic Code, speed contest.

(5)	Section 1401 of the Model Traffic Code, reckless driving.

(6)	Section 1402(2) of the Model Traffic Code, careless driving, if the person's actions are the proximate cause of bodily injury or death to another.

(7)	Section 1409 of the Model Traffic Code, compulsory insurance.

(8)	Section 1413 of the Model Traffic Code, eluding or attempting to elude a police officer.

(9)	Section 1703 of the Model Traffic Code, parties to a crime.

(10)	Section 1903 of the Model Traffic Code, stopping for school buses. (Ord. 2007-15, 2007, §2)

ARTICLE II

Motor Vehicles

Sec. 8-2-10.	Purpose.

The purpose of this Article is to provide for the orderly parking of motor vehicles, trailers, recreational vehicles, commercial vehicles and other equipment and to provide for corrective enforcement procedures to address the environmental and public welfare concerns presented by abandoned and inoperable motor vehicles. (Ord. 2007-07, 2007, §3)

Sec. 8-2-20.	Definitions.

To further such purpose, the following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of this Article:

Abandoned vehicle means any vehicle left unattended on public property, including any portion of any highway, street, alley or other right-of-way for twenty-four (24) hours or longer, unless the owner or driver has conspicuously affixed a dated notice stating his or her intention to return or has otherwise notified the Police Department of his or her intention to remove the vehicle within seventy-two (72) hours, or the vehicle is parked on a public street within fifty (50) feet of the property where the vehicle owner resides.

Administrative Authority means the Town Clerk, the Town Clerk's designee or such other administrative official appointed to perform inspections, removal or other duties and to promote the enforcement of this Article.

Driveway means an improved concrete or asphalt path leading directly to a garage or one (1) or more parking spaces constructed with a concrete, asphalt or similar all-weather surface.

Inoperable means a condition of being junked, wrecked, wholly or partially dismantled, discarded, abandoned or unable to perform the functions or purposes for which it was originally constructed or does not bear a valid unexpired license plate unless of a type specifically exempted from motor vehicle licensing laws of the State, is incapable of being moved under its own power in its existing condition or does not have all tires inflated.

Parking means the leaving of a vehicle.

Parking space means an area designed for the parking of a vehicle.

Recreational equipment means equipment intended for outdoor recreational use, including but not limited to snowmobiles, jet skis, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), canoes and boats, and including trailers for transporting such equipment.

Recreational vehicle means a vehicle that is designed, intended and used for purposes of temporary living accommodation for recreation, camping and travel, including but not limited to travel trailers, truck campers, camping trailers, motor homes and bus campers. For the purposes of this definition, neither a pop-up trailer nor a truck topper accessory (also known as a camper shell) that is not higher than eight (8) inches above the truck cab when installed shall be considered a recreational vehicle. A horse trailer used primarily for transport of horses and/or livestock to or from the site it is stored upon shall not be considered a recreational vehicle under this definition.

Vehicle means a machine designed to be propelled by power other than human power, designed to travel along the ground by use of wheels, treads, runners or slides, to transport persons or property or pull machinery and shall include, without limitation, automobile, airplane, truck, trailer, camper, recreational vehicle, motorcycle, motor scooter, snow machine, recreational vehicle, tractor, buggy and wagon. (Ord. 2007-07, 2007, §3)

Sec. 8-2-30.	Abandoned motor vehicles.

(a)	It is unlawful for any person to abandon any vehicle on public or private property within the Town.

(b)	It is unlawful for any person to own or have under his or her control any vehicle that is abandoned. It shall be an affirmative defense to any criminal charge arising under this Subsection that the vehicle was abandoned without the knowledge and consent of the person charged.

(c)	Any vehicle abandoned in violation of this Article may be towed by the Administrative Authority to an appropriate facility for holding and disposal without liability to the Administrative Authority or any agent acting on behalf of the Administrative Authority. (Ord. 2007-07, 2007, §3)

Sec. 8-2-40.	Inoperable vehicles prohibited.

It is unlawful and hereby declared a nuisance for any person to permit an inoperable vehicle to be left upon any street, highway, alley or other public property, or for any owner or occupant in possession of any real property to cause or permit any inoperable vehicle to be kept upon any real property in the Town, except under the following conditions which shall constitute an affirmative defense:

(1)	A vehicle is kept for no more than sixty (60) days while waiting for parts or repair or awaiting settlement of an insurance claim.

(2)	A vehicle is stored within a completely enclosed structure.

(3)	In a nonresidential area where the property is lawfully zoned for the storage of motor vehicles or vehicle repair. (Ord. 2007-07, 2007, §3)

Sec. 8-2-50.	Repair prohibited.

No owner or occupant of any property shall be permitted to conduct any repair of a motor vehicle on any street, highway or alley, except minor emergency repairs that can be completed within a twenty-four-hour period. (Ord. 2007-07, 2007, §3)

Sec. 8-2-60.	Oversized commercial vehicles; moving vans; delivery vehicles.

For purposes of this Section, oversized commercial vehicle means any vehicle registered, licensed or used for commercial purposes or displaying advertisements for commercial enterprise and exceeding twenty (20) feet in length (twenty [20] feet in combined length for vehicles with trailers), eight (8) feet or more in height or fifteen thousand (15,000) pounds or more in gross weight. Oversized commercial vehicles are prohibited from parking in any area in the Town zoned for residential uses as defined in Chapter 16 of this Code, either on the street, traveled roadway, public right-of-way or private residential property, with the following exceptions:

(1)	Loading or unloading moving vans or similar type vehicles used for moving personal goods, for a period not to exceed twenty-four (24) hours;

(2)	Temporary parking for purposes of pickup or delivery of a parcel or merchandise, for a period not to exceed two (2) hours; and

(3)	Construction equipment or machinery employed in any authorized construction project, for a period not to exceed the completion of such project. (Ord. 2007-07, 2007, §3)

Sec. 8-2-70.	Recreational vehicles.

(a)	No recreational vehicle (RV) shall be parked on any street for a period of longer than seventy-two (72) hours. No person shall use any RV for temporary or permanent living, sleeping, housekeeping or preparation of food while parked or stopped on any public right-of-way within the Town in any zone for which the principal use is residential.

(b)	One (1) RV may be parked on private property for which the principal use is either single-family or two-family residential if such RV is registered to or owned by the owner or occupant of such private property and is located at least three (3) feet back of the sidewalk or the front property line where no sidewalk exists.

(c)	The owner or occupant of any property located in a zone district for which the principal use is residential may allow guests traveling in an RV to park their RV on such owner or occupant's property for a maximum period of seven (7) consecutive days if the RV is parked at least three (3) feet back from the sidewalk or the front property line where no sidewalk exists. Guest RV parking shall be limited to one (1) seven-day period per vehicle in twelve (12) consecutive months; provided, however, that the Administrative Authority shall grant an extension for not more than seven (7) additional days upon written request by the owner or occupant of the property where the RV is parked. (Ord. 2007-07, 2007, §3)

Sec. 8-2-80.	Inspection and enforcement; abatement.

The Administrative Authority is authorized and directed to inspect and supervise premises within the Town, and if it is found that any vehicle, implement or attachment exists on any property in violation of this Article, the Administrative Authority may, in addition to any other action permitted under this Code, remove or cause to be removed from the property such vehicle, implement or attachment found on the premises or in the streets or alleys and assess and collect the cost of such removal from the owner or occupant in accordance with the notice, removal and assessment provisions of Sections 7-1-120 and 7-1-130 of this Code. (Ord. 2007-07, 2007, §3)

ARTICLE III

Vehicle Weight Limits

Sec. 8-3-10.	Definitions.

For the purposes of this Article, the following words shall have the following definitions:

(1)	Bus means every motor vehicle designed for carrying more than seven (7) passengers and used for the transportation of persons for compensation.

(2)	Commercial Business District means that portion of the Town zoned commercial.

(3)	Commercial vehicle means every vehicle designed, used or maintained primarily for the transportation of property.

(4)	School bus means every motor vehicle owned by a public or governmental agency and operated for the transportation of children to or from any school, or privately owned and while being operated primarily for the transportation of children to or from any school.

(5)	Semitrailer means every vehicle of the trailer type so designed and used in conjunction with a motor vehicle that some part of its own weight and that of its own load rests upon or is carried by another vehicle.

(6)	Truck means any motor vehicle which is used for the transportation or delivery of goods with a body built for that purpose. (Ord. 2-95, 1995, §7; Ord. 1-98, 1998, §1)

Sec. 8-3-20.	Weight limit.

No person shall operate or drive a commercial vehicle, truck, bus or semitrailer within the corporate limits of the Town which has more than an eight-thousand-pound gross weight. (Ord. 1-98, 1998, §1)

Sec. 8-3-30.	Exceptions.

The terms and provisions of this Article shall not apply to any vehicle defined herein which is traveling within the Town to make a local delivery or within the Central Business District as defined herein, to a school bus as defined herein or to an authorized emergency vehicle. (Ord. 1-98, 1998, §1)

ARTICLE IV

Railroads and Railway Crossings

Sec. 8-4-10.	Blocking or obstructing streets.

It is unlawful for any person, railroad company or corporation, or any employee, to block or obstruct the free passage of any street or public highway within the Town, by means of any railroad car, signal devices or locomotive engine, or permit the same to remain in or upon any street or public highway, across or along which any railroad may be constructed or operated, exceeding five (5) minutes at any one (1) time. (Ord. 1-98, 1998, §1)

ARTICLE V

Drivers Licenses and Vehicle Registration

Sec. 8-5-10.	Licenses for drivers required.

(a)	Except as otherwise provided by Colorado law for commercial drivers, no person shall drive any vehicle upon a street or highway in the Town unless such person has been issued and has in his or her possession a currently valid driver's, minor driver's or provisional driver's license or instructional permit.

(b)	No person shall drive any motor vehicle upon a street or highway in the Town if such person's driver's, minor driver's or provisional driver's license has been expired for one (1) year or less or such license has been suspended, revoked or is otherwise under restraint, and such person has not been issued another such license by the State or by another state or country subsequent to such expiration.

(c)	No person shall drive any motor vehicle upon a street or highway in the Town unless such person has been issued a currently valid driver's, provisional driver's, minor driver's license or instruction permit and has such license or permit in his or her immediate possession at the time of such driving.

(1)	A charge of a violation of this Section shall be dismissed by the court if the defendant elects not to pay the fine and at or before the defendant's scheduled court appearance, the defendant exhibits to the court a currently valid driver's license, provisional driver's license or minor driver's license which was valid on the date of the alleged offense.

(d)	No person who has been issued a currently valid driver's, minor driver's or provisional driver's license or an instruction permit shall drive a type or general class of motor vehicle upon a street or highway in the Town for which such person has not been issued a correct type or general class of license or permit.

(e)	The conduct of a driver of a motor vehicle which would otherwise constitute a violation of this Section is justifiable and not unlawful when:

(1)	It is necessary as an emergency measure to avoid an imminent public or private injury which is about to occur by reason of a situation occasioned or developed through no conduct of said driver and which is of sufficient gravity that, according to ordinary standards of intelligence and morality, the desirability and urgency of avoiding the injury clearly outweigh the desirability of avoiding the injury sought to be prevented by this Section; or,

(2)	The issue of justification or exemption is an affirmative defense. As used in this Section, affirmative defense means that unless the Town's evidence raises the issue involving the particular defense, the defendant, to raise the issue, shall present some credible evidence on that issue. If the issue involved in an affirmative defense is raised, then the liability of the defendant must be established beyond a reasonable doubt as to that issue as well as all other elements of the traffic infraction.

(f)	Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a second or subsequent conviction under Subsections (a) or (d) above, when a person receiving such conviction has not subsequently obtained a valid Colorado driver's license or the correct type or general class of license, shall result in the assessment by the State of six (6) points against the driving privilege of the person receiving such second or subsequent conviction. (Ord. 1-02, 2002)

Sec. 8-5-20.	Persons exempt from license.

The following persons need not obtain a Colorado driver's license:

(1)	Any person who operates a federally owned military motor vehicle while serving in the armed forces of the United States.

(2)	Any person who temporarily drives or operates any road machine, farm tractor or other implement of husbandry on a street or highway.

(3)	Any nonresident who is at least sixteen (16) years of age and who has in his or her immediate possession a valid driver's license issued to such nonresident by his or her state or country of residence. A nonresident who is at least sixteen (16) years of age and whose state or country of residence does not require the licensing of drivers may operate a motor vehicle as a driver for not more than ninety (90) days in any calendar year, if said nonresident is the owner of the vehicle driven and if the motor vehicle so operated is duly registered in such nonresident's state or country of residence and such nonresident has in his or her immediate possession a registration card evidencing such ownership and registration in his or her own state or country.

(4)	A nonresident on active duty in the armed forces of the United States if that person has in his or her possession a valid driver's license issued by such nonresident's state of domicile or, if returning from duty outside the United States, has a valid driver's license in his or her possession issued by the armed forces of the United States in foreign countries, but such armed forces license shall be valid only for a period of forty-five (45) days after the licensee has returned to the United States.

(5)	The spouse of a member of the armed forces of the United States who is accompanying such member on military or naval assignment to this State, who has a valid driver's license issued by another state, and whose right to drive has not been suspended or revoked in this State.

(6)	Any nonresident who is temporarily residing in Colorado for the principal purpose of furthering such nonresident's education, is at least sixteen (16) years of age, has a valid driver's license from his or her state of residence, and is considered a nonresident for tuition purposes by the educational institution at which such nonresident is furthering his or her education.

(7)	Any person who has in his or her possession a valid driver's license issued by such person's previous state of residence shall be exempt, for thirty (30) days after becoming a resident of the State, from obtaining a license. (Ord. 1-02, 2002)

Sec. 8-5-30.	Instruction permits and temporary licenses.

Any minor, or any person who, except for such person's lack of instruction in operating a motor vehicle, a motorcycle or a motor-driven cycle, who has obtained a Colorado temporary instruction permit shall be accompanied by a licensed driver, twenty-one (21) years of age or over, who is actually occupying the seat beside the driver, or, in the case of a motorcycle or a motor-driven cycle, under the immediate supervision of a licensed driver, twenty-one (21) years of age or over, authorized pursuant to Colorado statutes to drive a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle. (Ord. 1-02, 2002)

Sec. 8-5-40.	Permitting unauthorized person to drive.

No person shall authorize or knowingly permit a motor vehicle owned by such person or under such person's hire or control to be driven upon any street or highway by any person who has not been issued a currently valid driver's, minor driver's or provisional driver's license or an instruction permit or shall cause or knowingly permit such person to drive a motor vehicle upon any street or highway in violation of the conditions, limitations or restrictions contained in a license or permit which has been issued to such other person. (Ord. 1-02, 2002)

Sec. 8-5-50.	Registration required.

(a)	Every vehicle registration issued by the State shall expire on the last day of the month at the end of each twelve-month registration period and shall be renewed, upon application by the owner and payment of the fees required by law, no later than thirty (30) days after the date of expiration.

(b)	No person shall lend to or knowingly permit the use by one not entitled thereto any certificate of title, registration card or registration number plate issued to the person so lending or permitting the use thereof.

(c)	No person shall drive a motor vehicle upon the streets and highways within the Town without a valid certificate of title, registration card or registration number plate in the driver's immediate possession.

(d)	No person shall operate upon the public streets or highways any vehicle which is not manufactured for the purpose of operating on public streets and highways and is not lawfully registered and licensed for operation on the public streets and highways by the State. (Ord. 1-02, 2002)

Sec. 8-5-60.	Definitions.

Streets or highways, as used in this Article, shall also include any street, highway, alley, public right-of-way or public parking lot within the Town. (Ord. 1-02, 2002)

Sec. 8-5-70.	Penalties.

Penalty for violation shall be as set forth in Article IV of Chapter 1 of this Code. (Ord. 1-02, 2002)