St. Louis Municipal Code
St. Louis Code > Vehicles and traffic > Division I: Traffic Code: Definitions
Generally.The following words and phrases when used in this division shall have the meanings set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. Ch. 820.)
Accident.
"Accident" means an occurrence involving the movement or cessation of movement of either a vehicle, a device moved by human power, or a device used exclusively on rails, which results in damage, injury or fatality. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.010.)
Alley, alleyway.
"Alley, alleyway" means every way set apart for public use within a block for local conveniences, except streets. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.020.)
Angle parking.
"Angle parking" means the standing of any vehicle whether occupied or not upon a roadway other than parallel to the curb where the longitudinal axis of vehicles form an angle with the alignment of the roadway. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.030.)
Arterial or collector street.
"Arterial or collector street" means every street or portion thereof on which vehicular traffic is given preferential right-of-way, and at the entrances to which vehicular traffic from intersecting streets is required by law to yield right-of-way to vehicles on such arterial or collector street in obedience to either a stop sign or a yield sign, when such signs are erected as provided in this ordinance. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.040.)
Barricade.
"Barricade" means a nonportable device constructed within the roadway for the purpose of prohibiting or redirecting the passage of vehicles. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.050.)
Barrier line.
"Barrier line" means an unbroken, double, yellow line upon the surface of the roadway, requiring that all traffic shall keep to the right of said line except when turning. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.060.)
Bicycle, tricycle.
"Bicycle, tricycle" means a manually propelled device.
Bicycle/pedestrian right-of-way.
"Bicycle/pedestrian right-of-way" means that portion of any street, roadway, sidewalk, public easement or other public place where its primary use has been designated for use by persons riding a bicycle or tricycle or by persons walking, running or skating. Nothing contained herein shall prohibit the use of any such designated place by a disabled person in a wheelchair or similar device. (Ord. 64952 § 3, 2000.)
Bus.
"Bus" means a motor vehicle designed, equipped, or regularly used to carry more than eight (8) passengers. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.090.)
Bus zone.
"Bus zone" means a space on or adjacent to the main traveled portion of the roadway specifically marked and designated for the loading or unloading of passengers from buses. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.080.)
Camper.
For the definition of "camper," see recreation motor vehicle. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.100.)
Central traffic district.
"Central traffic district" means the area bounded by the north curb line of Cole Street, the south curb line of Spruce Street, the east curb line of Third Street and Memorial Drive, and the west curb line of Twelfth Street. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.110.)
Center line.
"Center line" means a broken single or double yellow line upon the surface of a roadway dividing traffic moving in opposite directions. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.120.)
Chauffeur.
"Chauffeur" means an individual licensed by a state as a chauffeur. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.130.)
Commercial vehicle.
"Commercial vehicle" means a vehicle which is licensed or designed or regularly used for the transportation of freight, merchandise or property. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.140.)
Controlled or limited access highway.
"Controlled or limited access highway" means any street which provides access connections only with public streets and which has no crossings at grade, and all connecting ramps thereto. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.150.)
Crosswalk.
"Crosswalk" means that portion of the roadway whether marked or unmarked, ordinarily included within the prolongation of curb and property lines at intersections, or any other portion of a roadway marked for pedestrian crossings. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.160.)
Curb.
"Curb" means the lateral boundaries of a roadway marked by the raised edging. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.170.)
Curb loading zone.
"Curb loading zone" means a space adjacent to a curb, reserved for the exclusive use of vehicles during the loading or unloading of freight. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.180.)
Curb or street market.
"Curb or street market" means a space on or adjacent to the street set aside and designated by the board of public service as a place from which anyone possessing a permit may sell produce and other goods. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.190.)
Driver.
"Driver" means every person who drives or is in actual physical control of a vehicle. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.200.)
Driveway.
For the definition of "driveway," see private road.
Emergency vehicles.
An "emergency vehicle" is a vehicle of any of the following types:
Equestrian.
"Equestrian" means a rider of a horse or other animal.
Fire lane.
"Fire lane" means any place designated by the words "fire lane." (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.240.)
Highway.
For the definition of "highway," see street.
Homemade trailer.
"Homemade trailer" means a trailer designed, constructed or modified by an individual who is not a manufacturer using readily distinguishable manufacturers’ identifying numbers or a statement of origin. (Ord. 64705 § 1, 1999.)
Intersection.
"Intersection" means the area within the prolongation of the lateral curb lines (or if none, then the lateral boundary lines) of two or more streets which join one another at an angle whether or not one such street crosses the other. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.250.)
Lane line.
"Lane line" means any line upon the surface of a roadway separating two traffic lanes moving in the same direction. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.260.)
Lateral boundary.
"Lateral boundary" means edge of a roadway whether marked or not. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.270.)
Motor Vehicle.
"Motor vehicle" means every vehicle which is self-propelled, except those which move upon a track(s) and motorized bicycles. (Ord. 58448 § 1 (part), 1981: Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.280.)
Motorcycle.
"Motorcycle" means every motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three (3) wheels in contact with the ground but excluding a tractor. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.290.)
Motorized bicycle.
"Motorized bicycle" means any two-wheeled or three-wheeled device having fully operative pedals capable of propulsion by human power, an automatic transmission and a motor with a cylinder capacity of not more than fifty cubic centimeters, which produces less than two gross brake horsepower, and is capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more than thirty miles per hour on level ground. (Ord. 58448 § 2 (part), 1981: Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.295.)
Night time.
"Night time" means the period from the time the street lights are turned on until they are turned off, or in any event, from thirty (30) minutes after sunset until thirty (30) minutes before sunrise. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.300.)
Official time standard.
"Official time standard" means whenever certain hours are named herein they shall mean standard time or daylight saving time as may be in current use by this city. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.310.)
Official traffic control devices.
"Official traffic control devices" means all signs, signals, marking and devices placed or erected by authority of the traffic and transportation administration or the board of aldermen for the purpose of regulating, warning, or guiding traffic. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.3 20.)
One-way street.
"One-way street" means a street where vehicles are by signs, permitted to move in one designated direction only. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.330.)
Owner.
"Owner" means a person, other than a lienholder, having a property interest in or legal title to a vehicle. The term includes a person entitled to the use and possession of a vehicle subject to a security interest in another person, but excludes a lessee under a lease not intended as security. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.340.)
Park, parking.
"Park, parking" means the standing of a vehicle upon a roadway, (other than temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading freight or passengers). (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.350.)
Parking lot.
"Parking lot" means any building or parcel of land regularly used, in whole or in part, for the storing or parking of more than five (5) motor vehicles and which is open to the general public, including, but not limited to, "drive-in" facilities, commercial "free" courtesy lots and lots for which a fee is charged. The term "parking lot" shall not include lots owned by a person, firm or corporation operated for the exclusive use of such person, firm or corporation or employee thereof. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.351.)
Pedestrian.
"Pedestrian" means any person afoot.
Person.
"Person" means every natural person, firm, copartnership, association or corporation. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.370.)
Police officer.
"Police officer" means every officer with the power of arrest within the city. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.380.)
Private road or driveway.
"Private road or driveway" means every road or driveway not open to the use of the public for the purpose of vehicular traffic. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.390.)
Public holidays.
"Public holidays," where referred to in this division, shall be New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.400.)
Railroad.
"Railroad" means a carrier of persons or property upon cars operating upon rails. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.410.)
Recreation motor vehicle.
"Recreation motor vehicle" means any motor vehicle designed, constructed or substantially modified so that it may be used and is used for the purpose of temporary housing quarters, including therein sleeping and eating facilities which are either permanently attached to the motor vehicle or attached to a unit which is securely attached to the motor vehicle, and so licensed. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.420.)
Residential area.
"Residential area" means any area so designated by zoning ordinance of the city. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.430.)
Right-of-way.
"Right-of-way" means the right of one vehicle or pedestrian to proceed in a lawful manner in preference to another vehicle or pedestrian approaching under such circumstances of direction, speed and proximity as to give rise to danger of collision unless one grants precedence to the other. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.440.)
Roadway.
"Roadway" means that portion of the street or alley between the regularly established curbs or that portion ordinarily used for vehicular travel, the shoulder is not part of roadway. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.450.)
Sidewalk.
"Sidewalk" means that portion of a street between the curb line (or the lateral boundary of a roadway) and the adjacent property line intended for use of pedestrians. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.460.)
Stand or standing.
"Stand" or "standing" means the halting of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, otherwise than temporarily in obedience to traffic regulations or traffic signs or signals, or when discharging a passenger or picking up a waiting passenger. (Ord. 58702 § 1 (part), 1982.)
Stop.
"Stop" means the complete cessation from movement.
Stop or stopping.
"Stop" or "stopping" when prohibited means any halting even momentarily of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the direction of a police officer or traffic control sign or signal. (Ord. 58702 § 1 (part), 1982.)
Street.
"Street" means the entire width between the adjacent property lines of every way other than in an alley, when any part thereof is open to the use of the public for the purpose of vehicular travel, also known as "highway." (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.480.)
Taxicab.
"Taxicab" means any motor vehicle engaged in the business of carrying persons for hire on the streets of the city, whether the same is operated from a street stand or from a garage, where no regular or specific route is traveled, but passengers are taken to and from places as they may designate, whether the charge therefor is made upon the basis of distance traveled, as indicated by a taximeter speedometer attached thereto, or by any other method of determining distance, such as by a zoning system or otherwise, or the time consumed in traveling, as indicated by a time card furnished the passenger by the operator, or on any other basis whatever. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.490.)
Traffic.
"Traffic" means pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, bicycles, vehicles and other conveyances, either singularly or together, while using any street or alley for purpose of movement. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.500.)
Traffic-control signal.
"Traffic-control signal" means any device, whether manually, electrically or mechanically operated, by which traffic is directed. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.510.)
Trailer.
"Trailer" means any vehicle without motive power designed for carrying property or passengers on its own structure and for being drawn by self-propelled vehicle, except those running exclusively on rails. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.520.)
Truck.
"Truck" means every motor vehicle designed, used or maintained primarily for the transportation of property and so licensed. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.530.)
Truck-tractor or tractor.
"Truck-tractor or tractor" means a self-propelled motor vehicle designed for drawing other vehicles, but not for the carrying of any load when operating independently. (Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.531.)
Vehicle.
"Vehicle" means every device, in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a roadway, excepting motorized bicycles and devices moved by human power or used exclusively upon rails. (Ord. 58448 § 1 (part), 1981: Ord. 57831 § 1 (part), 1979: 1960 C. § 820.540.)