§ 42-1. Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Authorized emergency vehicles means vehicles of the fire department, police vehicles and such ambulances designated or authorized by the chief of police.

Block means a portion of any street located between two intersections next adjacent to each other.

Business district means the territory contiguous to a highway when 75 percent or more of frontage thereon for a distance of 300 feet or more is occupied by buildings in use for business.

Crosswalk means that portion of a roadway ordinarily included within the prolongation or connection of the lateral lines of sidewalks at intersections. Any portion of a roadway distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface.

Driver means every person who drives or is in actual physical control of a vehicle.

Electric personal assistive mobility device means a self-balancing non-tandem two-wheeled device, designed to transport one person, with a propulsion system that limits maximum speed of the device to 15 mph or less and which are exempt from registration pursuant to G.S. 20-51(14).

Intersection means the area embraced within the prolongation of the lateral curblines, or, if none, then the lateral boundary lines of two or more highways which join one another at an angle whether or not one such highway crosses the other.

Motor vehicle means every vehicle which is self-propelled and every vehicle which is propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not operated upon rails. This definition does not include mopeds as defined in G.S. 20-4.01(27)d1.

Multiuse pedestrian path means a concrete/asphalt path that is at least eight feet in width, situated within the right-of-way of a street or highway and adjacent to the paved portion thereof, that is constructed for the use of pedestrians, bicyclists, electric personal assistive mobility devices, and other nonmotorized vehicles.

Official traffic control devices means all signs, signals, markings and devices not inconsistent with this chapter placed or erected by authority of the governing body or official having jurisdiction for the purpose of regulating, warning or guiding traffic.

Official traffic signals means any device, whether manually, electrically or mechanically operated, by which traffic is alternately directed to stop and to proceed.

Park means the standing of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, otherwise than temporarily for the purpose of and while engaged in loading or unloading.

Pedestrian means any person afoot.

Police officer means every officer of the town police department or any officer authorized to direct or regulate traffic or to make arrests for violations of traffic regulations.

Private road or driveway means every road or driveway not open to the use of the public as a matter of right for purposes of vehicular travel.

Public conveyance means any vehicle other than a taxicab or railroad train for transporting for fare.

Residence district means the territory contiguous to a highway not comprising a business district, where 75 percent or more of the frontage on such highway for a distance of 300 feet or more is mainly occupied by dwellings and buildings in use for business.

Right-of-way means the privilege of the immediate use of the roadway.

Roadway means the portion of a street improved, designed or ordinarily used for vehicular travel, exclusive of the shoulder.

Safety zone means the area or space officially set apart within a roadway for the exclusive use of pedestrians and which is protected or is so marked or indicated by adequate signs as to be plainly visible at all times while set apart as a safety zone.

Sidewalk means that portion of a street between the curblines or the lateral lanes of a roadway and the adjacent property lines intended for the use of pedestrians.

Standing means any stopping of a vehicle, whether occupied or not.

Stop means, when required, complete cessation of movement.

Stop or stopping means, when prohibited, any stopping of a vehicle 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.

Street or highway means the entire width between property lines of every way or place of whatever nature when any part thereof is open to the use of the public, as a matter or right, for purpose of vehicular traffic.

Traffic means pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles, streetcars and other conveyances either singly or together while using any street for purposes of travel.

Vehicle means every device in, upon or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, except devices moved by human power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks; provided, that a bicycle or a ridden animal shall be deemed a vehicle. This term shall not include a device which is intended to be used for and designed as a means of transportation for a person with a mobility impairment or who uses the device for mobility enhancement, is suitable for use both inside and outside a building, including on sidewalks and is limited by design to 15 miles per hour when the device is being operated by a person with a mobility impairment or who uses the device for mobility enhancement.

Zones of quiet means an area in which vehicles and their occupants must travel in such a manner as to not disturb the tranquility of the inhabitants.

(Code 1990, § 11-1; Ord. No. 10-06-019, Pt. I, 6-16-2010; Ord. No. 10-11-037, Pt. I, 11-3-2010)

State law reference

Definitions of words and phrases applicable to motor vehicles and traffic, G.S. 20-4.01.

Cross reference

Definitions generally, § 1-2.