§ 19-5. Police department powers and duties relative to traffic.

(a)

It shall be the duty of the police department to enforce the traffic regulations of the city and all of the state vehicle laws applicable to street traffic in the city, to make arrests for traffic violations, to investigate accidents, to cooperate with other city departments in the administration of the traffic laws and in developing ways and means to improve traffic conditions, and to carry out those duties specially imposed upon the department by this section and other traffic ordinances of the city.

(b)

The police department shall keep a record of all citations for offenses in violation of this chapter, other traffic ordinances of the city, and of the state motor vehicle laws of which any person has been charged, together with a record of the final disposition of any such offenses.

(c)

Officers of the police department who are assigned by the chief of police to such duty are hereby authorized to direct traffic by voice, hand, or signal, in accordance with the traffic laws; provided, however, that in the event of a fire or other emergency, to expedite traffic or safeguard pedestrians, officers of the police or fire departments may direct traffic as conditions require notwithstanding the provisions of the traffic laws.

(d)

A person commits an offense if he intentionally fails or refuses to comply with the lawful order or direction of a police officer or fire department officer engaged in traffic control duties as provided herein.

(e)

Officers of the police department of the city are authorized to issue citations for any traffic or parking violations within the city as provided by law or to arrest and place in custody any operator of a motor vehicle for violation of this chapter or any traffic law of the state, except where the issuance of a citation is mandatory, and such officers are further authorized to impound vehicles found in violation of parking or fire lane regulations or under circumstances where the removal and impoundment of such vehicles is authorized by state law.

(Ord. No. 147, § 4, 3-23-1981; Code 1983, § 19-5)

Cross reference

Abandoned vehicles, § 10-30.