TITLE 7 - TRAFFIC AND PARKING

Any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of an infraction.

(Ord. No. 23-2032, § 3, 8-22-2023)

No person shall drive a vehicle, except emergency vehicles, at a greater speed than designated as follows.

A.

Alleys. In any alley, fifteen (15) miles per hour.

B.

City streets. On all other streets in Meridian, twenty-five (25) miles per hour, or as otherwise posted.

(Ord. No. 23-2032, § 5, 8-22-2023)

A.

Restrictions.

1.

No U-turn or turn reversing the direction of travel shall be made.

a.

Within a "school zone" as defined by this Code; or

b.

At any place other than at an intersection, unless there be sufficient space to make such turn without backing or impeding traffic, and of not less than five hundred (500) feet of roadway with a clear and unobstructed view by drivers from either direction, a proper signal is made, and said turn can be performed safely.

c.

In a manner which impedes traffic.

2.

For the purposes of this section, "safely" shall mean that the party making the U-turn or turn reversing the direction of travel shall be responsible to establish that this maneuver can be made with due care to drivers and pedestrians at, adjacent to, or upon the roadway and with due care in regards to the current conditions of the roadway and driving conditions.

(Ord. No. 23-2032, §§ 4, 7, 8-22-2023)

A.

Persons riding e-scooters, as such term is defined in Title 8, Chapter 3 of this Code, shall comply in all respects with the following provisions:

1.

On streets which have a speed limit of greater than forty-five (45) miles per hour or more, persons riding e-scooters shall ride only on the adjacent sidewalk, and shall not ride on the street.

2.

On streets which have a speed limit between twenty-five (25) miles per hour and forty-five (45) miles per hour, persons riding e-scooters shall ride in bike lanes where available, or, where bike lanes are not available, riders shall ride on the adjacent sidewalk.

3.

On streets which have a speed limit of twenty-five (25) miles per hour or less, persons riding e-scooters shall ride on the street, in bike lanes when available.

4.

Persons riding e-scooters shall yield to pedestrians at all times.

5.

Persons riding e-scooters on a sidewalk must maintain a distance of two (2) feet from all pedestrians.

6.

Persons riding e-scooters may not carry any passengers.

(Ord. No. 23-2032, §§ 4, 8, 8-22-2023)

A.

It shall be unlawful for the operator of any motor vehicle to drive upon or use any public or private real property as a throughway to bypass an intersection controlled by a stop sign or traffic control signal.

B.

It shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of subsection (A) of this section for an operator of a motor vehicle to enter public or private real property from a highway or street and immediately thereafter exit the same property without stopping or slowing before reentering an adjoining highway or street.

C.

It is not a violation of this section to use any public or private street as allowed by law.

(Ord. No. 23-2032, §§ 4, 10, 8-22-2023)

It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle where the operator has less than full control of the speed and direction of movement of the vehicle.

(Ord. No. 23-2032, § 11, 8-22-2023)

A.

The term "air compression brakes" shall include devices that alter the operation of an engine's exhaust to slow a vehicle or truck.

B.

The use of air compression brakes by vehicles or trucks, as defined in I.C. tit. 49, ch. 1, within the city is hereby prohibited and shall be unlawful, except where the use of air compression brakes is necessary to prevent an accident or injury to persons or property.

C.

The following vehicles and trucks are exempted from the prohibitions of this section.

1.

Vehicles and trucks operated by a fire department; and

2.

Vehicles used for public transit purposes.

(Ord. No. 23-2032, §§ 6, 12, 8-22-2023)

As used in this Title, terms used shall be defined as set forth in I.C. tit. 49, ch. 1, or Title 11, Meridian City Code. Where such codes define the same term differently, for purposes of this title, the definition set forth in Idaho Code shall prevail.

(Ord. 09-1397, 2-10-2009, eff. 4-1-2009; Ord. No. 23-2032, § 13, 8-22-2023)

Except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic, or in compliance with law or the directions of a police officer or official traffic control device, no person shall:

A.

Stop, stand or park any vehicle or portion thereof:

1.

On the traffic side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a street.

2.

On or obstructing any portion of a sidewalk or parkway, including the area between the sidewalk's or parkway's finished ground level to a vertical clearance of seven (7) feet above such sidewalk or parkway.

3.

Within an intersection, or any portion thereof.

4.

On a crosswalk, or any portion thereof.

5.

On a designated bicycle lane or on any portion thereof.

6.

Within twenty (20) feet of a designated bicycle lane approach.

7.

Between a safety zone and the adjacent curb or within thirty (30) feet of points on the curb immediately opposite the ends of a safety zone, unless a different length is indicated by signs or markings.

8.

Alongside or opposite any street excavation or obstruction when stopping, standing or parking would obstruct traffic.

9.

On or on any portion of any railroad track or rail.

10.

At any place where official traffic control devices posted at the direction or under the authority of the city or Ada County Highway District prohibit or limit such stopping, standing or parking. It shall be prohibited for any person to remain stopped, standing or parked past the time limit prescribed on each traffic control device.

11.

In a traffic lane or any portion thereof, unless otherwise directed by a peace officer, traffic-control device, or duly authorized personnel.

B.

Stand or park a vehicle, except momentarily to pick up or discharge a passenger or passengers:

1.

In front of a public or private driveway, or any portion thereof.

2.

Within fifteen (15) feet of a fire hydrant.

3.

Within twenty (20) feet of a crosswalk or a bike/pedestrian curb ramp, except at an intersection where a traffic control signal is in operation.

4.

Within thirty (30) feet upon the approach to any flashing signal, stop sign, yield sign or traffic control signal located at the side of a roadway.

5.

Within twenty (20) feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station and on the side of a street opposite the entrance to any fire station within seventy-five (75) feet of said entrance when properly signposted.

6.

At any place where official traffic control devices posted at the direction or under the authority of the City or Ada County Highway District prohibit such stopping.

7.

In any portion of more than one (1) designated parking space.

8.

Within ten (10) feet of a mailbox, during the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., on any day that is not a federal holiday.

C.

Park a vehicle, whether occupied or not, except temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading merchandise or passengers within fifty (50) feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing.

D.

Park a vehicle in such a manner or under such conditions as to leave available less than twelve (12) feet of roadway for the free movement of vehicular traffic.

E.

Leave a motorized vehicle unattended without stopping the motor of the vehicle and effectively setting the brakes of the vehicle.

F.

Park or leave unattended an e-bike or e-scooter, as such terms are defined in Title 8, Chapter 3 of this Code:

1.

In any vehicular travel lane or bike lane, or any portion thereof;

2.

In a manner or location that reduces the width of the useable area of a public sidewalk or pathway to less than five (5) feet;

3.

On a block without sidewalks;

4.

In a manner or location that impedes ADA accommodations, including, but not limited to, curb ramps, railings, or signal buttons;

5.

In a manner or location that impedes a fire hydrant or other public safety infrastructure;

6.

In any on-street parking space, or any portion thereof;

7.

On private property without a written agreement with the owner of the property; or

8.

On or in a driveway, or any portion thereof.

(Ord. 09-1397, 2-10-2009, eff. 4-1-2009; Ord. 19-1818, 3-19-2019; Ord. 19-1862, 12-3-2019; Ord. No.21-1916, § 1, 3-23-2021; Ord. No. 23-2032, § 14, 8-22-2023)

A.

Parallel parking.

1.

Two-way streets. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, every vehicle stopped or parked upon a two-way street shall be stopped or parked with the right-hand wheels parallel to and within eighteen (18) inches of the right-hand curb or as close as practicable to the right edge of the right-hand shoulder.

2.

One-way streets. Except when otherwise provided, every vehicle stopped or parked upon a one-way street shall be stopped or parked parallel to the curb or edge of the street, in the direction of authorized traffic movement, with its right-hand wheels within eighteen (18) inches of the right hand curb or as close as practicable to the right edge of the right hand shoulder, or with its left hand wheels within eighteen (18) inches of the left-hand curb or as close as practicable to the left edge of the left-hand shoulder.

B.

Angle parking. The Police Department may permit angle parking on any street, except that angle parking shall not be permitted on any federal aid or state highway unless the State Transportation Department has determined that the roadway is of sufficient width to permit angle parking without interference with the free movement of traffic. If angle parking is permitted, the vehicle shall not be backed into the parking space with the front of the vehicle facing the roadway.

(Ord. 09-1397, 2-10-2009, eff. 4-1-2009)

No person shall park any motor home, recreational vehicle, trailer, or vehicle within an alley, except while actively engaged in the expeditious loading and unloading of passengers, supplies and merchandise. In no case shall such loading and unloading exceed thirty (30) minutes.

(Ord. 09-1397, 2-10-2009, eff. 4-1-2009)

A.

Parking on public streets. No person shall park or place, or cause to be parked or placed, upon any public street, regardless of whether attended or unattended:

1.

For longer than seventy-two (72) hours:

a.

Any vehicle having a GVWR of less than twelve thousand (12,000) pounds.

b.

Any motor home or recreational vehicle. Neither this nor any provision of this chapter shall be construed to authorize any person to sleep in or allow another to sleep in any motor home or recreational vehicle.

c.

Any utility trailer, whether or not attached to another vehicle. Except that: A utility trailer may be parked on a public street for a purpose incident to an ongoing, lawful construction project, where such construction project is conducted under a valid City of Meridian building permit and such trailer is parked within one hundred (100) feet of such construction project.

2.

Reserved.

3.

For any length of time, except as otherwise allowed in this section.

a.

Any vehicle, either motorized or nonmotorized, having a GVWR greater than twelve thousand (12,000) pounds. Except that:

(1)

Where such vehicle is a motor home or recreational vehicle, the provisions of subsection (A)(1)(b) of this section shall apply.

(2)

Such vehicle may be parked on a public street for a purpose incident to an ongoing, lawful construction project, where such construction project is conducted under a valid City of Meridian building permit and such vehicle is parked within one hundred (100) feet of such construction project.

(3)

Such vehicle may be parked on a public street for the purpose of loading or unloading materials or merchandise, when such materials or merchandise are actively being loaded or unloaded, and where such vehicle is parked within one hundred (100) feet of the loading or unloading point.

b.

Any pole trailer or semitrailer, whether or not attached to another vehicle. Except that:

(1)

A pole trailer or semitrailer may be parked on a public street for a purpose incident to an ongoing, lawful construction project, where such construction project is conducted under a valid City of Meridian building permit and such trailer is parked within one hundred (100) feet of such construction project.

(2)

A semitrailer may be parked on a public street for the purpose of loading or unloading materials or merchandise, for up to seventy-two (72) hours, when such materials or merchandise are actively being loaded or unloaded, and where such vehicle is parked within one hundred (100) feet of the loading or unloading point.

c.

Any vehicle designed or used primarily as farm or construction equipment. Except that: Such vehicle may be parked on a public street for a purpose incident to an ongoing, lawful construction project, where such construction project is conducted under a valid City of Meridian building permit and such vehicle is parked within one hundred (100) feet of such construction project.

d.

Any vehicle without license plates.

e.

Any vehicle without current registration.

f.

Any vehicle displaying license plates that are fictitious or assigned to any other vehicle.

B.

Exceptions. The provisions of this section shall not apply when a vehicle or trailer is parked:

1.

For the purpose of maintenance or response to emergency by a public utility, public entity, public agency, or the duly authorized agent thereof, where such vehicle is visibly marked and identified as such.

2.

As specifically allowed by a valid permit duly issued by the City of Meridian or the Ada County Highway District.

3.

For purposes of law enforcement activities by a public agency.

(Ord. 09-1397, 2-10-2009, eff. 4-1-2009; Ord. 14-1609, 5-21-2014; Ord. 15-1643, 5-5-2015; Ord. 19-1862, 12-3-2019; Ord. No. 23-2032, § 15, 8-22-2023)

A.

Parking on public property.

1.

No person shall park or place, or cause to be parked or placed, upon any public property, regardless of whether attended or unattended, for longer than two (2) hours:

a.

Any vehicle, either motorized or nonmotorized, having a GVWR of or greater than twelve thousand (12,000) pounds.

b.

Any motor home or recreational vehicle. Neither this nor any provision of this chapter shall be construed to authorize any person to sleep in or allow another to sleep in any motor home or recreational vehicle.

c.

Any trailer, whether or not attached to a vehicle.

d.

Any vehicle designed or used primarily as farm or construction equipment.

2.

At the expiration of the two-hour time limit set forth in this section, a new time limit may begin only upon removal of the vehicle, motor home, recreational vehicle, or trailer from the block, or five hundred (500) feet from the location in which it was previously parked, whichever is farther, for a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours.

3.

Exceptions: The provisions of this section shall not apply to a motor home, recreational vehicle, trailer, or vehicle that is parked:

a.

Where expressly and specifically allowed by the public entity owning such property by ordinance, resolution, written policy, or valid, duly issued permit.

b.

For the purpose of maintenance or response to emergency by a public utility, public entity, public agency, or the duly authorized agent thereof, where such vehicle is visibly marked and identified as such.

B.

Parking in City parks and pathway facilities.

1.

No person shall park any vehicle or trailer in a City park or pathway facility:

a.

Anywhere other than an established or designated parking area.

b.

In violation of posted directions, state or local law, the instructions of any police officer or duly authorized representative of the Parks and Recreation Department Director, or administrative policy.

c.

When the park is closed, except as specifically authorized by order of the Parks and Recreation Department Director.

d.

On any sidewalk or pathway except:

2.

Exceptions: The provisions of this section shall not apply to:

a.

Vehicles operated by law enforcement personnel;

b.

Emergency vehicles operated for purposes of transporting humans in need of emergency services;

c.

Vehicles operated by the Parks and Recreation Department; or

d.

As specifically allowed by written permit or other permission of the Parks and Recreation Department Director.

(Ord. 09-1397, 2-10-2009, eff. 4-1-2009; Ord. No. 23-2032, § 16, 8-22-2023)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, no person shall park any vehicle on any city property where a City parking permit is required unless a valid City parking permit duly issued for such vehicle is displayed on the top or bottom corner of the front windshield, on the passenger side of such vehicle, and is visible from the outside of such vehicle. The following exceptions to this section shall apply:

1.

City employees may park motorcycles in the marked motorcycle parking area in the southwest corner of the parking lot on the south side of Meridian City Hall, without displaying a City parking permit. City employees parking motorcycles on other City property where a City parking permit is required may comply with this section by displaying a valid City parking permit on such motorcycle in a clearly visible location.

2.

A vehicle displaying a valid temporary City parking permit, issued by the Human Resources Department, displayed on the dashboard of such vehicle, and visible from the outside of such vehicle, may park in the parking lot on the east side of Meridian City Hall.

3.

City-owned vehicles may be parked on City property without displaying a City parking permit.

(Ord. 09-1397, 2-10-2009, eff. 4-1-2009; Ord. No. 23-2032, § 17, 8-22-2023)

Except in compliance with law or the direction of a police officer or firefighter, no person shall park a vehicle in any fire apparatus access road in violation of International Fire Code, 2015 edition, section 503.4, or like provision subsequently adopted, where such fire apparatus access road is marked in accordance with International Fire Code, 2015 edition, sections 503.3 and D103.6, or like provisions subsequently adopted. The Fire Code official, and/or his designee, including Police Officers, Code Enforcement Officers, and Community Service Officers of the Meridian Police Department, shall be authorized to enter upon private property open to public use to investigate and enforce violations of this section.

(Ord. 19-1824, 5-7-2019)

A.

Parking a vehicle or the standing of a vehicle in a space reserved for a person with a disability, which space is signed in conformance with the requirements specified in Idaho Code § 49-213(1)(c), is prohibited, unless a vehicle is momentarily in the space for the purpose of allowing a person with a disability to enter or leave the vehicle, or unless special license plates or placard or temporary placard for a person with a disability is displayed on the vehicle. It is prohibited for any person to park a motor vehicle in a properly marked access aisle in a manner which prevents or reasonably could restrict a person with a disability from entering or exiting their vehicle or in such manner as it would block access to a curb cut or ramp. In addition to other penalties set forth in this chapter, vehicles parked in violation of this section may be towed.

B.

Police, code enforcement, and community service officers of the Meridian Police Department shall be authorized to enter upon private property open to public use to enforce the provisions of this section.

(Ord. 14-1609, 5-21-2014; Ord. 19-1811, 2-26-2019)

A.

Enforcement of parking regulations. Except as otherwise designated herein, Police Officers, Code Enforcement Officers, and Community Service Officers of the Meridian Police Department, upon observing a vehicle parked, standing or stopped in violation of any provision of this chapter, may leave upon such vehicle a separate ticket for each violation or posted time limit as frequently as every two (2) hours that such vehicle is parked or placed in violation of the provisions of this chapter.

B.

Contents of ticket. Each parking ticket shall bear the date and hour of leaving the same at or upon the vehicle, make and license number of such vehicle, the specific code section violated, the amount of the fine, and the address to which payment of such fine shall be mailed or delivered.

C.

Filing of tickets. One (1) copy of each ticket issued shall be filed with the Police Department.

D.

Responsibility for violation. If any vehicle is found stopped, standing or parked in any manner violative of the provisions of this chapter, the owner or person in whose name said vehicle is registered or the named lessee in a rental or lease agreement of said vehicle shall be held prima facie responsible for said violation.

E.

Administrative procedure; payment of parking fines. Each person receiving a parking ticket under this chapter left upon his or her vehicle shall:

1.

Fine schedule. Within seven (7) days of the time of such ticket, pay to the Police Department in full satisfaction of such violation, the amount indicated in the following fine schedule for each notice left upon his or her vehicle.

a.

Fifteen dollars ($15.00) for each violation of section 7-2-2, "prohibited parking", or 7-2-3, "parallel or angle parking", or 7-2-7, "parking on city property where parking permit required", of this chapter.

b.

Thirty-five dollars ($35.00) for each violation of section 7-2-4, "parking in alleys", or 7-2-5, "parking on public streets other than alleys", of this chapter.

c.

Fifty dollars ($50.00) for each violation of section 7-2-6, "parking on public property other than streets or alleys", or 7-2-8, "parking in fire lane", of this chapter.

d.

One hundred dollars ($100.00), or the fine amount set by law, for each violation of section 7-2-9, "parking in space designated for persons with disability", of this chapter.

2.

Additional penalty for late payment. Where a parking ticket issued pursuant to this chapter has not been paid within the seven (7) days above prescribed, the ticketed party shall incur an additional penalty of ten dollars ($10.00). Further, the failure of any ticketed person to pay such fine within the seven (7) days above prescribed shall render the ticketed party subject to the process set forth in this section for nonpayment of parking fine.

F.

Contested ticket; nonpayment of parking fine. In the event a ticketed party contests such parking ticket, and/or in the event of nonpayment of a fine in accordance with administrative procedure set out hereinabove, an infraction citation or complaint for a parking violation or a failure to pay a parking penalty may be filed in the Magistrate Division of the District Court.

(Ord. 14-1609, 5-21-2014; Ord. 19-1811, 2-26-2019)