Statewide Traffic Ordinances Act
Introduction
This legislation serves to update and standardize the traffic ordinances across various types of roads within the state of San Andreas. The goal is to enhance traffic flow, improve road safety, and ensure consistency in traffic regulations.
Constitutional Justification
Right to Health and Protection of Others. The Constitution naturally provides that the government should ensure the well-being of its citizens. By reducing traffic congestion and conserving resources, the initiative supports public welfare and environmental sustainability. The initiative aligns with the constitutional mandate to promote the general welfare by:
- Enhancing public safety through improved traffic flow and reduced congestion.
- Contributing to environmental conservation by minimizing vehicle emissions.
- Respecting the rights of citizens to efficient and effective public infrastructure.
Definitions
- Stop Sign: A stop sign is a traffic control device used to instruct drivers to come to a complete stop at an intersection or other designated point on the road. A Stop Sign also functions to yield the driver after a complete stop in waiting for any oncoming cross travel traffic to pass safely before proceeding.
- Yield Sign: A yield sign is a traffic control device that instructs drivers to slow down and prepare to stop if necessary to yield the right of way to other vehicles and pedestrians. It helps regulate traffic flow and prevent accidents at intersections and other points where vehicles might cross paths.
- Red Traffic Signal: A red traffic signal is a traffic control device used at intersections and other points on the road to manage vehicle and pedestrian movement. The red light in a traffic signal indicates that vehicles must come to a complete stop before entering the intersection or crossing the stop line.
Article I: Speed Limits
Section 1: Los Santos City Speed Limit
- The maximum speed limit within city limits is set to 55 mph.
Section 2: Blaine County Road Speed Limit
- Grapeseed: All roads within Grapeseed shall be limited to a speed limit of 55 mph, including Union Road and Seaview Road on the outskirts.
- Sandy Shores: All roads within Sandy Shores shall be limited to 55 mph, including Marina Drive. Joshua Road shall remain 75 mph.
- Paleto Bay: All roads within Paleto Bay shall be limited to 55 mph, excluding Great Ocean Highway, which shall remain 90 mph.
- Townships and roads not specified will default to a speed limit of 75 mph within Blaine County.
Section 3: Highways & Freeways Speed Limit
- The maximum speed limit on highways and freeways is set to 90 mph.
Section 4: Enforcement
- Failure to abide by these limits will incur penalties equivalent to the degree of speeding via the amount of speed over the limit.
Article II: Stop n' Go
- All red traffic lights within the jurisdiction of San Andreas shall be functionally treated as stop signs. Vehicles must come to a complete stop at red traffic lights and may proceed only when it is safe to do so.
- The Stop n’ Go Ordinance will alleviate unnecessary traffic-related delays and conserve resources otherwise wasted through idling.
- Failure to stop at a red traffic light will incur penalties equivalent to those for failing to stop at a stop sign.
- This includes fines and potential points on the driver's license as per existing traffic violation regulations.
- Traffic enforcement authorities are mandated to apply the same rules and penalties for red light violations as are currently applied to stop sign violations.
- A vehicle’s intentional failure to do so will result in the same penalties as ignoring stop signs.
ARTICLE III: Taxi Parking Designation
Licensed taxi companies with an active Los Santos County business license and authorized drivers may temporarily designate curbside areas as taxi parking for business purposes.
- Designated taxi parking may not impede vehicular and pedestrian traffic, emergency access, crosswalks, or pedestrian zones, including sidewalks.
- Taxis may occupy such areas for no more than one (1) hour at a time.
- Law enforcement may revoke or override designations at any time for public safety or traffic concerns.
ARTICLE IV: Protection Against Unlawful Stops
Officer Obligations are mandatory requirements of all Law Enforcement Officers, both County and State, that must be followed.
- Legal Basis for Stops: LEOs must have a valid legal reason to initiate a stop.
- Identify and Explain: LEOs are required to identify themselves, including name, badge number, department, and state the legal reason for the stop.
- Documentation: LEOs must document the stop if a citation is given.
- Additionally, Law Enforcement Officers must provide the associated report number upon immediate request.
ARTICLE V: Driver and Passenger Obligations
Driver and Passenger Obligations are mandatory requirements of the driver and all occupants of a vehicle during a stop.
- Duty to Stop: When signalled by a law enforcement officer, drivers must pull over to a safe location within a reasonable time.
- A signal includes sirens, lights, or verbal command.
- Provide Identification: Vehicle operators are required to carry a valid driver's license when operating a motor vehicle and present it upon request from a Law Enforcement Officer once a reason for the stop is given.
Signatories:
- Justice Bailey Harvey
- Justice Peter Brackley
- Justice Mina Mercy
- Justice Tess Timony
- Justice James Anderson
