§ 36-3. Restrictions on trucks.

(a)

Policy and intent. This section limits the operation of heavy trucks within the city.

(1)

Operation and parking of heavy trucks on city streets creates an exceptional strain on the roadways, leading to early failure and repair, and the city intends to prevent such damage and accompanying expenses by this section.

(2)

Use of a "jake brake" or other use of a heavy truck's engine or compression to slow or stop the truck creates excessive and unreasonable noise, and disturbs the peace of the city; therefore, the city intends to prohibit such activities within its city limits.

(b)

Limitations, prohibitions and exemptions. Commercial tractor trailers of any length or weight shall not be operated or parked upon the streets and rights-of-way, except for the highways listed below:

(1)

Exempted highways and streets:

a.

U.S. Hwy 17.

b.

Hardee Street.

c.

Doc Coil Road.

d.

Lake Branch Road.

e.

East Main Street.

f.

West Main Street.

g.

North Central Avenue.

h.

East County Line Road.

i.

West County Line Road.

(2)

Deliveries to businesses using interior city streets located off of the above streets may be approved if no reasonable alternative for such deliveries exists using only exempted streets.

(c)

Notice. The staff shall arrange for preparation and installation of appropriate signs giving notice of the limitations and prohibitions as provided by law.

(d)

Prohibition on jake braking. It is prohibited for any semi-trailer, or truck exceeding an aggregate weight of 1.5 tons, to use a "jake brake" or otherwise use the truck's engine rather than brakes to brake or slow the vehicle within the city limits. Prior to enforcement, the staff shall place notices on highways where such activities might occur.

(e)

Fines and liability for damages. Violations of this section shall be deemed a public nuisance, and shall be subject to a fine not exceeding $500.00, and the owner and/or operator of such trailer in violation of this section shall be liable for civil damages and attorney fees and costs (including appeals) for the amount of damages occurring to a street, culvert, underground pipe, or other city-owned property.

(Ord. No. 2009-01, §§ 1—5, 6-9-2009)