City of Mingus, Texas

Title XII – Traffic and Vehicles

Adopted by Ordinance No. 2025-__, effective ________ 2025

← Back to Code of Ordinances Index

Chapter 12.01 – General Provisions

Sec. 12.01.001 Purpose

This Title regulates traffic movement, vehicle operation, and parking within the City of Mingus to promote public safety, protect property, and ensure the orderly flow of transportation consistent with the Texas Transportation Code.

Sec. 12.01.002 Adoption of State Law

The provisions of Chapters 541 through 600 of the Texas Transportation Code, as amended, are adopted by reference and made part of this Title as if fully set forth herein, except where specifically modified by local ordinance.

Sec. 12.01.003 Authority

The City Council and law enforcement officers of the City are authorized to regulate, control, and enforce vehicular and pedestrian movement as provided by this Title and applicable state law.

Chapter 12.02 – Traffic Control Devices

Sec. 12.02.001 Authority to Install

The City Council or its designee shall determine the location of official traffic-control signs, signals, and markings as necessary for safety and efficiency. No unauthorized person shall install or alter any sign or marking.

Sec. 12.02.002 Obedience to Devices

All vehicle operators and pedestrians shall obey the instructions of official traffic-control devices placed in accordance with this Title, unless directed otherwise by a police officer.

Sec. 12.02.003 Interference or Damage

It is unlawful for any person to deface, remove, or obstruct any official traffic sign, signal, or marking.

Chapter 12.03 – Speed Regulations

Sec. 12.03.001 Prima Facie Speed Limits

Except as otherwise posted, it shall be unlawful to operate a motor vehicle in excess of the following speeds:

• School zones – 15 miles per hour during posted times
• Residential areas – 25 miles per hour
• Downtown or business district – 20 miles per hour
• All other City streets – 30 miles per hour

Sec. 12.03.002 Temporary Limits

The Mayor or City Council may temporarily adjust speed limits for construction, maintenance, or public events when warranted for safety.

Sec. 12.03.003 Penalties

Violations of posted or default limits shall be punishable by fines as provided in Section 12.06.002.

Chapter 12.04 – Parking Regulations

Sec. 12.04.001 General Restrictions

No person shall stop, stand, or park a vehicle:

• On a sidewalk or crosswalk;
• In front of a public or private driveway;
• Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant;
• Within 20 feet of an intersection or crosswalk;
• Blocking access to mailboxes or public facilities;
• In front of fire station doors or emergency access points.

Sec. 12.04.002 Time-Limited Parking Zones

The City may designate limited-duration parking areas by signage. Vehicles exceeding posted limits may be cited or removed.

Sec. 12.04.003 Parking for Persons with Disabilities

Spaces designated for disabled persons shall be used only by vehicles displaying a valid placard or license plate. Fines for violations shall not be less than $250.

Sec. 12.04.004 Towing and Impoundment

Vehicles parked in violation of this Chapter may be towed or impounded at the owner’s expense when constituting a hazard or obstruction.

Chapter 12.05 – Special Vehicles and Equipment

Sec. 12.05.001 Golf Carts and Utility Vehicles

• Operation on City streets is permitted only by licensed drivers on streets with posted limits of 35 mph or less.
• Vehicles must display a slow-moving vehicle emblem and be equipped with headlights, taillights, and reflectors.
• Operation is prohibited between sunset and sunrise unless properly lighted.

Sec. 12.05.002 All-Terrain and Off-Road Vehicles

ATVs, dirt bikes, and similar vehicles shall not be operated on public streets except during official events or emergency response authorized by the City.

Sec. 12.05.003 Heavy and Commercial Vehicles

Trucks or equipment exceeding 26,000 pounds GVW shall travel only on state highways or designated truck routes unless making local deliveries within City limits.

Chapter 12.06 – Enforcement and Penalties

Sec. 12.06.001 Enforcement Authority

Peace officers and other authorized personnel of the City are empowered to enforce this Title, direct traffic, issue citations, and remove hazards as necessary.

Sec. 12.06.002 Penalties

Except as otherwise specified by state law, violations of this Title are misdemeanors punishable by fines not exceeding $200 per offense. Offenses involving public safety or disabled parking may be fined up to $500.

Sec. 12.06.003 Continuing Offenses

Each day a parking or obstruction violation continues constitutes a separate offense.

Sec. 12.06.004 Severability

If any portion of this Title is held invalid, the remainder shall continue in effect.