ORDINANCE NO. 3335

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 36, SECTION 36-38(b) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO,

REGARDING UNSAFE BACKING

RECITALS: On December 6, 2000, the 1995 Model Traffic Code was adopted, which included a provision referring to backing a car in such a manner so as not to be unsafe. The current reading of this section refers only to backing when it occurs on public or private parking lots, the shoulder of any road, or a controlled-access highway. These areas do not include other public roadways where an unsafe backing maneuver might occur. If such a maneuver did occur, at present, the driver could not be charged with a violation of this section, although his or her actions may be no less unsafe than if the accident occurred in one of the areas which are covered by the current ordinance. This amendment removes the “controlled-access” portion of the ordinance, making this section of the Code one that can be charged throughout the City, protecting all citizens, no matter where they may be travelling.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND JUNCTION THAT:

Chapter 36 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Grand Junction, be amended as follows:

 That Section 36-38 (b) be amended to read:

The driver of a vehicle shall not back the same upon any shoulder or roadway unless such movement can be made with safety and without interfering with other traffic.

Introduced this 7^th day of March 2001.

Passed and adopted this 21^st day of March, 2001.

                   /s/ Gene Kinsey      

                   President of the Council

ATTEST:

/s/ Stephanie Nye      

City Clerk