HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 05/03/2005 - FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 051, 2005, AMENDING ITEM NUMBER: 18
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY DATE: May 3, 2005
FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL STAFF: Jeff O'Brien
SUBJECT
First Reading of Ordinance No. 051, 2005, Amending Section 238(1) of the Fort Collins Traffic
Code Pertaining to License Plates.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinance on First Reading.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
At the time of the adoption of the Traffic Code, it was the understanding of staff and Council that
the Traffic Code would most likely be subject to future amendments, not only for the purpose of
clarification and correction of errors, but also for the purpose of ensuring that the Traffic Code
remains consistent with State traffic laws. This amendment will require motorcycles, trailers, and
other vehicles to attach license plates to the rear of the vehicle. This change is necessary for the
section to be consistent with state law.
Staff will submit the changes to Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) for approval
pursuant to statute. As this amendment is made to conform to state law, it is anticipated that CDOT
will approve the amendment.
ORDINANCE NO, 051 , 2005
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AMENDING SECTION 238( 1 ) OF THE FORT COLLINS TRAFFIC CODE
PERTAINING TO LICENSE PLATES
WHEREAS , on February 18 , 2003 , by Ordinance No . 016, 2003 , the Council of the City
of Fort Collins adopted the Fort Collins Traffic Code (the "Traffic Code ") ; and
WHEREAS , at the time of the adoption of the Traffic Code, it was the understanding of staff
and Council that the Traffic Code would most likely be subject to future amendments, not only for
the purpose of clarification and correction of errors, but also for the purpose of ensuring that the
Traffic Code remains consistent with State traffic laws; and
WHEREAS , this amendment to FCTC Section 238( 1 ) adds a phrase necessary to be
consistent with state law; and
WHEREAS , the Council has determined that this proposed Traffic Code amendment is in
the best interest of the City and its citizens .
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS as follows :
Section 1 . That the Fort Collins Traffic Code is hereby amended by amending Section
238 ( 1 ) entitled "License plates" to read in its entirety as follows :
238. License plates.
( 1 ) License plates assigned to a self-propelled vehicle other than a
motorcycle or street rod vehicle shall be attached thereto, one ( 1 ) in
the front and the other in the rear. The number plate assigned to a
motorcycle, street rod vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, any other
vehicle drawn by a motor vehicle, or any item of mobile machinery
or self-propelled construction equipment shall be attached to the rear
thereof. License plates shall be so displayed during the current
registration year.
(2) Every license plate shall at all times be securely fastened to the
vehicle to which it is assigned, so as to prevent the plate from
swinging, and shall be horizontal at a height not less than twelve ( 12)
inches from the ground measuring from the bottom of such plate, in
a place and position clearly visible, and shall be maintained free from
foreign materials and in a condition to be clearly legible.
(3 ) A person shall not operate a motor vehicle with an affixed device or
a substance that causes all or a portion of a license plate to be
unreadable by a system used to automatically identify a motor
vehicle. Such a device includes, but is not limited to, a cover that
distorts angular visibility, alters the color of the plate or is smoked,
scratched or dirty so as to impair the legibility of the license plate.
Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 3rd day of May,
A.D . 2005 , and to be presented for final passage on the 17th day of May, A.D . 2005 .
Mayor
ATTEST :
City Clerk
Passed and adopted on final reading this 17th day of May, A. D . 2005 .
Mayor
ATTEST :
City Clerk