§ 12-1-27. SOLICITATIONS BETWEEN AN OCCUPANT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE AND A PEDESTRIAN.

(A)

This section applies in the following areas, including the streets and pedestrian rights-of-way that bound the areas:

(1)

the area:

(a)

beginning at the intersection of Cesar Chavez Street and Lamar Boulevard (North);

(b)

north on Lamar Boulevard (North) to 29th Street (West);

(c)

east on 29th Street (West) to Guadalupe Street;

(d)

south on Guadalupe Street to Dean Keeton Street (West/East);

(e)

east on Dean Keeton Street (West/East) to IH-35;

(f)

south on IH-35 from Dean Keeton Street (East) to Cesar Chavez Street (East); and

(g)

west on Cesar Chavez (East/West) from IH-35 to Lamar Boulevard (North), the point of beginning;

(2)

the area:

(a)

beginning at the intersection of 45th Street and Duval Street;

(b)

north on a line defined by the west curb of Duval Street and extending that line north to Koenig Lane;

(c)

east on Koenig Lane and U.S. Highway 290 North Frontage Road to the intersection of Berkman Drive;

(d)

south on Berkman Drive to the intersection of 51st Street;

(e)

west on 51st Street to the intersection of IH-35;

(f)

south on IH-35 East Frontage Road to the intersection of a line defined by the west curb of Clarkson Avenue;

(g)

north along that line to the intersection of 45th Street; and

(h)

west on 45th Street to the point of beginning; and

(3)

the area:

(a)

beginning at the intersection of Second Street (East) and Comal Street;

(b)

south on a line defined by the east curb of Comal Street and extending that line south to the north shore of Town Lake;

(c)

west along the north shore of Town Lake to Waller Creek;

(d)

north along the west shore of Waller Creek to Cesar Chavez Street;

(e)

east on Cesar Chavez Street to the intersection of IH-35;

(f)

north on IH-35 East Frontage Road to the intersection of Second Street (East); and

(g)

east on Second Street (East) to the point of beginning.

(B)

The council finds that the distraction of motorists occasioned by a solicitation between an occupant of a motor vehicle and a pedestrian impedes the safe and orderly flow of traffic, causes vehicles to stop unexpectedly, causes vehicles to linger at traffic control devices, and causes motorists to fail to attend to driving. Distracted drivers pose a significant risk of physical injury to motorists and pedestrians.

(C)

In this section "private parking area" means privately owned property for vehicle parking, and an adjacent driveway, walkway, setback, and landscaped area.

(D)

A person who is in or next to a street, on a sidewalk, or in a private parking area commits an offense if the person solicits, or attempts to solicit, services, employment, business, or contributions from an occupant of a motor vehicle.

(E)

A person in a motor vehicle commits an offense if the person solicits, or attempts to solicit, services, employment, business, or contributions from a person who is in or next to a street, on a sidewalk, or in a private parking area.

(F)

This section does not apply to:

(1)

a facility operated by or for the City, and designated by the city manager as a place where the solicitation of employment or services is permitted; or

(2)

a private parking area unless the owner of the parking area has permanently posted a conspicuous sign at each entrance of the parking area, in both English and Spanish, stating that it is a misdemeanor to engage in solicitation for employment.

(G)

An offense under this section is punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.

Source: 1992 Code Section 16-1-1 and 16-1-20; Ord. 031204-13; Ord. 031211-11.