| TOPEKA POLICE DEPARTMENT | Number: LB 99-9 |
| LEGAL BULLETIN | |
| SUBJECT: Adoption of 1999 Standard Traffic Ordinance for Kansas Cities (STO) | |
| AMENDS: | |
| STATUTE REFERENCES: | |
| ISSUING AUTHORITY: John Knoll, City Attorney | DATE ISSUED:
1 Nov., 1999 |
On October 19, 1999, the City Council enacted ordinance 17420 which adopts by reference the 1999 version of Standard Traffic Ordinance for Kansas Cities (STO). The ordinance was published and took effect on October 27, 1999.
The 1999 version has an Orange cover. All prior STO versions are obsolete and should be discarded.
The Council also enacted ordinance No. 17421 which deletes and modifies certain STO sections and reenacts the prior version of negligent, careless and inattentive driving which appeared at § 142-188 of the Topeka City Code. The most important changes brought about by these ordinances are prohibition by city ordinance of the crime of driving while a habitual violator (STO 195.1) and a substantial increase in the penalties for driving without insurance in violation of the City's version of STO 200.
A table summarizing the effects of adoption of these
two Ordinances follows:
| 1999 STO Section Adopted/Deleted or Amended | Applicable City Code Section | Description | Explanation |
| 13 | 142-122 | Traffic-Control Signal Legend | Delete STO 13. Retains City Code Provision regarding traffic signals |
| 33 | 142-187 | Maximum Speed Limits | Delete STO 33. Retains City Code Provision regarding speed limits |
| 37 | 142-152(c) | Racing on Highways (Exhibition of Speed) | Delete STO 37. Version appearing at 142-152(c) amends elements of offense |
| 50 | 142-236 through 142-238 | Right, Left and U Turns at Intersections | Delete STO 50. Retains City Code Provision regarding turning movements |
| 67 | None | Pedestrian Use of Crosswalks | Delete STO 67 which requires pedestrians to use right half of crosswalks. |
| 104 | 142-188 | Inattentive Driving | Delete STO 104. The prohibition on negligent, careless and inattentive driving which formerly appeared at § 142-188 of the Topeka City Code is reenacted. The prohibition should be codified at its former location, but I will not know that until the publisher codifies the language in Ordinance 17421. |
| 119 | 142-190 | Parades and Processions | Delete STO 119. Retains City Code Provision regarding parades & processions |
| 195.1 | None | Habitual Violators | Adopts new City Code provision prohibiting driving while a habitual violator. |
| 198 | 142-6 | Vehicle License; Illegal Tag | Delete STO 198. Retains City Code Provision regarding illegal tags |
| 200 | 142-152(i) | Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance | Delete STO 200. New version in 142-152(i) increases penalties for a first conviction to a minimum fine of not less than $300; and increases the penalty for a second conviction to a minimum fine of not less than $800. Also requires court to verify evidence of insurance produced in court. |