2011-050 ORD ADDING NEW ARTICLE VII TOWING AND IMPOUNDMENT POLICY TO TRAFFIC CODE

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Section 1. The findings set out in the preamble to this ordinance are hereby in all things approved. Section Z. That Chapter 31, Traffic Code of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Paris, Texas be amended to add a new Article VII Towing and Impound Policy for the towing, impounding and storage of vehicles operated in the City limits of Paris by persons unable to show proof of the state required minimum liability insurance coverage, said Article VII to read in its entirety as follows: "ARTICLE VII TOWING AND IMPOUNDMENT POLICY" Sec. 31-135. Impoundment of vehicles. (a) A police officer is authorized to remove or cause the removal of a vehicle from a street, alley, right-of-way or other public place in the corporate city limits of the City of Paris, when: (1) The vehicle is in an accident and the vehicle's owner or operator fails to show evidence of financial responsibility as required by Section 601.053 of the Texas Transportation Code, as amended; or (2) The vehicle is stopped by a police officer for an alleged violation of a city or state traffic law or other law applicable to the operation of a vehicle on the roadway and the vehicle's operator fails to produce a valid Texas Driver's License (and police are unable to verify through the Department of Public Safety that the person has a valid Driver's License) and the vehicle operator fails to show proof of financial responsibility as required under Section 601.053 of the Texas Transportation Code, as amended; or (3) The vehicle is stopped by a police officer for an alleged violation of a city or state traffic law or other law applicable to the operation of a vehicle on the roadway and the vehicle's operator fails to show evidence of financial responsibility under Section 601.053 of the Texas Transportation Code and the vehicle operator has one or more convictions in the last twenty-four (24) months for failure to maintain financial responsibility while operating a motor vehicle in this State. (b) Nothing in this section shall prevent a Paris Police Officer from issuing a criminal citation to a person for violating Chapter 601 of the Texas Transportation code in addition to the towing and impoundment procedures listed above. Sec. 31-136. Impoundment fee; collection. (a) When a person's vehicle must be towed and impounded in accordance with Section 31- 135 above, a police officer shall call a wrecker service licensed by the State and registered with the City of Paris to remove the vehicle from the street or public right-of-way to a licensed vehicle storage facility.