Earlier editions: 2026-09
Title 12 — Vehicles and Traffic
Newport Beach Municipal Code Ch. 12.04 Definitions
Newport Beach Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Newport Beach
Cite as: Newport Beach Municipal Code Chapter 12.04 · Text as of 2026-10-04
§ 12.04.010. Definition Provision.¶
For the purpose of this title, certain words and phrases are defined and certain provisions shall be construed as herein set forth, unless the provisions of the context otherwise require.
Whenever any words or phrases used in this title are not defined herein, but are now defined in the California Vehicle Code, such definitions are incorporated herein, and shall be deemed to apply to such words and phrases used herein as though set forth herein in full.
(1949 Code § 3200; Ord. 2023-22 § 528, 2023)
§ 12.04.020. Alley.¶
The term “alley”
shall mean a public highway which does not exceed twenty (20) feet between property lines.
(1949 Code § 3201)
§ 12.04.030. Angle Parking.¶
The term “angle parking”
shall mean the parking of a vehicle with the right front wheel thereof against the curb or curb line of the street or highway and the side of the vehicle nearest the curb or curb line forming an angle with the curb or curb line of approximately forty-five (45) degrees, and within two lines delineated upon the surface of the street, if there be such lines.
(1949 Code § 3202)
§ 12.04.040. Parallel Parking.¶
The term “parallel parking”
shall mean the parking of a vehicle along and parallel to the curb or curb line of the street or highway.
(1949 Code § 3203)
§ 12.04.050. Central Traffic District.¶
The term “central traffic district”
shall mean and include all streets and portions of streets described or designated as such by the City Council.
(1949 Code § 3204)
§ 12.04.055. Holidays.¶
Within the meaning of this title, holidays are as follows:
Every Sunday;
January 1st, known as “New Year’s Day”;
The third Monday in February, known as “President’s Day”;
The last Monday in May, known as “Memorial Day”;
July 4th, known as “Independence Day”;
The first Monday in September, known as “Labor Day”;
November 11th, known as “Veterans Day”;
The fourth Thursday in November, known as “Thanksgiving Day”;
December 25th, known as “Christmas”;
Every day appointed by the President or Governor for a public fast;
Any other holiday not specifically listed in subsections (1) through (10) of this section that is recognized by the State of California or the United States of America.
(Ord. 1325 § 1, 1969; Ord. 1384 § 1, 1971; Ord. 1646 § 2, 1975; Ord. 2013-11 § 48, 2013)
§ 12.04.060. Loading Zone.¶
The term “loading zone”
shall mean and include that space adjacent to a curb reserved for the exclusive use of vehicles during the loading or unloading of passengers or materials.
(1949 Code § 3205)
§ 12.04.070. Operator.¶
The term “operator”
shall mean any person who is in actual physical control of a vehicle.
(1949 Code § 3206; Ord. 1069 (part), 1963)
§ 12.04.080. Park.¶
The term “park”
shall include standing a vehicle for a period of time greater than is reasonably necessary for the actual loading or unloading of persons or materials.
(1949 Code § 3207)
§ 12.04.090. Parking Meter.¶
The term “parking meter”
shall mean any mechanical or electronic device, including a parking payment center or pay station, placed upon streets or other property owned, leased or controlled by the City at the direction of the City Council or under the provisions of this Code, which is designed, upon the deposit of a lawful payment, to measure in minutes or hours the period of time during which a vehicle may be parked in the parking space corresponding thereto.
(1949 Code § 3208, as amended by Ord. 850; June 9, 1958; Ord. 2013-11 § 49, 2013)
§ 12.04.095. Payment.¶
The term “payment”
shall mean the deposit of coins, bills or combination of coins and bills of the United States of America, or the use of credit cards, debit cards or any other method designated as being accepted by the parking meter.
(Ord. 2013-11 § 50, 2013)
§ 12.04.100. Pedestrian.¶
The term “pedestrian”
shall mean any person afoot.
(1949 Code § 3209)
§ 12.04.120. Traffic.¶
The term “traffic”
shall mean and include pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, and vehicles, either singly or together, while using any street for purposes of travel.
(1949 Code § 3212 as amended by Ord. 1069; December 9, 1963)
§ 12.04.130. Official Time Standard.¶
Whenever certain hours are named herein, they shall mean standard time or daylight saving time as may be in current use in this City.
(1949 Code § 3214)
§ 12.04.140. Official Traffic Control Devices.¶
The term “official traffic control devices”
shall mean all signs, signals, markings and devices not inconsistent with this title placed or erected by authority of a public body or official having jurisdiction for the purpose of regulating, warning or guiding traffic.
(1949 Code § 3215)
§ 12.04.150. Official Traffic Signal.¶
The term “official traffic signal”
shall mean any device, whether manually, electrically or mechanically operated, by which traffic is alternately directed to stop and proceed and which is erected by authority of a public body or official having jurisdiction.
(1949 Code § 3216)
§ 12.04.160. Parkway.¶
The term “parkway”
shall mean that portion of a street other than a roadway or a sidewalk.
(1949 Code § 3217)
§ 12.04.170. Passenger Loading Zone.¶
The term “passenger loading zone”
shall mean the space adjacent to a curb reserved for the exclusive use of vehicles during the loading or unloading of passengers.
(1949 Code § 3218)
§ 12.04.190. Police Officer.¶
The term “police officer”
shall mean every officer of the police department of this City.
(1949 Code § 3220)
§ 12.04.200. Stop.¶
The term “stop”
when required shall mean complete cessation of movement.
The term “stop or stand,”
when prohibited, shall mean any stopping or standing of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a police officer or official traffic control device.
(1949 Code § 3221)
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