349.137(1)(c)
(c) "Parking enforcer" means a person who enforces restrictions against unauthorized parking. The term includes a person who owns or operates a parking area and any employes or agents of an owner or operator.
349.137(1)(d)
(d) "Removal fee" means a fee charged by a parking enforcer to remove an immobilization device, including any amounts imposed for parking in violation of a restriction against unauthorized parking.
349.137(1)(e)
(e) "Unauthorized parking" means parking a motor vehicle in a parking area contrary to a sign posted under
s. 346.55 (4).
349.137(2)
(2) No person may use an immobilization device to immobilize a motor vehicle to enforce restrictions against unauthorized parking except in conformity with a municipal ordinance enacted under this section or a rule adopted under
s. 36.11 (8).
349.137(3)
(3) The governing body of any municipality may by ordinance or the chancellor of a campus of the University of Wisconsin System may by rule under
s. 36.11 (8) provide for the use of immobilization devices to enforce restrictions against unauthorized parking. Any ordinance under this subsection or rule under
s. 36.11 (8) shall do all of the following:
349.137(3)(a)
(a) Require the owner or operator of a parking area in which immobilization devices may be used to post and maintain in a manner that is clearly visible to operators entering the parking area a sign at each vehicular entrance to the parking area. At least one additional sign shall be posted for every 10 parking spaces in the parking area. The ordinance or rule shall require all such signs to be at least 12 inches by 18 inches in size and to clearly indicate all of the following:
349.137(3)(a)1.
1. That unauthorized parking is prohibited in the parking area.
349.137(3)(a)2.
2. That an immobilization device may be used in the parking area to enforce restrictions against unauthorized parking.
349.137(3)(a)3.
3. Whether a removal fee will be charged to remove an immobilization device and, if so, the amount of the fee.
349.137(3)(ag)
(ag) Prohibit a parking enforcer from using an immobilization device to immobilize a motor vehicle to enforce parking restrictions against unauthorized parking unless the parking enforcer possesses a valid license authorizing that activity issued by the municipality.
349.137(3)(am)
(am) Establish a process by which the owner, lessee or operator of a motor vehicle may contest the propriety of the use of an immobilization device or the amount of a removal fee.
349.137(3)(b)
(b) Require the parking enforcer, before using an immobilization device, to do all of the following:
349.137(3)(b)2.
2. Maintain in effect a policy of bodily injury and property damage liability insurance for injury or damage arising from the use of an immobilization device in an amount of at least $1,000,000 per use of an immobilization device.
349.137(3)(b)3.
3. Notwithstanding
s. 346.94 (4), at the time of immobilization of a motor vehicle, place a written notice in a reasonably secure manner on the motor vehicle that clearly states all of the following:
349.137(3)(b)3.a.
a. The name of the parking enforcer and a telephone number that a person may call to request the removal of the immobilization device.
349.137(3)(b)4.
4. Have a person available 24 hours a day either at the parking area or at the telephone number shown on the notice described in
subd. 3. to take requests for removal and to remove the immobilization device.
349.137(3)(c)
(c) Require the parking enforcer, before removing an immobilization device, to do all of the following:
349.137(3)(c)1.
1. Display prominently an identification card that identifies that person as a parking enforcer and that contains a photograph of that person.
349.137(3)(c)2.
2. Inform the owner, lessee or operator of the motor vehicle, orally and in writing, before removing an immobilization device, of all of the following:
349.137(3)(c)2.a.
a. If a removal fee is charged, that the owner, lessee or operator is required either to pay the removal fee or to sign a deferral agreement described in
par. (d) 2.
349.137(3)(c)2.b.
b. That a parking enforcer may commence legal action to collect any removal fee that has not been paid within 14 days after the removal of an immobilization device.
349.137(3)(c)2.c.
c. That the owner, lessee or operator of an immobilized motor vehicle may contest the propriety of the use of an immobilization device on his or her motor vehicle or the validity of a removal fee using the process described in
par. (am), and may contest any legal action commenced to collect a removal fee.
349.137(3)(c)2.d.
d. That, except for the payment of the removal fee or the signing of a deferral agreement, no person may be required to do anything to have an immobilization device removed.
349.137(3)(c)2.e.
e. That, if a parking enforcer uses an immobilization device on a motor vehicle that is not parked in violation of a restriction against unauthorized parking, the owner, lessee or operator shall not be required to pay a removal fee and the parking enforcer shall be liable to the owner or lessee of the motor vehicle for an amount equal to the removal fee.
349.137(3)(d)
(d) Require the owner, lessee or operator of a motor vehicle to do any of the following before an immobilization device may be removed:
349.137(3)(d)2.
2. Sign a deferral agreement under which the person signing the agreement agrees to pay the removal fee to the parking enforcer or contest the removal fee, or the propriety of the use of an immobilization device on his or her motor vehicle, using the process described in
par. (am) within 14 days after the immobilization device is removed.
349.137(3)(e)
(e) Require the parking enforcer to remove the immobilization device without undue delay after receiving a request to remove the device, not to exceed 60 minutes whenever a request for removal is made by telephone.
349.137(3)(f)
(f) Require that, whenever a deferral agreement is signed, the parking enforcer provide the owner or operator of the motor vehicle a copy of the signed deferral agreement.
349.137(3)(g)
(g) Require a person who signs a deferral agreement and does not do any of the activities described in
par. (d) 2. within 14 days after the removal of the immobilization device to pay an amount not to exceed 3 times the removal fee plus the reasonable costs incurred to collect the removal fee to the parking enforcer within 30 days after the removal of the immobilization device.
349.137(3)(h)
(h) Require a parking enforcer who uses an immobilization device on a motor vehicle that is not parked in violation of a restriction against unauthorized parking to pay an amount equal to the removal fee to the owner of the motor vehicle within 14 days after the determination that the immobilization device was used improperly.
349.137(3)(i)
(i) Prohibit a parking enforcer from requiring a person to transfer any goods, perform any services, or waive any available legal rights or remedies, as a condition for removing an immobilization device, except as specified in
par. (d).
349.137(3)(j)
(j) Specify the maximum removal fee that may be charged.
349.137(4)(a)(a) A municipality may enact or enforce any regulation of the use of immobilization devices to enforce parking restrictions that is not contrary to or inconsistent with this section.
349.137(4)(b)
(b) A chancellor of a campus of the University of Wisconsin System may adopt or enforce any rule under
s. 36.11 (8) regulating the use of immobilization devices to enforce parking restrictions that is not contrary to or inconsistent with this section.
Effective date note
NOTE: This section is created eff. 7-1-97 by
1995 Wis. Act 434 as 349.135 and renumbered 349.137 by the revisor under s. 13.93 (1) (b).
349.137 History
History: 1995 a. 434; s. 13.93 (1) (b).
349.14
349.14
Authority to use parking meters. 349.14(1)
(1) It is the public policy of this state that the use of parking meters by cities, villages, towns and counties to measure the time for parking vehicles is a local matter to be determined by the local authorities.
349.14(2)
(2) Cities, villages, towns and counties may by ordinance or resolution provide for the installation and operation of parking meters and may provide for the use of the revenue collected from such meters for general street and highway maintenance, repair and construction, for meeting the cost of traffic and parking regulation, for the purchase and operation of publicly owned off-street parking facilities, and for such other expenses and purposes as the local authority deems reasonably necessary to provide for the convenience, safety and welfare of persons using the streets and highways for vehicular traffic.
349.14 History
History: 1993 a. 246.
349.145
349.145
Authority to establish disabled parking enforcement assistance councils. Any city, village or county may by ordinance or resolution establish a disabled parking enforcement assistance council. The majority of such a council shall be appointed by the local authorities from among those residents of the city, village or county to whom or on whose behalf the department has issued a special registration plate under
s. 341.14 (1) to
(1r) or a special identification card under
s. 343.51. Members of such a council may report violations of
s. 341.625 (1),
343.52,
346.503 or
346.505 (2) or ordinances in conformity therewith to a traffic officer of the city, village or county as provided in
s. 341.625 (2),
343.52 (3),
346.503 (5) or
346.505 (3). If a 1st or 2nd class city has enacted an ordinance under
s. 346.50 (3m), the council shall perform any duties required by
s. 346.50 (3m).
349.15
349.15
Authority to modify weight limitations and classify highways. 349.15(1)(1) The limitations on size and weight imposed by
ch. 348 are lawful throughout the state and local authorities may not alter such limitations except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
349.15(2)
(2) The county highway committee with respect to the county trunk highway system and the local authorities with respect to highways maintained by them may designate all or parts of such highways to be class "B" highways for the purpose of putting into effect the weight limitations set forth in
s. 348.16, except that no portion of any such highway which is a state trunk highway or connecting highway may be so designated.
349.15(3)
(3) Any city of the first class may, with respect to the streets of such city, by ordinance increase the maximum weight limitations specified in
ss. 348.15 and
348.16.
349.15 History
History: 1977 c. 29 s.
1654 (3).
349.15 Annotation
The police power under this section need not be based on the condition of the roadbed, but may be exercised to promote the general welfare of the public. 66 Atty. Gen. 110.
349.16
349.16
Authority to impose special or seasonal weight limitations. 349.16(1)(1) The officer in charge of maintenance in case of highways maintained by a town, city or village, the county highway commissioner or county highway committee in the case of highways maintained by the county and the department in the case of highways maintained by the state may:
349.16(1)(a)
(a) Impose special weight limitations on any such highway or portion thereof which, because of weakness of the roadbed due to deterioration or climatic conditions or other special or temporary condition, would likely be seriously damaged or destroyed in the absence of such special limitations;
349.16(1)(b)
(b) Impose special weight limitations on bridges or culverts when in its judgment such bridge or culvert cannot safely sustain the maximum weights permitted by statute;
349.16(1)(c)
(c) Order the owner or operator of any vehicle being operated on a highway to suspend operation if in its judgment such vehicle is causing or likely to cause injury to such highway or is visibly injuring the permanence thereof or the public investment therein, except when
s. 84.20 is applicable or when the vehicle is being operated pursuant to a contract which provides that the governmental unit will be reimbursed for any damage done to the highway. Traffic officers also may order suspension of operation under the circumstances and subject to the limitations stated in this paragraph.
349.16(2)
(2) Imposition of the special weight limitations authorized by
sub. (1) (a) shall be done by erecting signs on or along the highway on which it is desired to impose the limitation sufficient to give reasonable notice that a special weight limitation is in effect and the nature of that limitation. Imposition of the special weight limitations authorized by
sub. (1) (b) shall be done by erecting signs before each end of the bridge or culvert to which the weight limitation applies sufficient to give reasonable notice that a special weight limitation is in effect and the nature of that limitation. All weight limitation signs and their erection shall comply with the rules of the department and shall be standard throughout the state.
349.16(3)
(3) The authority in charge of the maintenance of the highway may exempt vehicles carrying certain commodities specified by the authority or which are used to perform certain services specified by the authority, including but not limited to pumping septic or holding tanks, from the special weight limitations which are imposed under
sub. (1) (a), or may set different weight limitations than those imposed under
sub. (1) (a) for vehicles carrying those commodities or which are used to perform those services, if such exemption or limitation is reasonable and necessary to promote the public health, safety and welfare.
349.17
349.17
Authority of cities, villages and towns to regulate heavy traffic. 349.17(1)(1) Any city, village or town may by ordinance or resolution designate any street or highway under its jurisdiction as a heavy traffic route and designate the type and character of vehicles which may be operated thereon. A city, village or town may restrict or prohibit heavy traffic from using other streets or highways under its jurisdiction except that it may not place such restrictions on streets or highways over which are routed state trunk highways and may not prohibit heavy traffic from using a street or highway for the purpose of obtaining orders for supplies or moving or delivering supplies or commodities to or from any place of business or residence which has an entrance on such street or highway. Whenever a city, village or town designates any street or highway under its jurisdiction as a heavy traffic route, it shall cause appropriate signs to be erected giving notice thereof.
349.17(2)
(2) In this section, "heavy traffic" means all vehicles not operating completely on pneumatic tires and all vehicles or combination of vehicles, other than motor buses, designed or used for transporting property of any nature and having a gross weight of more than 6,000 pounds.
349.17 History
History: 1977 c. 116;
1993 a. 246.
349.17 Annotation
Legislative Council Note, 1977: Sub. (1) authorizes cities and villages to designate any street as a heavy traffic route. As defined in s. 340.01 (64), the term "street" means every highway within the corporate limits of a city or village except alleys. By adding "or highway" after "street", s. 349.17 (1) authorizes a city or village to prohibit heavy traffic from using any street or alley which has not been designated as a heavy traffic route unless such street or alley is being used to obtain orders for supplies or to deliver supplies or commodities to or from a place of business or residence with an entrance on such street or alley. "Highway" is defined in s. 340.01 (22), to mean "all public ways and thoroughfares", including alleys. [Bill 465-A]
349.18
349.18
Additional traffic-control authority of counties and municipalities. 349.18(1)(1) Any city, village or town, by ordinance, may:
349.18(1)(a)
(a) Designate the number of persons that may ride on a motor bicycle at any one time and the highways upon which a motor bicycle or moped may or may not be operated.
349.18(1)(b)
(b) Establish a golf cart crossing point upon a highway within its limits. An ordinance enacted under this paragraph shall require that a golf cart stop and yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on the highway before crossing the highway. The ordinance may require that a golf cart be equipped with reflective devices as specified in the ordinance. The city, village or town shall place a sign of a type approved by the department to mark the crossing point on both sides of the highway.
349.18(2)
(2) Any city, town or village may by ordinance enacted pursuant to
s. 349.06 regulate the operation of bicycles and motor bicycles and may by ordinance require registration of any bicycle or motor bicycle owned by a resident of the city, town or village, including the payment of a registration fee.
349.18(3)
(3) Any county, by ordinance, may require the registration of any bicycle or motor bicycle owned by a resident of the county if the bicycle or motor bicycle is not subject to registration under
sub. (2). Such ordinance does not apply to any bicycle or motor bicycle subject to registration under
sub. (2), even if the effective date of the ordinance under
sub. (2) is later than the effective date of the county ordinance. A county may charge a fee for the registration.
349.18 Annotation
Cities and villages cannot license bicyclists, create bicycle courts or impound bicycles in the absence of express legislative authorization. 66 Atty. Gen. 99.
349.185
349.185
Authority to regulate certain events and pedestrians. The authority in charge of the maintenance of a highway may by order, ordinance or resolution:
349.185(1)
(1) Regulate community events or celebrations, processions or assemblages on the highways, including reasonable regulations on the use of radios or other electric sound amplification devices, subject to
s. 84.07 (4).
349.185(2)
(2) Regulate the traffic of pedestrians upon highways within its jurisdiction, including the prohibition of pedestrian crossings at places otherwise permitted by law and the erection of signs indicating such prohibition.
349.185 History
History: 1977 c. 116 ss.
14,
15;
1989 a. 31;
1991 a. 83.
349.19
349.19
Authority to require accident reports. Any city, village, town or county may by ordinance require the operator of a vehicle involved in an accident to file with a designated municipal department or officer a report of such accident or a copy of any report required to be filed with the department. All such reports are for the confidential use of such department or officer and are otherwise subject to
s. 346.73.
349.20
349.20
Authority to prohibit use of bridges for fishing or swimming. The authority in charge of maintenance of a highway on which is located a bridge or approach thereto which constitute an undue traffic hazard, if used by pedestrians for the purpose of fishing or swimming, may erect signs prohibiting the fishing or swimming off of such bridge or approach.
349.21
349.21
Authority to regulate school bus warning lights. 349.21(1)(1) The governing body of any town, city, village or county may by ordinance provide for the use of flashing red warning lights by school bus operators in a residence or business district when pupils or other authorized passengers are to be loaded or unloaded at a location at which there are no traffic signals and such persons must cross the street or highway before being loaded or after being unloaded.
349.21(2)
(2) The governing body of any town, city, village or county may, by ordinance, prohibit the use of flashing red warning lights by school bus operators when pupils or other authorized passengers are loaded or unloaded directly from or onto the school grounds or that portion of the right-of-way between the roadway and the school grounds in a zone designated by "school" warning signs as provided in
s. 118.08 (1) in which a street or highway borders the grounds of a school.
349.21 History
History: 1973 c. 93;
1987 a. 125.
349.215
349.215
Authority to appoint school crossing guards. The governing body of any city, village, town or county may by ordinance provide for the appointment of adult school crossing guards for the protection of persons who are crossing a highway in the vicinity of a school. The school crossing guards shall wear insignia or uniforms which designate them as school crossing guards and shall be equipped with signals or signs to direct traffic to stop at school crossings.
349.215 History
History: 1979 c. 344.
349.22
349.22
Authority to establish mass transit way. 349.22(1)(1) The department with respect to the state trunk highway system may by order, and any local authority with respect to highways under its jurisdiction may by ordinance, designate a portion of any highway under its jurisdiction as a mass transit way, designate the type and character of vehicles which may be operated thereon and specify those conditions under which any of said vehicles may be operated thereon. If car pool vehicles are permitted to use the mass transit way, the authority designating the mass transit way may specify the minimum number of occupants, including the operator, in the vehicles. In this section, the department's authority to designate a mass transit way is limited to freeway entrance ramps and state trunk highways connecting with or extending a mass transit way designated by a local authority.
349.22(2)
(2) Whenever the department or local authority designates any highway or portion thereof under its jurisdiction as a mass transit way it may establish priority of right-of-way thereon and make such other regulation of the use of the mass transit way as it deems necessary. The department or local authority shall cause appropriate signs to be erected giving notice of priorities or regulations established under this subsection.
