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1. Is it legal for a person to go through the trash receptacles of others?

Trash that is placed at the curb for pick-up is considered abandoned property and therefore a reasonable expectation of privacy would not exist.  However, entering or removing trash from a dumpster that is located on private property against a building, house or in an area marked with a “no trespassing” sign could result in a citation for trespassing. If any behaviors are a concern, a person may contact the police department at 817.514.5897.

2. Can I operate my ATV or electric bicycle on the sidewalk?

It is unlawful for any person to ride any motor vehicle on any public sidewalk in the City of Watauga. See Code of Ordinances Section 40-3.

The City of Watauga does not have an ordinance nor is there a state law preventing the operation of an “electric bicycle” on a sidewalk. An electric bicycle is defined in Texas Transportation Code Sec. 541.201

3. How do I know which side of the street to park on?

An operator who stops or parks on a two-way roadway shall do so with the right-hand wheels of the vehicle parallel to and within 18 inches of the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway. See Texas Transportation Code Sec. 545.302.

4. How can I get a copy of an accident report?

Contact the Records Division of the Watauga Police Department at 817.514.5870, located at 7101 Whitley Rd., Watauga, Texas 76148 or the Texas Department of Transportation at the link below.

• Texas Department of Transportation

5. What is the City’s police recruitment procedure?

Individuals who wish to pursue a career as a Watauga Police Officer can visit the city website; review the requirements and register to be notified of our next entrance exam.   

• Requirements

6. What are the legal parking distances from crosswalks, driveways, fire hydrants and other vehicles?

An operator may not stop, except momentarily to pick up or discharge a passenger, stand, or park an occupied or unoccupied vehicle: in front of a public or private driveway; within 15 feet of a fire hydrant; within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection; within 30 feet on the approach to a flashing signal, stop sign, yield sign, or traffic-control signal located at the side of a roadway. See Texas Transportation Code Sec. 545.302.

7. Does a crosswalk have to be marked?

Not necessarily, “Crosswalk” means: the portion of a roadway, including an intersection, designated as a pedestrian crossing by surface markings, including lines; or the portion of a roadway at an intersection that is within the connections of the lateral lines of the sidewalks on opposite sides of the highway measured from the curbs or, in the absence of curbs, from the edges of the traversable roadway. See Texas Transportation Code Sec. 541.302.

8. What can I do if my vehicle breaks down on the street and is unable to be moved?

You must take all reasonable measures to have your vehicle towed off of the street and get it repaired. You may contact the Watauga Police Department to assist you if your vehicle is causing a hazard to other vehicle operators.  Call 817.514.5897 for non-emergency or 911 if you need emergency assistance.  

9. Can I park on my own lawn?

No. All parking must be on an approved parking surface. See Code of Ordinances Section 40-262.

10. Where can I find the concealed and open carry laws and signs to post at my establishment?

Laws regarding concealed and open carry can be found the Texas Penal Code Sec. 46.02.  Signs that meet the required language and size can be purchased on numerous retail websites. Texas Penal Code 30.06 and 30.07 provide detailed information pertaining to sign-age.

11. I have a neighbor who is regularly causing a considerable amount of noise. What can I do?

The City of Watauga has a noise ordinance found in Chapter 26 of the Code of Ordinances that prohibits noises considered unreasonable, loud or disturbing.