Traffic Law Dictionary Traffic law regulates the relative safety of pedestrians, drivers and passengers in the high-speed, high-risk world of motor vehicles. Alley A right of way to serve a limited neighborhood for local convenience and not for general passage. Bicycle A muscle-propelled two-wheeled vehicle. Boulevard A roadway of more than ordinary width and in a more elaborate style than an ordinary street. Breathalyzer A device which records alcohol impairment. Bridge A structure which spans an obstruction and which affords passage to people or things. Dangerous Driving The operating of a motor vehicle in a manner which has as one of its inherent qualities the exposure of the public to harm or injury. Impaired A deterioration of an individual’s judgment and decrease in his or her’s physical ability. Used primarily in criminal law; driving under the influence of alcohol or disability law in regards to a person’s physical or mental impairment. Jay Walking Violation of traffic regulations, particularly when crossing a street or road other than at an intersection, or failure to used designated pedestrian crosswalks or to obey pedestrian traffic signals. Negligence A breach of a duty to take care. Physical Control Having the means to initiate any movement of, and in close proximity to the operating controls of a vehicle. Proper Lookout The legal obligation on the part of a vessel or motor vehicle operator to keep an ongoing watch of its path and other traffic or obstacles. Street A public way or road, usually urban, and embraces the surface from side to side and end to end. Vehicle Any thing that is designed to transport persons or objects. Zebra Crossing Striped white or yellow lines painted on asphalted streets indicating a pedestrian crossing or a pedestrian right-of-way. Find you are constantly looking up definitions? Try our search provider (works in most modern browsers) If you find an error or omission in Duhaime's Legal Dictionary, or if you have legal term suggestion, we'd love to hear from you!