A. The board of directors of a port authority shall have the authority to establish rules for the regulation of the use of vehicles within the real property under its direct control of the port authority. The rules shall be consistent with the laws of this state governing the operation of vehicles on public streets and highways. Penalties for violation of these rules shall be no greater than the penalties for the same or similar violations of state law. The rules may include, but need not be limited to, the following:
1. The operation of vehicles within the jurisdiction of the port authority including, but not limited to, speed, stopping, and parking; and
2. The type, size, and weight of vehicles which may be operated within the jurisdiction of the port authority.
B. The rules of the board of directors promulgated pursuant to this subsection including any amendments shall be filed with the county clerk and court clerk of each county in which the port authority is located at least thirty (30) days prior to becoming effective. Copies of the regulations shall be furnished to any person desiring to travel within the jurisdiction of the port authority upon request without charge.
C. The port authority shall post appropriate permanent signs at every entrance to the jurisdiction of the port authority indicating that the use of vehicles within the jurisdiction is subject to the rules of the port authority. The port authority shall also post appropriate permanent traffic control signs or devices including, but not limited to, stop signs and speed limit signs. Such signs shall be the same as or similar to signs used by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for the same or similar purposes.
D. Rules adopted by the port authority pursuant to this section shall be enforced by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
E. The district court of the county in which the headquarters of the port authority is located shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine violations of the rules of the port authority in the same manner as the same or similar violations of state law. Appeals from decisions of the district court in cases involving violations of the rules of the port authority promulgated pursuant to this section shall be to the Court of Criminal Appeals in the same manner as the same or similar violations of state law.
F. Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter or prevent any concurrent or overlapping jurisdiction by other law enforcement agencies or courts.
Added by Laws 1995, c. 157, § 1, emerg. eff. May 2, 1995.