New laws on the books in Wasilla

WASILLA — On the books but often overlooked, two common offenses were made punishable by fines through ordinances passed by the city council Monday.

• Address numbers must be visible and legible from the street for all buildings inside city limits. The numbers must be at least 4 inches high and facing the street giving the property its address. If visibility to the building is obstructed, the numbers must be posted no more than 50 feet away from the street.

The idea behind the ordinance is to make it easier for first responders to locate the emergency. It has been a requirement for some time, but it has never been enforceable. Buildings in violation are now subject to a $30 fine, dismissed once corrected.

• The limit a vehicle can travel in a two-way, left-turn lane is 150 feet. Drivers often abuse these lanes, using them to pass long lines waiting for the light, acting Police Chief Craig Robinson said. This causes accidents almost daily, Robinson said. The new ordinance allows his officers to issue tickets for $100 for the unlawful use of the two-way lanes, and insurance companies can fault drivers who cause accidents because of their abuse of the turn lane.