§ 94-71. Exemptions from certain traffic regulations.

(a)

The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle, when responding to an emergency call, when in the pursuit of an actual suspected violator of the law, or when responding to but not upon returning from a fire alarm, may exercise the privileges set forth in this section, but subject to the conditions herein stated.

(b)

The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may:

(1)

Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this article.

(2)

Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation.

(3)

Exceed the prima facie speed limits so long as he does not endanger life or property.

(4)

Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions.

(c)

The exemptions herein granted to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when the driver of any such vehicle while in motion sounds an audible signal by bell, siren, or exhaust whistle as may be reasonably necessary; and when the vehicle is equipped with at least one lighted lamp displaying a light visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of 500 feet to the front of the vehicle, except that an authorized emergency vehicle operated as a police vehicle need not be equipped with or display a light visible from in front of the vehicle.

(d)

The provisions of this section shall not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor shall these provisions protect the driver from the consequences of his reckless disregard for the safety of others.

(Code 1985, § 71.15; Code 1999, § 90-76)