(A) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle, when responding to an emergency call or when responding to but not upon returning from a fire alarm or when transporting a patient in an ambulance, may exercise the privileges set forth in this section, but subject to the conditions and limitations herein stated.
(B) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may:
(1) Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this title, so long as the lighted lamp, hereinafter defined, is displayed during such parking or standing.
(2) Proceed past a red light or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation.
(3) Exceed the speed limits, provided that he does not endanger life and property, and provided further than in no event shall ambulances be operated at a rate of speed greater than the posted or legal speed limit on any street other than on a controlled access roadway.
(4) Disregard regulations governing turning movements.
(C) The exemption herein granted to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when the driver of any said vehicle in motion sounds an audible signal by bell, siren, electronic device, or exhaust whistle as necessary, and when the vehicle is equipped with at least one lighted lamp displaying a red light visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of 500 feet to the front of such vehicle; provided, however, that a police emergency vehicle operated as an authorized vehicle need not be equipped with or display a red light visible from in front of the vehicle, and provided further that ambulance drivers, whether going to or returning from an emergency call, either to or from a hospital or elsewhere, need not use any audible equipment, as described above.
(D) The foregoing provisions 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 such provisions protect the driver from the consequences if driving in a careless manner.
('74 Code, § 9-5-4.53) (Ord. 65-1974)