(A) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle (when responding to an emergency call, when in the pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of a law or ordinance, or when responding to, but not upon returning from, a fire alarm) may exercise the following privileges:
(1) Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this traffic code;
(2) Proceed past a red or stop signal or sign, slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation;
(3) Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as he or she does not endanger life or property; or
(4) Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specific directions.
(B) The exemptions herein granted to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when the driver of any such vehicle is making use of audible and/or visual signals except that an authorized emergency vehicle, operated as a police vehicle, need not be equipped with or display a red light visible from the front of the vehicle.
(C) Except when otherwise directed by a police officer, upon the immediate approach of any authorized emergency vehicle making required use of audible and/or visual signals or of a police vehicle properly and lawfully making use of an audible signal only, the driver of every other vehicle shall:
(1) Yield the right-of-way;
(2) Immediately drive to a position parallel to and as close as possible to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection or shall clear the roadway in the safest possible manner; and
(3) Stop and remain in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed.
(D) This section shall not operate to relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway nor shall such provisions protect the driver from the consequences of reckless disregard for the safety of others.
(Prior Code, § 22-8)