(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 the law, or when responding to but not upon returning from a fire alarm, may exercise the privileges set forth below, but will be subject to the conditions herein stated. The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may do the following:
(1) Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this title;
(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 or she does not endanger life or property; and
(4) Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions.
(B) The exemptions herein granted to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when the driver of any emergency vehicle while in motion sounds 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. 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.
(C) 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 the provisions protect the driver from the consequences of his or her reckless disregard for the safety of others. It is not the intent or purpose of this section to hamper or interfere with the powers and duties of the Fire Department or Police Department in the exercise of their several functions, or to render the town in any respect liable for any damages of or injuries to persons or property occasioned in the exercise of these functions by the town.
(Ord. 14-7, passed 10-9-2014)