(a) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle, when responding to an emergency call or when in pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law or when responding to but not upon return from any fire alarm, may:
(1) Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of the traffic code;
(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 speed limits so long as he does not endanger life or property;
(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 (1) when the driver of the vehicle while in motion sounds an audible signal by bell, siren or exhaust whistle as may be reasonably necessary, and the vehicle is displaying an oscillating, rotating or flashing red beam visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of 500 feet of the front of such vehicle or (2) when the authorized emergency vehicle is operated as a police vehicle and such vehicle is displaying an oscillating, rotating or flashing blue beam.
(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 such provisions protect the driver from the consequences of reckless disregard of others.
(Added Coun. J. 7-12-90, p. 18634)