The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to vehicles when operated with due regard for safety, under the direction of peace officers, in the chase or apprehension of persons charged with or suspected of any violation of law, nor to Fire Department vehicles when traveling in response to a fire alarm, nor to public vehicles when traveling in emergencies, which vehicles shall be given the right-of-way if the driver thereof is giving audible signal by siren. This exemption shall not, however, protect the driver of any such vehicle from the consequences of his or her own negligence.
(1963 Code, § 40.01)