(a) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle, when responding to an emergency call or 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 in this section, but subject to the conditions herein stated.
(b) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may:
(1) Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this chapter;
(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 maximum speed limits so long as he or she does not endanger life or property; and/or
(4) Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions.
(c) The exemptions herein granted to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when such vehicle is making use of audible and visual signals meeting the requirements of Tex. Revised Civil Statutes Article 6701d, § 124, except that an authorized emergency vehicle operated as a police vehicle need not be equipped with or display a red light visible from in front of the vehicle. The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle that is used for law enforcement purposes may operate without using the emergency warning devices required by this subsection (c) only when the driver is responding to an emergency call or when he or she is in pursuit of a suspected violator of the law and he or she has probable cause to believe that:
(1) Knowledge of his or her presence will cause the suspect to destroy or lose evidence of a suspected felony;
(2) Knowledge of his or her presence will cause the suspect to cease a suspected continuing felony before the driver has acquired sufficient evidence to establish grounds for arrest;
(3) Knowledge of his or her presence will cause the suspect to evade apprehension or identification of the suspect or his or her vehicle; or
(4) Traffic conditions on a multilaned roadway are such that movements of motorists in response to the emergency warning devices may increase the potential for a collision or may unreasonably extend the duration of the pursuit.
(d) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle that is used for law enforcement purposes may not operate without using the emergency warning devices as provided above unless he or she has first notified a designated office of his or her intention to operate without such devices. The designated office to which such notification is made shall keep an accurate record of the exact time notification is received.
(e) 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 his or her reckless disregard for the safety of others.
(1964 Code, § 26-8)
Cross-reference:
Ambulances/emergency medical services, see Ch. 5
Statutory reference:
Operation of vehicles upon approach of authorized emergency vehicle, see Tex. Transportation Code § 541.156
Similar provisions, see Tex. Transportation Code Ch. 546