A. Application Of Provisions: The provisions of this title applicable to the drivers of vehicles upon the highways shall apply to the drivers of all vehicles owned or operated by the United States, the state of Illinois or any county, city, town, district or any other political subdivision of the state, except as provided in this section and subject to such specific exceptions as set forth in this title with references to authorized emergency vehicles.
B. Authorized Emergency Vehicles:
1. 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 of this subsection.
2. The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may:
a. Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this title.
b. Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be required and necessary for safe operations.
c. Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as he does not endanger life or property.
d. Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions.
3. The exceptions herein granted to an authorized emergency vehicle, other than a police vehicle, shall apply only when the vehicle is making use of either an audible signal when in motion or visual signals meeting the requirements of this title.
4. This subsection does not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty of driving with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor does this subsection protect the driver from the consequences of his reckless disregard for the safety of others.
C. Public Works Vehicles: The provisions of this title do not apply to persons, teams, motor vehicles and other equipment while actually engaged in work upon the surface of the highway, but apply to such persons and vehicles when traveling to or from such work. (Ord. 75-O-15, 11-21-1975)