(A) Applicability. 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, this state, or any county, city, town, district, or any other political subdivision of the state, except as otherwise provided in this section and subject to such specific exceptions as set forth in this title with reference to authorized emergency vehicles.
(B) Responding to emergency. 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 in this section, but subject to the conditions herein stated. The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may:
(1) Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this title;
(2) Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign;
(3) Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as not to endanger life or property; and
(4) Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions.
(C) Proper signals of emergency. 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 set forth in the Illinois Vehicle Code.
(D) Due regard for safety. The foregoing provisions do not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty of driving with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor do such provisions protect the driver from the consequences of his or her reckless disregard for the safety of others.
(Ord. 14-17, passed 11-14-2017) Penalty, see § 70.99