(A) The provisions of this title regulating the operation, parking and standing of vehicles shall apply to authorized emergency vehicles; except that, a driver when operating the vehicle in any emergency, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, may:
(1) Park or stand, notwithstanding the provisions of this title;
(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 prima facie speed limits so long as the driver does not endanger life or property; and/or
(4) Disregard regulations governing direction of movement, or turning, in specified directions so long as the driver does not endanger life or property.
(B) The foregoing exemptions shall not, however, protect the driver of any vehicle from the consequences of the driver’s reckless disregard of the safety of others.
(Prior Code, § 18-6)
Statutory reference:
Exceptions to right-of-way rules for emergency vehicles, see G.S. § 20-156