The speed limits established by this chapter or by regulation or ordinance made pursuant to this chapter do not apply, except as otherwise provided in ILCS Chapter 625, Act 5, § 11-205, to an authorized emergency vehicle in motion when responding to an emergency call and when the driver thereof sounds an audible signal by bell, siren or exhaust whistle, as may be reasonably necessary; provided; that the vehicle is equipped and has in operation at least one lighted lamp displaying an oscillating, rotating or flashing red beam. An authorized emergency Fire Department vehicle may be equipped and have in operation a triple eight moving white beam light visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of 500 feet to the front of the vehicle, in lieu of, or in addition to, a rotating or flashing red beam, in order to be exempt from the speed limits established by this chapter or by regulation or ordinance made pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. No other authorized emergency vehicle shall use any oscillating triple eight moving white beam light other than a Fire Department vehicle. However, this provision does not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the street, nor does it protect the driver of any such vehicle from the consequences of a reckless disregard of the safety of others.
(`70 Code, § 13-58) (Ord. 729, passed 8-12-03)