(A) The provisions of this traffic code 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 or any county, city, town, district or any other political subdivision of the state, except as provided in this section, and subject to specific exceptions as set forth in this title with reference to authorized emergency vehicles.
(B) 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.
(C) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may:
(1) Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this traffic code;
(2) Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be required and necessary for safe operation;
(3) Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as he or she does not endanger life or property; and
(4) Disregard regulations governing the direction of movement or turning in specified directions.
(D) 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 ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 12-215.
(E) 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 these provisions protect the driver from the consequences of his or her reckless disregard for the safety of others.
(F) Unless specifically made applicable, the provisions of this traffic code shall not apply to persons, motor vehicles and equipment while actually engaged in work upon the highway, but shall apply to such persons and vehicles when traveling to or from work.
(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-205) (1999 Code, § 70.11) Penalty, see § 70.999