(A) No person shall operate an ambulance or rescue vehicle in a manner not conforming to a provision of the motor vehicle laws and regulations of this state or the city as the provision applies to motor vehicles in general, except in compliance with the following conditions:
(1) The person operating the ambulance shall be either responding to a bona fide emergency call or specifically directed by a licensed physician to disregard traffic laws in operating the ambulance during and for the purpose of the specific trip or journey that is involved;
(2) The ambulance or rescue vehicle shall be equipped with a siren producing an audible signal of an intensity of 100 decibels at a distance of 50 feet from the siren, and with a lamp or lamps emitting an oscillating, rotating, or flashing red beam directed in part toward the front of the vehicle and these lamps shall have sufficient intensity to be visible at 500 feet in normal sunlight;
(3) The siren and lamp or lamps shall be in operation at all times when it is necessary to warn pedestrians and other drivers of the approach thereof during the trip or journey; and
(4) Whenever the ambulance or rescue vehicle is operated at a speed in excess of 40 miles per hour, the ambulance or rescue vehicle shall be operated in complete conformance with every other motor vehicle law and regulation of this state and the city in which the ambulance or rescue vehicle is operated, relating to the operation of motor vehicles, as the provision applies to motor vehicles in general, except laws and regulations pertaining to compliance with official traffic-control devices or to vehicular operation upon the right half of the roadway.
(5) The ambulance shall display registration plates identifying the vehicle as an ambulance.
(B) The foregoing provisions do not relieve the driver of an ambulance or rescue vehicle from the duty of driving with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor do the provisions protect the driver from the consequences resulting from the reckless disregard for the safety of others.
(ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 11-1421) Penalty, see § 70.999