A. 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 stated in this section.
B. The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may:
1. Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this chapter;
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 maximum speed limits so long as he does not endanger life or property;
4. Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions.
C. The exemptions herein granted to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when the driver of any vehicle while in motion sounds an audible signal by bell, siren or exhaust whistle as may be reasonably necessary, and when the vehicle is equipped with at least one lighted lamp displaying a red light visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of five hundred feet (500') to the front of such vehicle; except that, an authorized emergency vehicle operated as a police vehicle need not be equipped with or display a red light visible from in front of the vehicle.
D. The foregoing provisions shall not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor shall such provisions protect the driver from the consequences of his reckless disregard for the safety of others.
E. The chief of police shall have in place a written policy regarding the operation of emergency vehicles, the response to emergencies and pursuit driving. Personnel of the department shall be trained and familiarized with the required standards of the policy. (1990 Code § 10.04.130; amd. 2003 Code)