(A) Operation of vehicle when authorized emergency vehicle approaches. Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle making use of audible and visual signals meeting the requirements of the laws of the state, or of a police vehicle properly and lawfully making use of an audible signal only, the drivers of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection. Such drivers shall stop and remain in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer.
(B) Drivers of emergency vehicles.
(1) The provisions of this traffic code shall not apply to the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle when responding to an emergency call, when in pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law or when responding to, but not upon returning from, a fire alarm.
(2) The exemptions herein granted to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when the driver of the vehicle sounds an audible signal by bell, siren or exhaust whistle while in motion 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 500 feet to the front of the 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.
(3) These 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 or her reckless disregard for the safety of others.
(Prior Code, § 7-1-15) Penalty, see § 70.99