The provisions of this traffic code regulating the operation, parking, and standing of vehicles shall also apply to authorized emergency vehicles, as defined herein, except as follows.
(A) Unless otherwise directed by a police officer, a driver, when operating such vehicle in any emergency, may:
(1) Park or stand, notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter;
(2) Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign but only after slowing down to the extent necessary for safe operation;
(3) Exceed the speed limits otherwise applicable, so long as he or she does not endanger life or property; and/or
(4) Disregard regulations governing the direction of movement or turning in specified directions, so long as he or she does not endanger life or property.
(B) The foregoing exemptions shall not, however, protect the driver of any such vehicle from the consequences of his or her reckless disregard for the safety of others.
(Prior Code, § 70.07) Prior Code, § 70.99
Statutory reference:
Applicability of speed limit to emergency vehicles, see G.S. § 20-145
Conduct required of driver of vehicle upon approach of emergency vehicle, see G.S. § 20-157
Yielding right-of-way to emergency vehicles, see G.S. § 20-156