A. Authorized Emergency Vehicles:
1. Responding To Emergency Call Or In Pursuit Of Suspected Violator: 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.
2. Privileges Granted: The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may:
a. Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this title;
b. Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation;
c. Exceed the speed limit so long as he does not endanger life or property;
d. Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions.
3. Audible And Visual Signals: The exemptions herein granted to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when such vehicle is making use of audible and visual signals meeting the requirements of the state, except that an authorized emergency vehicle operated as a law enforcement vehicle need not be equipped with or display a red light visible from in front of the vehicle.
4. Due Regard To Safety: 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. (1975 Code § 10.04.280)
B. Operation Of Vehicle On Approach Of Authorized Emergency Vehicle: Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle making use of audible and visual signals, or of a law enforcement vehicle properly and lawfully making use of an audible signal only, the driver 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, and shall stop and remain in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer. (1975 Code § 10.04.290; amd. 2008 Code)