(a) Circumstances under which emergency vehicle may disregard traffic regulations. 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 division (b) below, but subject to the conditions stated in divisions (c) and (d) below.
(b) Particular regulations which may be disregarded. The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may:
(1) Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of SDCL ch. 32-30;
(2) Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation; and
(3) Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions.
(c) Use of emergency signals required. The exemptions granted in divisions (b)(2) and (b)(3) above to an authorized emergency vehicle apply only if the vehicle is making use of audible and visual signals meeting the requirements of law. However, the exemption granted in division (b)(1) above to an authorized emergency vehicle applies only if the vehicle is making use of visual signals meeting the requirements of law.
(d) Duty of driver to use care; liability for recklessness. The provisions of this section 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 the provisions protect the driver from the consequences of his or her reckless disregard for the safety of others.
(e) Speed. The speed of an authorized emergency vehicle shall be governed by § 76.004.
(1957 Rev. Ords., § 13.115; 1992 Code, § 40-27)