(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a motor vehicle operated by a coroner, deputy coroner or coroner's investigator may be equipped with a flashing, oscillating or rotating red or blue light and siren, whistle or bell capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 500 feet. Such a vehicle may display the flashing, oscillating or rotating red or blue light and may give the audible signal of the siren, whistle or bell only when responding to a fatality or a fatal motor vehicle accident on a street or highway and only at those locations where the stoppage of traffic impedes the ability of the coroner, deputy coroner or coroner's investigator to arrive at the site of the fatality.
(b) This section does not relieve the coroner, deputy coroner or coroner's investigator operating a motor vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons and property upon the highway.
(ORC 4513.171)
(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree on a first offense; on a second offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree; on each subsequent offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree.