(A) The driver of any authorized emergency vehicle, as the term “authorized emergency vehicle” is defined by state law, 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.
(B) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may:
(1) Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this or any code section;
(2) Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation;
(3) Exceed the prima facie speed limits so long as he or she does not endanger life or property; and
(4) Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions.
(C) 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 Tex. Transportation Code Ch. 546 (Uniform Act Regulating Traffic on Highways), except that an authorized emergency vehicle operated as a police vehicle need not be equipped with or display a red light visible from the front of the vehicle.
(D) Divisions (A) through (C) above 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.
(E) Provisions of this chapter applicable to drivers upon the highways shall apply to the drivers of all vehicles owned or operated by the United States, the state or any county, city, town, district or any other political subdivision of the state, subject to such specific exceptions as are set forth in this chapter with reference to authorized emergency vehicles.
(1995 Code, § 10.503) (Ord. 58, passed 7-11-1980) Penalty, see § 74.99
Statutory reference:
Authorized emergency vehicles exempt from certain traffic regulations, see Tex. Transportation Code Ch. 546