(A) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle, when responding to an emergency call or when in the pursuit of an actual 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 chapter;
(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:
(1) When the driver of any vehicle while in motion sounds audible signal by bell, siren, or exhaust whistle as may be reasonably necessary; and
(2) When the vehicle is equipped with at least one lighted lamp displaying a light visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of 500 feet to the front of the vehicle, except that an authorized emergency vehicle operated as a police vehicle need not be equipped with or display a light visible from in front of the vehicle.
(D) 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 the provisions protect the driver from the consequences of his or her reckless disregard for the safety of others.
(Prior Code, § 7-1025)