Authorized emergency vehicles

§ 1104. Authorized emergency vehicles. (a) The driver of an authorized
emergency vehicle, when involved in an emergency operation, 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. Stop, stand or park irrespective of the provisions of this title;

2. Proceed past a steady red signal, a flashing red signal or a stop
sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe
operation;

3. Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as he does not endanger
life or property;

4. Disregard regulations governing directions of movement or turning
in specified directions.

(c) Except for an authorized emergency vehicle operated as a police
vehicle or bicycle, the exemptions herein granted to an authorized
emergency vehicle shall apply only when audible signals are sounded from
any said vehicle while in motion by bell, horn, siren, electronic device
or exhaust whistle as may be reasonably necessary, and when the vehicle
is equipped with at least one lighted lamp so that from any direction,
under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of five hundred feet
from such vehicle, at least one red light will be displayed and visible.

(d) An authorized emergency vehicle operated as a police, sheriff or
deputy sheriff vehicle may exceed the maximum speed limits for the
purpose of calibrating such vehicles' speedometer. Notwithstanding any
other law, rule or regulation to the contrary, a police, sheriff or
deputy sheriff bicycle operated as an authorized emergency vehicle shall
not be prohibited from using any sidewalk, highway, street or roadway
during an emergency operation.

(e) 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.

(f) Notwithstanding any other law, rule or regulation to the contrary,
an ambulance operated in the course of an emergency shall not be
prohibited from using any highway, street or roadway; provided, however,
that an authority having jurisdiction over any such highway, street or
roadway may specifically prohibit travel thereon by ambulances if such
authority shall deem such travel to be extremely hazardous and would
endanger patients being transported thereby.