§ 9.08.080. Authorized emergency vehicles.

A.

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 this section, subject to the conditions stated in this section.

B.

The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may:

1.

Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this title.

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 maximum speed limit as long as doing so does not endanger life or property.

4.

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

5.

Drive upon a sidewalk or recreational trail.

C.

The exemptions granted in this section to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when such vehicle is making use of an audible signal meeting the requirements of section 9.44.320 D. and visual signals meeting the requirements of section 9.44.190, except when parked during an emergency or on official business, or if an authorized emergency vehicle operated as a police vehicle and equipped with visual and audible signals shall use both, unless it can be reasonably shown that the use of either or both would prevent or hamper the apprehension of an actual or suspected violator of the law.

D.

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 such provisions protect the driver from the consequences of reckless disregard for the safety of others.

(CAC 9.08.080; AO No. 78-72; AO No. 86-195; AO No. 94-68(S), § 4, 8-11-94; AO No. 2011-113(S), § 13, 11-22-11, eff. 12-22-11)

Cross reference

Civil emergency, ch. 3.80; emergency medical service, ch. 16.95; private ambulance service, ch. 16.100.