§291C-26  Authorized emergency vehicles. (a)  The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle, when responding to anemergency call or when in the pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of thelaw or when responding to but not upon returning from a fire alarm and vehiclesused by police officers while in the performance of a police function, mayexercise the privileges set forth in this section, but subject to theconditions herein stated.

(b)  The driver of an authorized emergencyvehicle may:

(1)  Park or stand irrespective of the provisions ofthis 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 maximum speed limits so long as thedriver does not endanger life or property;

(4)  Disregard regulations governing direction ofmovement or turning in specified directions;

(5)  Drive on the shoulder and median of roadways; and

(6)  Drive in controlled-access roadways, highways,and facilities.

(c)  The exemptions granted in subsection (b)to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when the vehicle is makinguse of authorized audible and visual signals, except as otherwise provided bycounty ordinance.  This subsection shall not apply to police vehicles.

(d)  The foregoing provisions shall not relievethe driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with dueregard for the safety of all persons, nor shall those provisions protect thedriver from the consequences of the driver's reckless disregard for the safetyof others. [L 1971, c 150, pt of §1; gen ch 1985; am L 2002, c 93, §1; am L2003, c 112, §2]