Sec. 24-7.  Special provisions for 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, but subject to the conditions stated in this chapter.

 

(b)   The driver of such emergency vehicle may stop, park, or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this chapter and disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions.

 

(c)   The driver of such emergency vehicle, except wreckers towing disabled vehicles, and highway maintenance vehicles and equipment may also:

 

(1)       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; and

(2)       Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as he does not endanger life, limb, or property.

 

(d)   Except for such emergency vehicle operated as a police vehicle, the exemptions granted in this section to such emergency vehicle shall apply only when the driver of such vehicle, while in motion, sounds an audible signal by bell, siren, or exhaust whistle as may be reasonably necessary, and when such vehicle is equipped with at least one (1) lighted lamp displaying a red light visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of five hundred (500) feet to the front of such vehicle.

 

(e)   The provisions of this section shall not relieve the driver of such emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor shall such provisions protect such driver from the consequences of his reckless disregard for the safety of others.

 

Source:  Code 1962, §§ 10-2-5, 10-9-3

State law reference--Similar provisions, R.R.S. 1943, 60-6,110 to 60-6,114.