§ 25-75. Operation of 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 section.

(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 maximum speed limits so long as he does not endanger life or property;

(4)

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

(c)

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

(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 these provisions protect the driver from the consequences of his reckless disregard for the safety of others.

(Code 1967, §§ 14-13, 14-44; Ord. No. 1739, § A(1)(d), 5-6-68; Ord. No. 3015, § 1-2, 8-11-80)

State law reference

Similar provisions, RSMo 300.100, 304.022, 307.175.