§ 34-374. Exemption of ambulances from traffic regulations.

(a)

Traffic laws inapplicable. When the senior EMS provider in charge of an ambulance has reasonable grounds to believe that an emergency exists, the driver of the ambulance may, in the same manner as other fire department vehicles:

(1)

Park or stand, irrespective of the otherwise applicable rule of law established by ordinance;

(2)

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

(3)

Exceed the maximum speed limits permitted by the city so long as life or property is not endangered; or

(4)

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

(b)

Use of lights and siren. The exemptions listed in subsections (a)(1)—(4) of this section shall apply only when such ambulance is making use of audible and visual signals meeting the requirements of the regulations promulgated by the medical director. The exemption listed in subsection (a)(1) of this section shall apply only when such ambulance is making use of visual signals meeting those requirements.

(c)

Application to emergency responders, medical director, supervisors.

(1)

Non-fire department personnel. The restrictions and exemptions listed in this section shall apply to non-fire department emergency responders when participating in the prehospital emergency medical services system and not otherwise controlled by regulations promulgated by the supervising authority, the medical director and his assistants or associates and the fire chief.

(2)

Fire department. All the exemptions listed in subsection (a) of this section shall apply to the fire department. Emergency responders of the fire department will follow rules established by the fire chief.

(d)

Safety of all persons. The exemptions listed in subsection (a) do not relieve the driver from the duty to drive with regard for the safety of all persons.

(Ord. No. 071380, § 1, 12-13-07; Ord. No. 100122, § 1, 2-25-10)

Cross reference

Exemption from traffic regulations for authorized emergency vehicles, § 70-79.