§ 154-11. Exemptions to authorized emergency vehicles.

(a)

The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle, when responding to an emergency call, or when in 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 herein stated.

(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 or stopping as may be necessary for safe operation;

(3)

Exceed the stated speed limit so long as he does not endanger life or property;

(4)

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

(c)

The exceptions herein granted to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when such vehicle is making use of audible or visual signals sufficient to warn motorists of their approach, except that a police vehicle need not be equipped with or display a red light visible from the front of the vehicle.

(d)

The foregoing provision shall not relieve the driver of an authorized vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor shall such provision protect the driver from the consequences of his reckless disregard for the safety of others.

(Code 1956, § 38-21)

State law reference

Emergency vehicles; exceptions, R.S. 32:24.