§ 6-42. Privileges granted 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 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 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 herein granted to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when the driver of any vehicle while in motion sound audible signal by bell, siren, or exhaust whistle.

(d)

The foregoing provisions 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 such provisions protect the driver from the consequences of his reckless disregard for the safety of others.

(Code 1963, § 25-31)

State law reference

Applicability of traffic-control devices and speed restrictions to emergency vehicles, Miss. Code Ann. 1972, §§ 63-3-315, 63-3-517; lights on emergency vehicles, Miss. Code Ann. 1972, § 63-7-19.

Cross reference

Ambulances, § 4-26 et seq.