CHAPTER 192

An Act to amend and reenact § 46-241.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating
to the operation of vehicles under the direction of police officers and
vehicles used for fighting fire and rescue purposes under certain
circumstances.

[S 47]

Approved March 2, 1956

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

b That § 46-241.1 of the Code of Virginia be amended and reenacted as
ollows:

§ 46-241.1. The operator of any publicly owned vehicle operated by or
under the direction of a police officer in the chase or apprehension of
violators of the law or persons charged with or suspected of any such
violation *; the operator of any vehicle used for the purpose of fighting
fire or a vehicle owned by a political subdivision of the Commonwealth, for
rescue purposes, when traveling in response to a fire alarm or respirator
call ; and the operator of any ambulance or other rescue or life saving
vehicle, whether such vehicle is publicly owned or operated by a nonprofit
corporation or association when such vehicle is being used in the per-
formance of public services, and when such vehicle is travelling to an
emergency, may, without subjecting himself to criminal prosecution:

(1) Proceed past a red signal, light, stop sign or device indicating
moving traffic shall stop under the following circumstances: (a) that the
speed and movement of the vehicle shall be reduced and controlled so that
it can pass the signal, light or device with due regard for the safety of
persons and property; (b) that a flashing, blinking or alternating red light
shall be displayed and audible signal by siren or exhaust whistle is given so
as to give persons on the highway reasonable warning of the approach of
the vehicle.

(2) Park or stand notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter.

(3) Disregard regulations governing a direction of movement of
vehicles turning in specified directions so long as the operator does not
endanger life or property.

These exemptions, hereinbefore granted to such a moving vehicle, shall
apply only when the operator of such vehicle displays a flashing, blinking
or alternating red light and sounds a siren, bell or exhaust whistle, as may
be reasonably necessary, and * only when there is in force and effect for
such vehicle standard automobile liability insurance covering injury or
death to any one person in the sum of at least $25,000. Such exemptions
shall not, however, protect the operator of any such vehicle from criminal
prosecution for conduct constituting reckless disregard of the safety of
persons and property. Nothing in this section shall be construed to release
the operator of any such vehicle from civil liability for failure to use
reasonable care in such operation.

2. The provisions of this act shall not be construed so as to repeal, amend
or affect the provisions of any city ordinance or charter provisions of any
city in conflict therewith.