CHAPTER 356

An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding thereto a section num-
bered 46-241.1, relating to the operation of vehicles under the direc-
tion of police officers and of vehicles used for fighting fire and resus-
citation of persons under certain circumstances. 'H 216

J

Approved April 2, 1954
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia be amended by adding thereto a section
numbered 46-241.1 as follows:

§ 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, and 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 respir-
ator call 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
vehicle or 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 has in effect standard auto-
mobile liability insurance covering injury or death to any one person in
the sum of at least $25,000. Such exemptions shall not, however, pro-
tect the operator of any such vehicle from criminal prosecution for con-
duct constituting reckless disregard of the safety of persons and prop-
erty. 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.