CHAPTER 15

An Act to amend and reenact § 46.1-199 of the Code of Virginia, relating
to exemptions to speed limitations. tH 74]

Approved February 10, 1964

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. p (esi § 46.1-199 of the Code of Virginia be amended and reenacted
as follows:

§ 46.1-199. (a) The speed limitations set forth in this chapter shall
not apply to vehicles when operated with due regard for safety under the
direction of the police in the chase or apprehension of violators of the
law, or of persons charged with or suspected of any such violations, or in
testing the accuracy of speedometers on police vehicles, or in testing the
accuracy of the radio microwave or other electrical devices specified in
§ 46.1-198 nor to fire department vehicles when traveling in response to
a fire alarm or pulmotor call, nor to ambulances when traveling in emer-
gencies outside the corporate limits of cities and towns.

(b) These exemptions, hereinbefore granted to such a moving ve-
hicle, shall apply only when the operator of such vehicle displays a flash-
ing, 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 cover-
ing 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 con-
strued to release the operator of any such vehicle from civil liability for
failure to use reasonable care in such operation.