N.Y. Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1104: Authorized emergency vehicles

§ 1104. Authorized emergency vehicles. (a) The driver of an authorized

emergency vehicle, when involved in an emergency operation, 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. Stop, stand or park irrespective of the provisions of this title;

2. Proceed past a steady red signal, a flashing red signal or a 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 directions of movement or turning

in specified directions.

(c) Except for an authorized emergency vehicle operated as a police

vehicle or bicycle, the exemptions herein granted to an authorized

emergency vehicle shall apply only when audible signals are sounded from

any said vehicle while in motion by bell, horn, siren, electronic device

or exhaust whistle as may be reasonably necessary, and when the vehicle

is equipped with at least one lighted lamp so that from any direction,

under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of five hundred feet

from such vehicle, at least one red light will be displayed and visible.

(d) An authorized emergency vehicle operated as a police, sheriff or

deputy sheriff vehicle may exceed the maximum speed limits for the

purpose of calibrating such vehicles' speedometer. Notwithstanding any

other law, rule or regulation to the contrary, a police, sheriff or

deputy sheriff bicycle operated as an authorized emergency vehicle shall

not be prohibited from using any sidewalk, highway, street or roadway

during an emergency operation.

(e) 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.

(f) Notwithstanding any other law, rule or regulation to the contrary,

an ambulance operated in the course of an emergency shall not be

prohibited from using any highway, street or roadway; provided, however,

that an authority having jurisdiction over any such highway, street or

roadway may specifically prohibit travel thereon by ambulances if such

authority shall deem such travel to be extremely hazardous and would

endanger patients being transported thereby.