Exemption of authorized emergency vehicles.
Seattle Mun. Code § 11.12.080
in effect11.12.080 - Exemption of 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 stated in this chapter.
B. The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may:
1. Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this subtitle;
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:
Provided, that ambulances shall not exceed the posted speed limit by more than five (5) miles per hour and shall not proceed through stop signs or red traffic signal lights without first making a full stop and permitting traffic to clear the intersection; and provided further, that Fire Department vehicles, including aid cars and other vehicles, shall not be subject to the above restrictions on the operation of ambulances.
C. The exemptions granted in this section to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when such vehicle is making use of visual signals meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.190, except that:
1. An authorized emergency vehicle operated as a police vehicle need not be equipped with or display a red light visible from in front of the vehicle;
2. Authorized emergency vehicles shall use audible signals when necessary to warn others of the emergency nature of the situation but in no case shall they be required to use audible signals while parked or standing.
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. (RCW 46.61.035)
(Ord. 108200, § 2(11.12.080), 1979.)
Source: City of Seattle, Seattle Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT11VETR_SUBTITLE_ITRCO_PT1GEPRAD_CH11.12APCO_11.12.080EXAUEMVEFetched: 11/1/2026