What does the term "authorized emergency vehicle" refer to?

The term "authorized emergency vehicle" refers specifically to vehicles that are legally designated for emergency responses, such as police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances. These vehicles are equipped and authorized to respond to emergencies, which often involves running lights and sirens to alert civilian traffic to yield, allowing them to quickly reach the scene of an emergency.

This designation also includes the legal privileges that come with it, such as the ability to exceed speed limits in appropriate situations or to disregard certain traffic regulations when necessary to perform emergency duties. The role of these vehicles is critical in maintaining public safety and efficiently managing emergency situations.

The other definitions do not accurately describe what constitutes an "authorized emergency vehicle." For instance, parking regulations do not define emergency vehicles, nor do special permit requirements or the notion of being able to exceed speed limits at all times without regard to context.