Comment Re:So.. drive them somewhere? (Score 3) 103
The CA statute does not state that ambulances can exceed the speed *limit* by 15 MPH when ignoring a stop sign or stop signal; it states very plainly that the ambulance cannot exceed the speed of 15 MPH when doing so. In other words, the ambulance has to slow down (typically) to 15 MPH when passing through such intersections.
Similarly, the FL statute states that the absolute speed limit for ambulances is 40 MPH, except in cases of "extreme emergency". It does not state that ambulances can exceed the normal speed *limit* by 40 MPH.
It varies by jurisdiction, but no, they don't. At least in California, they can legally exceed the speed limit:
(b) Speed Restriction. In no event shall an ambulance driver exceed a speed of 15 miles per hour while disobeying any official traffic control stop sign or stop signal.
So that means that while going through, say, a red light, not only can they legally go through it, but then can, at most, exceed the speed limit by 15 MPH while doing it.
Here is the relevant law for Hollywood, FL:
No ambulance shall exceed the speed of 40 miles per hour except in cases of extreme emergency.
Which means they can exceed the speed limit by 39 MPH for "non-extreme" emergencies.