(a) It shall be unlawful for the operator of any vehicle, except as is otherwise provided in this Section, before entering a through highway, to fail to come to a complete stop, within a reasonable distance, before entering such intersection on such through highway, when official “”Thru Traffic Stop”” sign or signs have been erected in accordance with the provisions of this Title.

(b) It shall be unlawful for the operator of any vehicle, except as is otherwise provided in this Section, before entering a stop section, to fail to come to a full stop, within a reasonable distance, before entering the intersection, when an official “”Stop”” sign or signs have been erected in accordance with the provisions of this Title.

(c) The operator of any vehicle shall not be subject to the provisions of this Section during the hours when a mechanical traffic signal is actually in operation or when a peace officer is actually on duty directing traffic at the scene.

(d) The provisions of this Section shall not apply to vehicles operating under the direction of the police in the chase or apprehension of violators of the law or persons charged with or suspected of any such violation, nor to vehicles of the fire department while responding to a fire alarm, nor to ambulances while traveling in emergencies, but this Subsection shall not protect the operator of any such vehicles from an unnecessary disregard of the safety of other persons or vehicles upon the highways.

SOURCE: GC § 23129, as enacted by P.L. 1-088 (Nov. 29, 1952).