What is the main characteristic of Code 3?

The main characteristic of Code 3 is the use of red lights and sirens when responding to emergencies. This code is primarily employed when urgency is necessary, such as when an officer is responding to a situation that poses an immediate threat to life or safety. The audible sirens ensure that other drivers and pedestrians are alerted to the approaching emergency vehicle, facilitating a safe passage through traffic. Additionally, using lights and sirens communicates the critical nature of the call to all road users, emphasizing the need for them to yield the right of way.

In contrast, other answers describe scenarios that do not encapsulate the urgency and immediacy that Code 3 signifies. Normal speed without lights, for instance, would indicate a non-emergency response, while expediting without urgency suggests a lack of critical need that characterizes Code 3 situations. Lastly, stating no further assistance required implies a status where an emergency is already over, further detaching from the characteristics defining a Code 3 response.