(a) Notwithstanding any other laws to the contrary, an emergency vehicle may operate at a gross weight not exceeding 86,000 pounds, subject to a maximum weight of:

(1) 24,000 pounds on a single steering axle;

(2) 33,500 pounds on a single drive axle;

(3) 62,000 pounds on a tandem axle;

(4) 52,000 pounds on a tandem rear drive steer axle.

(b) As used in this section, “emergency vehicle” means a vehicle designed to be used under emergency conditions to:

(1) Transport personnel and equipment; and

(2) support the suppression of fires and mitigation of other hazardous situations.