Unless otherwise specified, "ambulance" means any privately or publicly owned motor vehicle that is specially designed or constructed and equipped and is intended to be used for and is maintained or operated for the transportation of patients, including dual-purpose police patrol cars and funeral coaches or hearses, which otherwise comply with the provisions of this title, except any such motor vehicle owned by or operated under the direct control of the United States, this state, or any political subdivision or instrumentality of either. (Prior code § 11-04-004)