Wherever the term 'rescue squad' appears in this chapter, it shall refer to and include only those persons or organizations who are members of the Alabama Association of Rescue Squads.

Motor vehicles owned by volunteer rescue squads incorporated under the laws of Alabama and used exclusively as life saving, rescue or first aid vehicles without profit, and which are not rented, leased or loaned to any private individual, firm or corporation shall be exempt from payment of license and registration fees and all ad valorem taxes otherwise prescribed by law.

Any vehicle, to come under the provisions of this chapter, shall be painted a distinguishing color and shall display conspicuous letters and figures not less than three inches in height showing the identity of the volunteer rescue squad that owns the vehicle.

The treasurer of any rescue squad coming under the provisions of this chapter may apply to the Department of Revenue, giving the make, type, model, motor number and serial number of the vehicle or vehicles, together with such other information as the Department of Revenue shall require, which information shall be furnished under oath by such officer; and, if upon examination the same appears regular to the Department of Revenue, it shall issue to such treasurer the necessary number of tags to be placed on such vehicle, and such tags shall be used on no other vehicle than that for which issued. Such tags shall have the letters 'R. S.' and proper number stamped thereon. All replacement tags issued for such vehicles shall be similarly stamped or marked. For issuance of such tags and to cover the expense of preparing the same, the treasurer shall pay to the Department of Revenue the sum of $1.00 for the necessary tags for each vehicle to which this chapter applies.