Traffic signal preemption transmitters
Official text prohibited actmental stateif conditionpenaltylegal term
(a) Offenses.
(1) Sale. Whoever, in or affecting , knowingly sells a traffic signal preemption transmitter to a nonqualifying user shall be , or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both.
(2) Use. Whoever, in or affecting , being a nonqualifying user makes unauthorized use of a traffic signal preemption transmitter shall be , or imprisoned not more than 6 months, or both.
(b) Definitions. In this section, the following definitions apply:
(1) Traffic signal preemption transmitter. The term "traffic signal preemption transmitter" means any mechanism that can change or alter a traffic signal's phase time or sequence.
(2) Nonqualifying user. The term "nonqualifying user" means a person who uses a traffic signal preemption transmitter and is not acting on behalf of a public agency or private corporation authorized by law to provide fire protection, law enforcement, emergency medical services, transit services, maintenance, or other services for a Federal, State, or local government entity, but does not include a person using a traffic signal preemption transmitter for classroom or instructional purposes.
History: (Added Pub. L. 109–59, title II, §2018(a), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1542.)
Simplified explanation
It is a federal crime to knowingly sell a traffic signal preemption transmitter (a device that can change a traffic light's timing or sequence) to someone not authorized to use one. It is also a crime for an unauthorized person to use one. Authorized users include people acting for agencies or companies that provide services like fire, police, ambulance, transit, or maintenance for a government.