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| Legislative Watch | 
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Michigan |
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10/31/03-Infrared
traffic-signal controllers sold over the Internet are illegal
in Michigan, the state’s Department of Transportation announced recently.
The devices are designed to take advantage of a traffic signal function meant for use by emergency response personnel. Firefighters have the devices on their trucks so as they approach intersections, the light will change to green and allow the fire truck to arrive more quickly at the site of an emergency.
However, recently, the devices have become available to the public through certain Internet sites, some of which cater to motorcycle enthusiasts.
MDOT officials conducted research to determine whether the devices were legal in Michigan. On Oct. 29, the agency released a statement that under a 1949 law forbidding interfering with a traffic signal, they are against the law. The agency now wants the Legislature to take further action.
Rep. Aldo Vagnozzi, D-Farmington Hills, has proposed a bill to make the use or sale of the devices a felony. In addition, the purchase, possession or use of traffic-light changers would be against the law under a bill proposed by Sens. Tony Stamas, R-Midland, and Jud Gilbert, R-Algonac.
The devices are designed to take advantage of a traffic signal function meant for use by emergency response personnel. Firefighters have the devices on their trucks so as they approach intersections, the light will change to green and allow the fire truck to arrive more quickly at the site of an emergency.
However, recently, the devices have become available to the public through certain Internet sites, some of which cater to motorcycle enthusiasts.
MDOT officials conducted research to determine whether the devices were legal in Michigan. On Oct. 29, the agency released a statement that under a 1949 law forbidding interfering with a traffic signal, they are against the law. The agency now wants the Legislature to take further action.
Rep. Aldo Vagnozzi, D-Farmington Hills, has proposed a bill to make the use or sale of the devices a felony. In addition, the purchase, possession or use of traffic-light changers would be against the law under a bill proposed by Sens. Tony Stamas, R-Midland, and Jud Gilbert, R-Algonac.