10/14/04-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill Aug. 27 outlawing a device that can change some traffic signals from red to green.
The bill’s passage into law was contingent on the passage of a similar Senate bill – SB1085 – which was signed into law last month.
A traffic-light changer is designed to allow police, fire and other emergency officials to clear intersections before they approach.
The new law, previously AB340, unanimously passed the Assembly on Jan. 29 and the Senate July 29.
It is intended to deter anyone other than public safety and transit agencies from using mobile infrared transmitters, or MIRTs.
Under the new law, the unauthorized purchase or sale of the device could result in a fine of up to $1,000. Anyone caught selling or buying two or more of the transmitters could be fined up to $3,000.
A person with an unauthorized device who causes an injury or death in a traffic accident would face six months imprisonment and a fine between $5,000 and $10,000.
The transmitters, which sit on a vehicle’s dash, are not regulated by current federal standards because they rely on a beam of light instead of a radio wave to trigger the light-changing mechanisms that have been attached to some intersections.

3/4/04-The Senate Transportation Committee is reviewing a bill that would outlaw a device that can change some traffic signals from red to green.
A traffic-light changer is designed to allow police, fire and other emergency officials to clear intersections before they approach.
The measure, which previously passed the Assembly 79-0, is intended to deter anyone other than public safety and transit agencies from using mobile infrared transmitters, or MIRT.
Under AB340, sponsored by Assemblyman Dario Frommer, D-Glendale, the unauthorized purchase or sale of the device would result in a fine of up to $1,000. Anyone caught selling or buying two or more of the transmitters would be fined up to $3,000.
A person with an unauthorized device who causes an injury or death in a traffic accident would face six months imprisonment and a fine up to $10,000.
The bill also would permit law enforcement to conduct online stings.
The transmitters, which sit on a vehicle’s dash, are not regulated by current federal standards because they rely on a beam of light instead of a radio wave to trigger the light-changing mechanisms that have been attached to some intersections.

2/9/04-The Assembly unanimously endorsed a bill that would outlaw a device that can change some traffic signals from red to green.
A traffic-light changer is designed to allow police, fire and other emergency officials to clear intersections before they approach.
Assembly lawmakers voted 79-0 Jan. 29 to advance the measure intended to deter anyone other than public safety and transit agencies from using mobile infrared transmitters, or MIRT. It has been forwarded to the Senate for consideration.
Under AB340, sponsored by Assemblyman Dario Frommer, D-Glendale, the unauthorized purchase or sale of the device would result in a fine of up to $1,000. Anyone caught selling or buying two or more of the transmitters would be fined up to $3,000.
A person with an unauthorized device who causes an injury or death in a traffic accident would face six months imprisonment and a fine up to $10,000.
The bill also would permit law enforcement to conduct online stings.
The transmitters, which sit on a vehicle’s dash, are not regulated by current federal standards because they rely on a beam of light instead of a radio wave to trigger the light-changing mechanisms that have been attached to some intersections.
For bill status, call (916) 445-2323.

1/20/04-Assemblyman Dario Frommer, D-Glendale, has drafted a bill to outlaw the controllers that can change some traffic signals from red to green.
AB340 would ban the sale or use of Mobile Infrared Transmitters, or MIRT, by anyone other than public safety and transit agencies.
Under the bill, the unauthorized purchase or sale of the device would result in a fine of up to $1,000. Anyone caught selling or buying two or more of the transmitters would be fined up to $3,000.
A person with an unauthorized device who causes an injury or death in a traffic accident would face six months imprisonment and a fine up to $10,000.
The bill also would permit law enforcement to conduct online stings.
A traffic-light changer is designed to allow police, fire and other emergency officials to clear intersections before they approach. But some impatient drivers have managed to purchase them on the Internet.
The devices, which sit on a vehicle’s dash, are not regulated by current federal standards because they rely on a beam of light instead of a radio wave to trigger the light-changing mechanisms that have been attached to some intersections.
For Assembly bill status, call (916) 445-2323.
A similar Senate bill – SB1085 – is in the Senate Transportation Committee.