10/14/04-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill Sept. 9 outlawing the controllers that can change some traffic signals from red to green.
The bill’s passage into law was contingent on the passage of a similar Assembly bill – AB340 – which was signed into law in August.
A traffic-light changer is designed to allow police, fire and other emergency officials to clear intersections before they approach.
The new law, previously SB1085, unanimously passed the Senate April 29 and the Assembly Aug. 9.
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 use of the device could result in a fine of up to $3,000. Anyone caught selling the transmitters could be fined up to $5,000.
A person with an unauthorized device who causes an injury or death in a traffic accident could face six months imprisonment and a fine up to $10,000.
The devices 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.

1/20/04-Sen. Kevin Murray, D-Los Angeles, has drafted a bill to outlaw the controllers that can change some traffic signals from red to green.
SB1085 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 use of the device would result in a fine of up to $3,000. Anyone caught selling the transmitters would be fined up to $5,000.
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.
A traffic-light changer is designed to allow police, fire and other emergency officials to clear intersections before they approach.
The devices 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 Senate bill status, call (916) 445-4251.
A similar Assembly bill – AB340 – is in the Assembly Committee on Appropriations.