7/9/04-A new state law outlaws the sale or use of a device that can change some traffic signals from red to green.
The new law, previously H7119, became effective July 7 without Gov. Donald Carcieri’s signature.
A traffic-light changer is designed to allow police, fire and other emergency officials to clear intersections before they approach.
The provision is intended to deter anyone other than public safety and transit agencies from using the so-called mobile infrared transmitters, or MIRT.
Under the new law, a person caught selling or using the device could be fined a minimum of $500.
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.

1/12/04-A bill introduced in the House Jan. 8 would outlaw the sale or use of a device that can change some traffic signals from red to green.
H7119, sponsored by Rep. Joseph McNamara, D-Warwick, is intended to deter anyone other than public safety and transit agencies from using Mobile Infrared Transmitters, or MIRT.
Under the bill, a person caught selling or using the device could be fined $500.
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.
A traffic-light changer is designed to allow police, fire and other emergency officials to clear intersections before they approach. The device has been in use at intersections since the early 1970s.
A recent U.S. Department of Transportation survey showed the devices are in use at 26,500 intersections in 78 cities across the country.
The bill has been forwarded to the House Judiciary Committee. For bill status, call (401) 222-3580. In Rhode Island, call 1-800-547-8880.