1/27/04-A bill in the House Transportation Committee would prohibit the sale or use of a device that can change some traffic signals from red to green.
The measure is intended to deter anyone other than public safety and transit agencies from using Mobile Infrared Transmitters, or MIRT.
Under HB155, sponsored by Delegate Mitchell Van Yahres, D-Charlottesville, a person caught selling or using the device could be fined.
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.
For House bill status, call (804) 698-1500. In Virginia, call 1-888-892-6948.
A similar House bill – HB87 – also is in the House Transportation Committee.