4/20/04-Gov. Mark Warner signed legislation – HB87 – prohibiting 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 new law, which takes effect July 1, is intended to deter anyone other than public safety and transit agencies from using the so-called mobile infrared transmitters, or MIRT.
The new law doesn’t dictate a penalty for using the device, so having one would likely become a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of up to $250.

3/5/04-The Senate unanimously approved a bill that would prohibit the sale or use of a device that can change some traffic signals from red to green. It now heads to Gov. Mark Warner for his signature.
The Senate voted 38-0 Feb. 24 to advance the measure. It previously won approval in the House.
A traffic-light changer is designed to allow police, fire and other emergency officials to clear intersections before they approach.
The bill, sponsored by Delegate L. Scott Lingamfelter, R-Woodbridge, is intended to deter anyone other than public safety and transit agencies from using the so-called mobile infrared transmitters, or MIRT.
HB87 doesn’t dictate a penalty for using the device.
For bill status, call (804) 698-1500. In Virginia, call 1-888-892-6948.

1/30/04-The House Transportation Committee unanimously approved a bill Jan. 27 that would prohibit the sale or use of a device that can change some traffic signals from red to green.
HB87, sponsored by Delegate Scott Lingamfelter, R-Woodbridge, is intended to deter anyone other than public safety and transit agencies from using Mobile Infrared Transmitters, or MIRT. The bill doesn’t dictate a penalty for using the device.
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 bill now goes to the floor of the House for consideration.
For House bill status, call (804) 698-1500. In Virginia, call 1-888-892-6948.

1/21/04-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.
HB87, sponsored by Delegate Scott Lingamfelter, R-Woodbridge, is intended to deter anyone other than public safety and transit agencies from using Mobile Infrared Transmitters, or MIRT.
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 – HB155 – also is in the House Transportation Committee.