3/22/05-Gov. Ernie Fletcher has approved a bill to outlaw the use of devices that can change some traffic signals from red to green from as far away as 1,500 feet.
Traffic-light changers are designed to allow police, fire and other emergency officials to clear intersections before they approach. But some drivers have managed to purchase them on the Internet for less than a couple of hundred dollars.
The new law, previously HB17, is intended to deter anyone other than public safety and transit agencies from using so-called mobile infrared transmitters, or MIRTs.
A person caught using such a device could be fined up to $500. A person involved in an accident resulting in injuries while using the device could face up to one year in prison in addition to a fine.
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.
When a signal changer on a traffic light detects an approaching emergency vehicle equipped with the device, the light responds accordingly. If the light is red, the signal changer will immediately give vehicles in other directions a yellow light, followed by a red light. The emergency vehicle will get a green light until it passes through the intersection.

3/8/05-The Senate has unanimously approved a bill that would outlaw the use of devices that can change some traffic signals from red to green.
Traffic-light changers are designed to allow police, fire and other emergency officials to clear intersections before they approach.
The bill, which previously passed the House 99-1, is headed to Gov. Ernie Fletcher for approval.
HB17 is intended to deter anyone other than public safety and transit agencies from using so-called mobile infrared transmitters, or MIRTs.
Under the bill, sponsored by Rep. John Vincent, R-Ashland, a person caught using the device could be fined up to $500. A person involved in an accident resulting in injuries while using the device could face up to one year in prison in addition to a fine.
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 bill status, call (502) 564-8100. In Kentucky, call 1-866-301-9004.

2/25/05-The Senate Transportation Committee has advanced a measure that would outlaw the use of devices 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.
HB17, sponsored by Rep. John Vincent, R-Ashland, is intended to deter anyone other than public safety and transit agencies from using so-called mobile infrared transmitters, or MIRTs.
Under the bill, a person caught using the device could be fined up to $500. A person involved in an accident resulting in injuries while using the device could face up to one year in prison in addition to a fine.
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.
The bill, which previously passed the House, has been forwarded to the full Senate for consideration.
For bill status, call (502) 564-8100. In Kentucky, call 1-866-301-9004.

2/14/05-The House has approved a bill 99-1 on Feb. 8 that would outlaw the use of devices 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.
HB17, sponsored by Rep. John Vincent, R-Ashland, is intended to deter anyone other than public safety and transit agencies from using so-called mobile infrared transmitters, or MIRTs.
Under the proposal, a person caught using the device could be fined up to $500.
A person involved in an accident resulting in injuries while using the device could face up to one year in prison and/or a $500 fine.
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.
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 Senate for consideration.
For bill status, call (502) 564-8100. In Kentucky, call 1-866-301-9004.