6/27/05-A bill to outlaw the use of devices that can change some traffic signals from red to green has died.
SB119, sponsored by Sen. Michael Willliams, R-Maynardville, remained in the Senate Transportation Committee at the close of the session.
A traffic-light changer is designed to allow police, fire and other emergency officials to clear intersections before they approach.
The bill called for violators to face up to 30 days in jail and/or a $50 fine.
It was intended to deter anyone other than public safety and transit agencies from using so-called mobile infrared transmitters, or MIRTs.
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 similar House bill – HB508 – met the same fate.

3/4/05-A bill in the Senate Transportation Committee 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.
Sponsored by Sen. Michael Willliams, R-Maynardville, SB119 calls for violators to face up to 30 days in jail and/or a $50 fine.
It is intended to deter anyone other than public safety and transit agencies from using so-called mobile infrared transmitters, or MIRTs.
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 (615) 741-3511.
A similar House bill – HB508 – is in the House Transportation Committee.