Section 2057-A - Preemptive traffic light devices prohibited1.Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Lighted traffic control device" means a traffic control device conforming to the requirements of section 2057, subsection 1. [2003, c. 633, §6(NEW).]B. "Preemptive traffic light device" means a device, including a signal prioritization device or a signal preemption device, capable of altering or interrupting the normal cycle of a lighted traffic control device or equipment associated with the functionality of a lighted traffic control device. [2013, c. 61, §1(AMD).]C. "Signal preemption device" means a device that, when activated and when a vehicle equipped with such a device approaches an intersection controlled by a lighted traffic control device, causes: (1) The signal, in the direction of travel of the vehicle, to remain green if the signal is already displaying a green light or to change from red to green if the signal is displaying a red light;(2) The signal, in other directions of travel, to remain red or change to red, as applicable, to prevent other vehicles from entering the intersection; and(3) The applicable functions described in subparagraphs (1) and (2) to continue until the vehicle equipped with the device is clear of the intersection. [2013, c. 61, §1(NEW).]D. "Signal prioritization device" means a device that, when activated and when a vehicle equipped with such a device approaches an intersection controlled by a lighted traffic control device, causes:(1) The signal, in the direction of travel of the vehicle, to display a green light sooner than the green light would otherwise be displayed;(2) The signal, in the direction of travel of the vehicle, to display a green light longer than the green light would otherwise be displayed; and(3) The applicable functions described in subparagraphs (1) and (2) to continue until the vehicle equipped with the device is clear of the intersection. [2013, c. 61, §1(NEW).] [2013, c. 61, §1(AMD).]
2.Violation. A person commits a Class E crime if that person possesses a preemptive traffic light device or operates or allows the operation of a motor vehicle, vehicle, motorized wheelchair, electric personal mobility device, scooter or bicycle equipped with a preemptive traffic light device. [2003, c. 633, §6(NEW).]
3.Exemptions. This section does not apply to:A. An authorized emergency vehicle equipped with a signal prioritization device or signal preemption device or both maintained by a municipality, county or state agency or an ambulance or emergency medical services vehicle as defined in section 2054, subsection 1; [2013, c. 61, §1(AMD).]B. Transit route buses equipped with signal prioritization devices engaged in the transportation of passengers and maintained by or contracted to a municipal, county or state agency; [2013, c. 61, §1(AMD).]C. A vehicle equipped with a signal prioritization device used by the Department of Transportation for the purpose of installing, maintaining or testing a lighted traffic control device; or [2013, c. 61, §1(AMD).]D. A vehicle equipped with a signal prioritization device owned or contracted by a municipality engaged in snow removal or sanding operations on a public way and authorized by the municipal officers or a vehicle equipped with a signal prioritization device owned or contracted by a county or state agency engaged in snow removal or sanding operations on a public way. [2013, c. 61, §1(NEW).] A vehicle under paragraph B, C or D may not operate a signal prioritization device in a manner that impedes or interferes with the use of a signal prioritization device by a vehicle under paragraph A. A vehicle under paragraph C may not operate a signal prioritization device in a manner that impedes or interferes with the use of a signal prioritization device by a vehicle under paragraphs B and D.
[2013, c. 61, §1(AMD).]
Amended by 2013, c. 61,§ 1, eff. 5/7/2013.2003, c. 633, § 6 (NEW) .