Prohibits any person from interfering with any official traffic control device or railroad sign or signal

BILL NUMBER:S1119

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to prohibiting the use of any device which affects the operation of a traffic-control signal

Purpose

To prohibit the operation of any vehicle, except an emergency vehicle or public transit vehicle authorized to use a traffic priority device, that is equipped with a device which affects the operation of a traffic or public transit control signal.

Summary of provisions

The bill defines the term 'traffic-control signal preemption device' and makes it a violation to alter a traffic-control signal by attempting to change the signal indications by use of such device. The bill also provides exceptions where the operator can show by credible evidence that he or she was not aware of the presence of the device.

Justification

There are people willing to pay as much as $1,000 for a device that allows them to change a red light to green right from their drivers' seat as if they were law enforcement officers on call. The purpose of the existence of such devices is for emergency access and not for the convenience for someone who wants to get home earlier from work or to dodge traffic. These devices exist and are currently in use by non-emergency personnel. Public safety dictates the need to make the use of such devices illegal by persons other than duly authorized emergency and public transit personnel. Such devices flaunt public safety concerns and could cause serious personal injury or death on New York roadways.

Legislative history

2007-2008: S.4423/A.2646; 2009-10 S.4128/A.7508; 2011-12 S.2754/A.4020; 2013-14 S.4595/A.2380.

Fiscal implications

None

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first of November next succeeding the date on which it shall have become law.