§2057-A. Preemptive traffic light devices prohibited

1.  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.   [PL 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.   [PL 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.   [PL 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.   [PL 2013, c. 61, §1 (NEW).]

[PL 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.

[PL 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;   [PL 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;   [PL 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   [PL 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.   [PL 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.

[PL 2013, c. 61, §1 (AMD).]

SECTION HISTORY

PL 2003, c. 633, §6 (NEW). PL 2013, c. 61, §1 (AMD).