§ 31-13-10.1. Traffic control signal preemption devices. (a) As used in this section, "traffic control signal preemption device" means any device, either mechanical or electrical, that emits a pulse of light or other signal that, when received by a detector attached to a traffic control signal, changes that traffic control signal to a green light or, if the traffic control signal is already green, extends the duration of the green light.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (d), no retailer or manufacturer shall sell or install any traffic control signal preemption device on a motor vehicle, nor may any such device be transported in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, nor be operated by the driver or passenger of a motor vehicle.

(c) Any person who shall violate the provisions of subsection (b) of this section shall be fined not less than five hundred dollars ($500), which fine shall be deposited into the state general fund.

(d) Installation of a traffic control signal preemption device is permitted on the following vehicles, and operation of the device is permitted as follows:

(1) Police department vehicles, when responding to a bona fide emergency, when used in combination with red or blue oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights;

(2) Law enforcement vehicles of state or local authorities, when responding to a bona fide emergency, when used in combination with red oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights; and

(3) Vehicles of local fire departments and state or federal firefighting vehicles, when responding to a bona fide emergency, when used in combination with red oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights.

(4) Buses under the operation and/or control of the Rhode Island public transit authority, only when used to prolong a green light signal.

History of Section. (P.L. 2004, ch. 384, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 450, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 35, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 263, § 1.)