§39 Traffic Signal Preemption Transmitters

Summary

You must not sell or use a device that changes traffic light timing or sequence in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce unless the buyer or user is authorized. Selling one to an unauthorized person can bring federal fines, up to 1 year in jail, or both. An unauthorized user who uses one can be fined, jailed up to 6 months, or both. A "traffic signal preemption transmitter" is any device that can change a traffic signal's timing or order. A "nonqualifying user" is someone not acting for a government agency or a private company legally providing fire, police, emergency medical, transit, maintenance, or similar government services. Classroom or instructional use is not treated as nonqualifying.