Traffic signal preemption system, use of, permitted when
A traffic signal preemption system (TSPS) is a device that lets certain vehicles take control of a traffic light. Only approved people can use one — like drivers of emergency vehicles, bus operators, or traffic signal repair workers. The system stops working once the vehicle reaches the intersection. Anyone else who uses one to control traffic is breaking the law, which is a class B misdemeanor.
Classifications stated in the statute. Actual outcomes vary.
304.031. Traffic signal ion system, use of, permitted when — violations, . — 1. As used in this section, "Traffic Signal Preemption System (TSPS)" shall mean a traffic-control system for use by emergency vehicles, as defined in this section, to improve traffic movement by temporarily controlling signalized s.
2. The owner of a may authorize use of a TSPS by the following persons for the following purposes:
(1) An in an , or an authorized person who is an employee or member of an agency or which operates emergency vehicles, who may activate a TSPS from a station where the entity's emergency vehicles are based to control a traffic signal near that station, in to improve the safety and efficiency of emergency response operations;
(2) An authorized operator in a bus, in order to interrupt the cycle of the traffic control signal in such a way as to keep the green light showing for longer than it otherwise would;
(3) An authorized operator in a traffic signal vehicle, in order to facilitate traffic signal maintenance activities.
3. A TSPS used by an authorized person in an emergency vehicle or at a station where emergency vehicles are stationed shall preempt and override a device operated by any other person.
4. A traffic control signal operating device used as authorized under this section must operate in such a way that the device does not continue to control the signal once the vehicle containing the device has arrived at the intersection, regardless of whether the vehicle remains at the intersection. No motor vehicle driver shall be of any traffic violation if there is evidence that TSPS has been used by a government official to improperly change the sequence of the traffic signals.
5. It shall be for any person not approved herein to use a TSPS to control traffic.
6. Violation of this section shall be a .
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Source & history notes
(L. 2004 S.B. 1233, et al.)
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