(a) As used in this section, “traffic signal preemption device” means a device capable of altering the timing or phasing of a traffic control signal.
(b) No person shall use a traffic signal preemption device unless such person, in furtherance of such person's duties, is (1) installing or maintaining a traffic control signal; (2) operating railroad equipment or a movable bridge; (3) operating a transit vehicle on behalf of the Department of Transportation; (4) operating a motor vehicle owned by the federal or state government, a municipal government or fire district in responding to an emergency; or (5) operating an ambulance in responding to an emergency. No traffic signal preemption device shall be in, or part of, a motor vehicle unless (A) the motor vehicle is owned or controlled by the federal or state government, a municipal government or fire district, (B) the motor vehicle is an ambulance, or (C) such vehicle is being used in the course of manufacturing, transporting, installing or maintaining such a device.
(c) No person shall possess a traffic signal preemption device unless such person is a manufacturer specializing in the manufacture of such devices, a vendor authorized by a manufacturer specializing in the manufacture of such devices or a repairer of such devices.
(d) No person shall sell or transfer possession of a traffic signal preemption device unless (1) such person is a manufacturer specializing in the manufacture of such devices, a vendor authorized by a manufacturer specializing in the manufacture of such devices or a repairer of such devices, and (2) such sale or transfer of possession is to the federal or state government, a municipal government or fire district, ambulance operator or to a vendor or repairer of such devices.
(e) Any person who violates any provision of subsection (b), (c) or (d) of this section shall be fined not more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than three months, or both.
(f) Any person who violates any provision of subsection (b) of this section which violation results in a traffic accident shall be guilty of a class D felony, except that such person shall be fined not more than fifteen thousand dollars.
(P.A. 05-242, S. 1; P.A. 12-80, S. 166; P.A. 13-258, S. 60.)
History: P.A. 05-242 effective July 1, 2005; P.A. 12-80 amended Subsec. (e) to replace maximum term of imprisonment of “ninety days” with “three months”; P.A. 13-258 amended Subsec. (f) to substitute provisions re class D felony for provision re imprisonment of not more than 5 years.
Structure Connecticut General Statutes
Title 14 - Motor Vehicles. Use of the Highway by Vehicles. Gasoline
Chapter 249 - Traffic Control and Highway Safety
Section 14-297. - Definitions.
Section 14-298. - Office of the State Traffic Administration.
Section 14-299. - Traffic control signals. Right turn on red.
Section 14-299a. - Traffic signal preemption devices. Penalty.
Section 14-299b. - Inoperative traffic control signal.
Section 14-300a. - Pedestrian street markings near housing projects for elderly persons.
Section 14-300b. - Pedestrian use of crosswalks and roadways.
Section 14-300c. - Pedestrian use of roads and sidewalks. Required to yield to emergency vehicle.
Section 14-300d. - Operator of a vehicle required to exercise due care to avoid pedestrian.
Section 14-300g. - Operation of golf carts. Equipment. Insurance.
Section 14-301. - Through ways. Stop signs.
Section 14-302. - “Yield” signs.
Section 14-303. - Designation of one-way streets.
Section 14-304. - Safety zones.
Section 14-305. - Bus stops and public service motor vehicle stands.
Section 14-306. - Taxi stands in front of hotels.
Section 14-307. - Parking restrictions. Regulations.
Section 14-307a. - Pedestrian safety zones. Regulations.
Section 14-308. - Loading and unloading.
Section 14-310. - Fraudulent or obstructive signs and signals.
Section 14-311a. - New certificate for increase in parking spaces.
Section 14-311b. - Traffic controls for certain parking areas and commercial establishments.
Section 14-312. - Regulations.
Section 14-314a. - Periodic review of traffic control signals and signs.
Section 14-314b. - Injury to or removal of traffic control devices, signs or lights.
Section 14-316 and 14-317. - Commissioners to serve without compensation; offices. Assistants.