(a) As used in this section, “traffic control signal preemption device” means any device that emits a pulse of light or other signal that, when received by a detector attached to a traffic control signal alters or interferes with normal operation of the traffic control device.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (d) or (e) of this section, a traffic control signal preemption device may not be installed on a motor vehicle, may not be transported in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, and may not be operated by the driver or passenger of a motor vehicle. No person who is not in a motor vehicle shall operate a traffic control signal preemption device. Violation of this subsection is an unclassified misdemeanor and upon arrest the device shall be seized and those convicted shall forfeit the traffic control signal preemption device and shall also be fined not less than $250 nor more than $750 and/or be sentenced to up to 3 months incarceration at Level V.
(c) No one may sell a traffic control signal preemption device, whether or not installed in a vehicle, to any person or entity for any intended use other than operation as permitted under subsection (d) or (e) of this section. Violation of this subsection is a class A misdemeanor.
(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) Law-enforcement vehicles registered to state, county, or local authorities, when responding to a bona fide emergency, when used in combination with sirens and/or flashing lights.
(2) Vehicles registered to local fire departments and state or federal firefighting vehicles, when responding to a bona fide emergency, when used in combination with sirens and/or flashing lights.
(3) Vehicles that are designed and used exclusively as ambulances, paramedic or rescue vehicles, when responding to a bona fide emergency, when used in combination with sirens and/or flashing lights.
(4) Vehicles that are equipped and used exclusively as organ transport vehicles, when the transportation is declared an emergency by a member of the transplant team or a representative of the organ procurement organization, when used in combination with sirens and/or flashing lights.
(5) Vehicles registered to the Delaware Emergency Management Agency when responding to a bona fide emergency, when used in combination with sirens and/or flashing lights.
(6) Vehicles owned and operated by the Department of Transportation equipped to install, test and repair traffic signals when used for that express purpose.
(7) Department of Transportation vehicles that are expressly authorized by the Secretary of the Department of Transportation.
(e) Vehicles identified in paragraphs (d)(2) and (3) of this section may operate a traffic control preemption device when such vehicles are returning to their assigned duty station entranceways or driveways, but only to affect the operation of the traffic control signal or signals permitting direct access of such vehicles to their assigned duty stations' entranceways or driveways.
Structure Delaware Code