HP0015, LD 11, item 2, Document Text

Amend the bill by striking out everything after the enacting clause and before the emergency clause and inserting the following:

‘Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §2057-A, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 633, §6, is amended to read:

§ 2057-A. Preemptive traffic light devices prohibited

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A. "Lighted traffic control device" means a traffic control device conforming to the requirements of section 2057, subsection 1.

B. "Preemptive traffic light device" means a device , including a signal prioritization device or a signal preemption device, capable of altering or interrupting the normal cycle of a lighted traffic control device or equipment associated with the functionality of a lighted traffic control device.

C. "Signal preemption device" means a device that, when activated and when a vehicle equipped with such a device approaches an intersection controlled by a lighted traffic control device, causes:

(1) The signal, in the direction of travel of the vehicle, to remain green if the signal is already displaying a green light or to change from red to green if the signal is displaying a red light;

(2) The signal, in other directions of travel, to remain red or change to red, as applicable, to prevent other vehicles from entering the intersection; and

(3) The applicable functions described in subparagraphs (1) and (2) to continue until the vehicle equipped with the device is clear of the intersection.

D. "Signal prioritization device" means a device that, when activated and when a vehicle equipped with such a device approaches an intersection controlled by a lighted traffic control device, causes:

(1) The signal, in the direction of travel of the vehicle, to display a green light sooner than the green light would otherwise be displayed;

(2) The signal, in the direction of travel of the vehicle, to display a green light longer than the green light would otherwise be displayed; and

(3) The applicable functions described in subparagraphs (1) and (2) to continue until the vehicle equipped with the device is clear of the intersection.

2. Violation. A person commits a Class E crime if that person possesses a preemptive traffic light device or operates or allows the operation of a motor vehicle, vehicle, motorized wheelchair, electric personal mobility device, scooter or bicycle equipped with a preemptive traffic light device.

3. Exemptions. This section does not apply to:

A. An authorized emergency vehicle equipped with a signal prioritization device or signal preemption device or both maintained by a municipality, county or state agency or an ambulance or emergency medical services vehicle as defined in section 2054, subsection 1;

B. Transit route buses equipped with signal prioritization devices engaged in the transportation of passengers and maintained by or contracted to a municipal, county or state agency; or

C. A vehicle equipped with a signal prioritization device used by the Department of Transportation for the purpose of installing, maintaining or testing a lighted traffic control device . ; or

D. A vehicle equipped with a signal prioritization device owned or contracted by a municipality engaged in snow removal or sanding operations on a public way and authorized by the municipal officers or a vehicle equipped with a signal prioritization device owned or contracted by a county or state agency engaged in snow removal or sanding operations on a public way.

A vehicle under paragraph B, C or D may not operate a signal prioritization device in a manner that impedes or interferes with the use of a signal prioritization device by a vehicle under paragraph A. A vehicle under paragraph C may not operate a signal prioritization device in a manner that impedes or interferes with the use of a signal prioritization device by a vehicle under paragraphs B and D.’

SUMMARY

The bill allows a vehicle owned or contracted by a municipal, county or state agency engaged in snow removal or sanding operations on a public way to use a preemptive traffic light device. This amendment, which strikes and replaces the bill, clarifies that a vehicle owned or contracted by a municipality engaged in snow removal or sanding operations must be authorized by the municipal officers.

The amendment also clarifies that the definition of "preemptive traffic light device" includes both a signal prioritization device and a signal preemption device and provides definitions for those terms. The amendment clarifies that an authorized emergency vehicle may be equipped with a signal prioritization device and a signal preemption device and must be given the right-of-way at a signalized intersection. The amendment further provides that a transit route bus, a vehicle engaged in snow removal or sanding operations and a vehicle used by the Department of Transportation for the purpose of installing, maintaining or testing a lighted traffic control device may be equipped with and use a signal prioritization device. The amendment also provides that a vehicle used by the Department of Transportation for installing or maintaining a lighted traffic control device has the lowest level of priority at a signalized intersection.

FISCAL NOTE REQUIRED

(See attached)

HP0015 LD 11	Session - 126th Maine Legislature C "A", Filing Number H-33, Sponsored by		LR 259 Item 2
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