Measures target devices that change red lights

OLYMPIA – Ever get stuck at a long, red light and wish you could change its color with the touch of a button?

A gadget called a “signal pre-emptive device” can give you that power – albeit illegally.

Although state law forbids unauthorized use of the devices, which can be purchased online for about $300, some lawmakers say the provision needs to be updated and strengthened to keep up with changing technology. Nearly two dozen lawmakers have signed on to two companion bills, SB 5115 and HB 1113, which also would create tougher penalties for using, owning or selling the devices.

The Senate bill was heard in the Committee on Transportation on Monday and the House bill had a public committee hearing last week. Under either bill, owners could face up to a $1,000 fine and 90 days in jail. Buying, selling or using one of the devices could result in up to a $5,000 fine and one year in jail, or up to $10,000 and five years if using one results in a death. A similar bill was proposed last year but it died in committee.

The change is necessary, sponsors contend, because a new type of signal-changing device is hitting the market that the state’s current statute fails to address specifically. The legislation would simply outlaw unauthorized use of the devices regardless of the type of technology they use.

“For private citizens to own and operate such technology is very dangerous,” said the bill’s primary sponsor, Sen. Paull Shin, D-Edmonds.

The devices, commonly referred to as SPDs, send signals to specialty receivers on traffic signals. The receiver changes the light to green for the signaling vehicle, and red in all other directions.

One of the most widely used signal control systems is 3M’s Opticom. Donna Fleming, a representative from 3M, said Opticom is active in more than 50,000 intersections in the United States, including Spokane County.

Because the system uses an infrared signal, not a radio frequency, other devices can hack into the signal and change lights. Fleming said because of this, 3M cannot guarantee exclusive use of a signal to any user.

Scott Zeller, of the Washington State Department of Transportation, said unauthorized use of SPDs could result in countless traffic accidents and delay the arrival of emergency vehicles, but authorities have no idea how widely they are used.

Capt. Fred Fakkema of the Washington State Patrol said there have been no arrests or citations given for incidents involving the use of SPDs.

While there was no direct opposition, Tim Layton, of General Motors Inc., asked for the committee to be careful with the wording of the bill. Layton said GM is working on infrared technology to assist with driving through fog at night, which could be perceived as SPD in nature.