To make the installation or use of signal preemption device on any other vehicle other than an emergency vehicle authorized by the state patrol, a publicly owned law enforcement or emergency vehicle, a department of transportation, city, or county maintenance vehicle, or a public transit vehicle. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor. See companion HB 1113.   Official Text and Analysis.

By Senator Shin, prime sponsor; Scott Zeller, WSDOT; Peter Thein, WA State Transit Assoc.; Fred Fakkema, WA State Patrol. They testified that this legislation is important for public safety, especially in light of how easily available the devices are becoming over the Internet. The unauthorized use of signal preemption devices is dangerous to the driving public and could result in traffic congestion problems during the time it takes for the traffic lights to cycle back to the original sequence. This bill is a simple and cost-effective way to address this public safety issue. A few public transit districts currently use the signal preemption devices, with the approval of either the applicable local jurisdiction or the Department of Transportation. Transit districts often cover the costs of implementing and upgrading the devices. Some automobile manufacturers have concerns that the current definition of signal preemption device may unintentionally apply to newer infrared technologies installed in some vehicles that are intended to help drivers see at night or in inclement weather such as fog.

By Tim Layton, General Motors.

To modify the definition of "signal preemption device" to limit it to devices manufactured, or intentionally modified, for the purpose of altering traffic control signals. The original broader definition was thought to potentially apply to newer infrared technologies installed in some vehicles that are intended to help drivers see at night or in inclement weather such as fog.