HB 0537 2004
1	A bill to be entitled
2	An act relating to traffic control signals; amending s.
3	316.003, F.S.; defining "traffic signal preemption
4	transmitter"; amending s. 316.0775, F.S.; prohibiting use
5	or possession of such transmitter; providing for
6	exceptions; providing penalties; providing for application
7	as a criminal violation; providing an effective date.
8
9	Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
10
11	Section 1. Subsection (84) is added to section 316.003,
12	Florida Statutes, to read:
13	316.003 Definitions.--The following words and phrases,
14	when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings respectively
15	ascribed to them in this section, except where the context
16	otherwise requires:
17	(84) TRAFFIC SIGNAL PREEMPTION TRANSMITTER.--Any device
18	capable of transmitting optical or radio signals to activate any
19	mechanism installed on or near an official traffic control
20	signal which alters the operation of the traffic control signal.
21	The term "traffic signal preemption transmitter" includes any
22	electronic transmission device capable of changing, altering, or
23	otherwise interfering with the normal operation of any official
24	traffic control signal.
25	Section 2. Section 316.0775, Florida Statutes, is amended
26	to read:
27	316.0775 Interference with official traffic control
28	signals ordevices or railroad signs or signals.--
29	(1)No person shall, without lawful authority, attempt to
30	or in fact alter, deface, injure, knock down,or remove any
31	official traffic control device or any railroad sign or signal,
32	or any inscription, shield,or insignia thereon, or any other
33	part thereof. Any person who violates this subsection commits
34	the offense of criminal mischief, A violation of this section is
35	a criminal violation pursuant to s. 318.17 and shall be
36	punishable as set forth in s. 806.13 related to criminal
37	mischief and graffiti, beginning on or after July 1, 2000.
38	(2) No person shall use or have in his or her possession
39	any traffic signal preemption transmitter. This subsection shall
40	not apply to any person operating an authorized emergency
41	vehicle as defined in s. 322.01, road construction and
42	maintenance personnel, employees of the Department of
43	Transportation, or any other lawfully authorized persons when
44	use of the device is in the performance of their normal duties.
45	Any person who violates this subsection commits a felony of the
46	third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083,
47	or s. 775.084.
48	(3) A violation of this section is a criminal violation
49	pursuant to s. 318.17.
50	Section 3. This act shall take effect October 1, 2004.