{"data":{"id":"us-me/29-a-m.r.s.-2057-a","jurisdiction":"us-me","citation":"29-A M.R.S. §2057-A","heading":"Preemptive traffic light devices prohibited","body":"1.  Definitions.  As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.\nA.  \"Lighted traffic control device\" means a traffic control device conforming to the requirements of section 2057, subsection 1.\nB.  \"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.\nC.  \"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:\n(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;\n(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\n(3)  The applicable functions described in subparagraphs (1) and (2) to continue until the vehicle equipped with the device is clear of the intersection.\nD.  \"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:\n(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;\n(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\n(3)  The applicable functions described in subparagraphs (1) and (2) to continue until the vehicle equipped with the device is clear of the intersection.\n2.  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.\n3.  Exemptions.  This section does not apply to:\nA.  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;\nB.  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;\nC.  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\nD.  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.\nA 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.","path":["TITLE 29-A: MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC","CHAPTER 19: OPERATION","SUBCHAPTER 1: RULES OF THE ROAD"],"source_url":"https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/29-A/title29-Asec2057-A.html","current_through":"October 1, 2025","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-04T15:12:35Z","sha256":"a2de1eacdcf54a006efe042453cb210db765676023c46f2f117a5c820a8691ca","source_id":"us-me","stale":false,"prev":"us-me/29-a-m.r.s.-2057","next":"us-me/29-a-m.r.s.-2058"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}