Motorcycle & Automobile Q & A Forum

Can a police officer tell if I have an M.I.R.T. installed in my car or on my motorcycle?

Yes, it’s possible for an officer to detect the presence of an M.I.R.T. in most instances. The transmitter must have a clear line-of-sight to the traffic light signal in order to perform properly. This transmitter is almost always visible. Some states and cities even have specific programs aimed at catching people who illegally own and operate a M.I.R.T. for changing traffic light signals. If you’re caught, fines can be quite large, and there can also be jail time involved – especially if damages or losses are created through the use of the device.

Is it illegal to own a M.I.R.T.?

Yes, unless you are operating an approved emergency vehicle. Most states have specific laws regarding using a M.I.R.T. to change traffic signal lights, but even those that do not can affect arrests for their unauthorized use under other provisions of traffic laws, civil laws, ordinances, and codes.

Why can’t I own an M.I.R.T.?

These are designed to be used in emergency vehicles only, and only on traffic signal lights which are equipped with the proper receivers. If an ambulance driver is approaching an intersection and the traffic signal light is red, he can transmit from his M.I.R.T. and the light at the intersection will immediately start its cycle to change to green traffic signal. If too many people had these devices, they would no longer be effective in emergency situations.

What’s the difference between a traffic light changer, a motorcycle traffic light signal changer, a traffic light tripper, a traffic light trigger, and a green light trigger?

All of those terms refer to essentially the same type of device. There really is no difference to be ascertained simply by the use of the terms traffic light changer, motorcycle traffic light signal changer, and traffic light tripper – you can use them interchangeably. These devices are either magnetic or high-iron content steel, or a combination of the two. They are legal everywhere. They work on inductive loop-based traffic control systems, which are the most common type engaged throughout the United States. Inductive loop-based traffic control systems are common throughout the world. The M.I.R.T. (mobile infra-red transmitter) is different. These send infra-red signals to devices attached to traffic signal lights which force the light to immediately cycle. These are illegal for unauthorized vehicles.