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18 U.S.C. 39: Traffic signal preemption transmittersText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
From Title 18-CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURECHAPTER 2-AIRCRAFT AND MOTOR VEHICLES

§39. Traffic signal preemption transmitters

(a)  Offenses.⁠—

(1)  Sale.⁠—Whoever, in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, knowingly sells a traffic signal preemption transmitter to a nonqualifying user shall be fined under this title, or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both.

(2)  Use.⁠—Whoever, in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, being a nonqualifying user makes unauthorized use of a traffic signal preemption transmitter shall be fined under this title, or imprisoned not more than 6 months, or both.

(b)  Definitions.⁠—In this section, the following definitions apply:

(1)  Traffic signal preemption transmitter.⁠—The term “traffic signal preemption transmitter” means any mechanism that can change or alter a traffic signal’s phase time or sequence.

(2)  Nonqualifying user.⁠—The term “nonqualifying user” means a person who uses a traffic signal preemption transmitter and is not acting on behalf of a public agency or private corporation authorized by law to provide fire protection, law enforcement, emergency medical services, transit services, maintenance, or other services for a Federal, State, or local government entity, but does not include a person using a traffic signal preemption transmitter for classroom or instructional purposes.

(Added Pub. L. 109–59, title II, § 2018(a) , Aug. 10, 2005 , 119 Stat. 1542 .)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Another section 39 was renumbered section 40 of this title.