- Collection:
- Georgia Government Publications
- Serial:
- Press release.
- Title:
- Press release [Jan. 30, 2004B]
- Creator:
- Georgia. General Assembly. House. Public Information Office
- Contributor to Resource:
- Georgia. General Assembly. House. Public Information Office
- Publisher:
- Atlanta, Ga. : Georgia. General Assembly. House. Public Information Office
- Date of Original:
- 2004-01-30
- Subject:
- Georgia
- Location:
- United States, Georgia, 32.75042, -83.50018
- Medium:
- publications (documents)
- Type:
- Text
- Format:
- application/pdf
- Description:
- Open access; Unrestricted online access star GAGAL
July 29, 2002B; title from Georgia Government Publications citation, viewed September 19, 2007. - External Identifiers:
- Call Number GA L412 .P1 P7 2004/1-30B
- Metadata URL:
- https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bl412-b-pp1-bp7-b2004-s1-h30b-belec-p-btext
- Digital Object URL:
- https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/do:dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bl412-b-pp1-bp7-b2004-s1-h30b-belec-p-btext
- Language:
- eng
- Holding Institution:
- University of Georgia. Map and Government Information Library
- Rights:
-
House Information Office Room 505, Legislative Office Building
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
1-1946-5100
January 30, 2004
For Immediate Release
MITCHELL SEEKS TO PUT THE BRAKES ON MIRT DEVICES
(ATLANTA) - State Representative Billy Mitchell, (D-Stone Mountain) has sponsored HB 1113 which is on the general calendar in the House and could come up for a vote today. The measure would make it unlawful for any person other than law enforcement, fire department or emergency personnel to posses with the ability to use, sell or purchase a MIRT device.
A MIRT device, or mobile infrared transmitter, can change signals from green to red in two seconds by sending infrared beams to traffic light receivers. It is used by police and fire departments to clear intersections and halt opposing traffic on emergency runs. They can sit on the dash and be plugged into a car's 12-volt battery.
These devices and their knockoffs have shown up for sale on the internet for $300. Some of the pitches used to sell them include "Never wait for a red light again!" and "Tired of waiting for red lights?" and "Changes stop lights from red to green in seconds."
"In states and cities nationwide police and auto insurance officials believe these devices should be outlawed," said Mitchell. "It is extremely dangerous when an impatient civilian driver has the ability to change a signal suddenly disrupting the normal flow of traffic. Early steps need to be taken so only the proper authorities with the right training have access to MIRTS."
Rep. Mitchell serves as Secretary for the House Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment Committee. He also serves on the Health and Human Services, and State Planning and Community Affairs Committees.
### For more information, please call Rep. Mitchell at 404/656-0116.