(a)  As used in this section, “traffic control signal preemption device” means any device, either mechanical or electrical, that emits a pulse of light or other signal that, when received by a detector attached to a traffic control signal, changes that traffic control signal to a green light or, if the traffic control signal is already green, extends the duration of the green light.

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(b)  Except as provided in subsection (d), no retailer or manufacturer shall sell or install any traffic control signal preemption device on a motor vehicle, nor may any such device be transported in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, nor be operated by the driver or passenger of a motor vehicle.

(c)  Any person who shall violate the provisions of subsection (b) of this section shall be fined not less than five hundred dollars ($500), which fine shall be deposited into the state general fund.

(d)  Installation of a traffic control signal preemption device is permitted on the following vehicles, and operation of the device is permitted as follows:

(1)  Police department vehicles, when responding to a bona fide emergency, when used in combination with red or blue oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights;

(2)  Law enforcement vehicles of state or local authorities, when responding to a bona fide emergency, when used in combination with red oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights; and

(3)  Vehicles of local fire departments and state or federal firefighting vehicles, when responding to a bona fide emergency, when used in combination with red oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights.

(4)  Buses under the operation and/or control of the Rhode Island public transit authority, only when used to prolong a green light signal.