(a) In this section, “traffic-control signal preemption device” means a device designed, intended, or used to interfere with or alter the operation of a traffic-control signal.
(b) Except as provided by Subsection (e), a person commits an offense if the person uses, sells, offers for sale, purchases, or possesses for use or sale a traffic-control signal preemption device.

Attorney's Note

Under the Texas Codes, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:
ClassPrisonFine
Class C misdemeanorup to $500
For details, see

Terms Used In Texas Transportation Code 544.0055

  • Person: includes corporation, organization, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, and any other legal entity. See Texas Government Code 311.005

(c) The possession of a traffic-control signal preemption device creates the presumption that the person possessed the device for use or sale.
(d) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
(e) This section does not apply to:
(1) a person who provides fire-fighting, law enforcement, ambulance, medical, or other emergency services in the course of providing those services;
(2) a manufacturer, wholesaler, or retailer of traffic-control signal preemption devices in the course of manufacturing, selling, providing, or transporting a traffic-control signal preemption device to a person described by Subdivision (1); or
(3) a transit vehicle operated by an authority under Chapter 451 or 452 or a transit department under Chapter 453.