Interference with official traffic-control devices by infrared or electronic devices

(a) The possession or use of a mobile infrared transmitter (MIRT), or any type of infrared or electronic device capable of changing a traffic control signal, by anyone other than the operator of an authorized emergency vehicle, is prohibited. (b) Any person violating the provisions of subsection (a) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $500 or confined in the county or regional jail not more than three days, or both; and upon a second conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $1,000 or confined in the county or regional jail not more than six days, or both; and upon a third or subsequent conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than $500 nor more than $2,500 or confined in a county or regional jail one year, or both. (c) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, any person convicted of a violation of subsection (a) of this section which results in physical injury to another shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, shall be imprisoned in a state correctional facility for not less than one nor more than three years or fined not more than $5,000, or both. (d) The provisions of this section shall not apply to any device which simply makes a vehicle visible or its presence known to a sensor which triggers the changing of a traffic light after the vehicle operator has complied with the traffic signal indication.