Two bills introduced in the Michigan Senate Nov. 12 would outlaw the unauthorized sale and possession of controllers that can change some traffic signals from red to green. The proposals also toughen penalties for their improper use, The Detroit News reported.

Anyone who causes a traffic accident using the so-called Mobile Infrared Transmitter could be charged with a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine. The use of a controller resulting in death would bring a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

Unlawful sale or purchase of such a device would be a felony punishable by up to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine, while unlawful possession of a controller would be a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $5,000 fine.

Currently, unauthorized use of such controllers is illegal in Michigan, the newspaper reported.

A traffic-light changer is designed to allow police, fire and other emergency officials to clear intersections before they approach. The device has been in use at intersections since the early 1970s.

A recent U.S. Department of Transportation survey showed the devices are in use at 26,500 intersections in 78 cities across the country.

“These devices are dangerous and should only be in the hands of trained emergency personnel,” state Sen. Tony Stamas, R-Midland, who is co-sponsoring SB842 and SB843 with state Sen. Jud Gilbert, R-Algonac, said in a statement.

The bills have been referred to the Senate Committee on Transportation.