BILL WOULD PUT BRAKES ON LIGHT CHANGERS.

Byline: Naush Boghossian Staff Writer

GLENDALE - Legislation will be introduced today that would make it illegal for the public to purchase devices that change traffic signals from red to green.

Assemblyman Dario Frommer, D-Glendale, is introducing a bill that would allow only emergency and transit agencies to buy and use mobile infrared transmitters - devices easily found for sale on the Internet for as little as $110, with few safeguards ensuring that they are purchased by authorized users.

``These devices have the potential to wreak havoc on city streets, endangering the lives of other drivers and pedestrians,'' Frommer said. ``This bill will ensure that only authorized vehicles can be equipped with such dangerous technology.''

Local law enforcement officials support the proposed legislation.

``I think it could be disastrous if that device gets in the wrong hands,'' said Officer Leticia Chang, spokeswoman for the Glendale Police Department. ``We think it's a good tool for emergency personnel.''

The city of Glendale, Glendale police and fire departments will join Frommer today at Parcher Plaza behind City Hall at 10:30 a.m. as he unveils the legislation.

Naush Boghossian, [phone]

naush.boghossian(at)dailynews.com