as introduced - 86th Legislature (2009 - 2010) Posted on 02/09/2010 01:56am
A bill for an act
relating to transportation; temporarily allowing hybrid vehicles to be used toll
free and on high-occupancy vehicle lanes; proposing coding for new law in
Minnesota Statutes, chapter 160.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
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For the purposes of this section, "hybrid vehicle"
means a motor vehicle that (1) has a hybrid propulsion system that operates both with
an internal combustion engine and on electric propulsion, and (2) conforms to any
requirements for such a vehicle in federal law or regulation.
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Unless otherwise prohibited by
federal law or regulation, and with the approval of the Federal Highway Administration,
the commissioner shall:
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(1) allow an operator of a single-occupant, hybrid vehicle to use any high-occupancy
vehicle lane on the trunk highway system, regardless of occupancy requirements
established for other types of vehicles; and
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(2) allow the operator of a hybrid vehicle to use a lane of a trunk highway, other than
a toll bridge, on which a toll is imposed for certain vehicles, without payment of such a toll.
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The commissioner shall issue to the owner of a hybrid vehicle,
upon request of the owner and upon payment of a fee of $15, a distinctive decal or other
identifier to be affixed to the vehicle, clearly identifying the vehicle as a hybrid vehicle.
A person operating a vehicle lawfully displaying such a decal has the privileges granted
by the commissioner under subdivision 2.
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A person may not operate a vehicle that displays a decal or
other identifier issued under this section in a high-occupancy vehicle lane or toll lane if
that decal or identifier was not issued for that vehicle. A violation of this subdivision
is a misdemeanor.
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This section expires June 30, 2011.
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