HF 1956

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:

Section 1.

new text begin [160.94] USE OF HIGHWAY LANES BY HYBRID VEHICLES.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Hybrid vehicle. new text end

new text begin 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.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Use of HOV lanes by hybrid vehicles. new text end

new text begin Unless otherwise prohibited by
federal law or regulation, and with the approval of the Federal Highway Administration,
the commissioner shall:
new text end

new text begin (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
new text end

new text begin (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.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Decals. new text end

new text begin 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.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Violation. new text end

new text begin 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.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Expiration. new text end

new text begin This section expires June 30, 2011.
new text end