SF 2808

as introduced - 85th Legislature (2007 - 2008) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to transportation; allowing low-emission and energy-efficient vehicles to
operate on high-occupancy vehicle lanes without payment of tolls and without
regard to occupancy requirements; amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, section
160.93, by adding a subdivision.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 160.93, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 1a. new text end

new text begin Exemption. new text end

new text begin (a) A motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating under
8,500 pounds that is a low-emission and energy-efficient vehicle, including a hybrid
vehicle, within the meaning of regulations adopted by the Environmental Protection
Agency, may be operated on designated high-occupancy vehicle lanes without regard to
the number of persons in the vehicle, and without payment of a toll or fee. To be eligible
for this exemption, the vehicle must display a decal issued by the commissioner of public
safety showing that the vehicle has been certified as a low-emission and energy-efficient
vehicle. The commissioner of public safety shall impose a fee for each decal calculated to
recover the cost of producing and issuing the decals and administering the decal program.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner of transportation shall limit or discontinue this exemption
if the presence of exempt vehicles has degraded the operational performance of the
high-occupancy vehicle facilities.
new text end

new text begin (c) This exemption is effective only if it does not adversely affect the receipt of
federal funds and does not violate any federal laws or regulations.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective September 1, 2008.
new text end