SB 1606 Summary

• Allows drivers to use high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes at any time regardless of passenger occupancy by paying an annual fee of $2,500 to the Department of Transportation.

• Exempts motorcycles, tow trucks during operations, and public transportation vehicles from HOV lane restrictions regardless of occupancy.

• Directs the department to adopt rules implementing the annual fee program and deposit collected revenues into the State Highway Fund.

• Maintains the existing $200 civil penalty for violating HOV lane restrictions, with $100 of each penalty deposited to the state general fund.

• Requires a two-thirds affirmative vote in both legislative houses for enactment and immediate effectiveness upon the governor's signature.