CA AB697

Expands toll facility exemptions to include privately owned emergency ambulances licensed by the Department of the California Highway Patrol, in addition to existing authorized emergency vehicles.

Requires private ambulances to display valid California license plates and private ambulance identification to qualify for toll exemptions when responding to or returning from emergency calls.

Allows toll facility operators to request written certification from private ambulance operators or fire/police chiefs confirming exempt use, and permits toll operators to request dispatch records to verify compliance.

Permits toll facility operators and emergency service providers or private ambulance operators to enter into separate agreements establishing mutually agreed upon terms for toll facility use.

Clarifies that exemptions apply when vehicles are responding to urgent or emergency calls, engaged in emergency response, or engaged in fire station coverage assignments directly related to emergency response, but excludes personal use, commuting, training, and administrative uses.