CA AB261

Permits authorized emergency vehicles to operate in high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes when responding to or returning from urgent or emergency calls if the driver determines use of the lane will improve response time and delivery of public safety services.

Requires authorized emergency vehicles using HOV lanes to properly display exempt California license plates, be marked as emergency vehicles with red or blue warning lights, and display public agency identification.

Defines "urgent" response as an incident requiring immediate public safety response that does not warrant emergency warning lights, excluding personal, commuting, training, or administrative uses.

Removes the restriction that prevented authorized emergency vehicles returning from emergency calls from being exempt from toll or charge requirements on high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes.

Allows authorized emergency vehicles to use toll facilities when responding to or returning from emergency calls if the driver determines it will improve response time and public safety service delivery.