MN HF898

Defines "qualified plug-in electric drive vehicle" as a four-wheeled motor vehicle with an electric motor powered by a battery of at least 4 kilowatt hours capacity, rated at no more than 8,500 pounds, with maximum speed of at least 55 mph, purchased or leased after October 1, 2010.

Allows qualified plug-in electric drive vehicles to operate in designated HOV lanes if the owner obtains a permit, the vehicle is properly licensed and registered, and meets state and federal safety requirements.

Permits the Commissioner of Transportation to designate specific vehicle models as presumptively meeting requirements and to establish standards and inspection procedures for non-designated vehicles; fees charged cannot exceed the cost to make, issue, and inspect permits.

Authorizes the Commissioner to suspend or limit permit issuance if HOV lane use reaches maximum allowable levels to maintain proper operations.

Requires fees collected to be deposited in a special revenue fund account for purposes specified in existing statute and mandates annual reporting to the legislature on transportation impacts.