ESSB 6264 - H AMD TO TRAN COMM AMD (H-5004.2/00)580 FAILED 3-2-00

By Representative Hatfield

On page 13, after line 20 of the amendment, insert the following:

ASec. 15. RCW 46.61.165 and 1999 c 206 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

The state department of transportation and the local authorities are authorized to reserve all or any portion of any highway under their respective jurisdictions, including any designated lane or ramp, for the exclusive or preferential use of public transportation vehicles or private motor vehicles carrying no fewer than a specified number of passengers when such limitation will increase the efficient utilization of the highway or will aid in the conservation of energy resources. Regulations authorizing such exclusive or preferential use of a highway facility may be declared to be effective at all times or at specified times of day or on specified days. Violation of a restriction of highway usage prescribed by the appropriate authority under this section is a traffic infraction. Regulations adopted by the department under this section shall provide that holders of intermediate driver=s licenses who are prohibited from carrying passengers under the age of twenty by section 2(2) of this act may operate a motor vehicle in high occupancy vehicle lanes regardless of the number of occupants in the vehicle.@

Renumber remaining sections and correct internal references accordingly.

EFFECT: Allows 16 and 17 year old drivers who are prohibited from carrying passengers to use the high occupancy vehicle lanes regardless of the number of passengers.