SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6730

                    As of February 2, 1996

Title:  An act relating to high‑occupancy vehicle lanes.

Brief Description:  Authorizing HOV lane restrictions only during peak traffic periods.

Sponsors:  Senators Strannigan, Rasmussen, Heavey, Schow, Finkbeiner, West, Winsley, Long, Johnson and Roach.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  2/6/96.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff:  Mary McLaughlin (786-7309)

Background:  By Department of Transportation (DOT) traffic regulation, the following vehicles are authorized to use the high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes:  (1) municipal transit vehicles and buses carrying 20 or more passengers, regardless of the number of occupants; (2) motorcycles; and (3) vehicles carrying two or three occupants, depending on the posted signage.  Trucks over 10,000 pounds are prohibited from using the HOV lanes by departmental rule.

The DOT has the statutory authority to make the HOV lane restrictions effective at all times, at specified times during the day, or on specified days.  Currently, HOV lane restrictions apply 24 hours per day.

Summary of Bill:  HOV lane restrictions are aurthorized only during peak periods from 6:00 a.m. through 9:00 a.m., and 3:30 through 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday,  excluding holidays.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.