SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6289

                    As of January 28, 1998

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

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

Sponsors:  Senators Benton, Johnson, McDonald, Rossi, T. Sheldon, Patterson, Strannigan, Stevens, Winsley, Oke, Schow, Zarelli and Roach.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  1/29/98.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff:  Gene Baxstrom (786-7303)

Background:  The Department of Transportation and local governments are authorized to reserve any portion of a highway under their respective jurisdictions as a high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane.  These lanes or ramps may be for the exclusive or preferential use of certain public or private vehicles carrying not less than a specified number of persons during certain times.

The Transportation Commission has adopted policies to govern the designation and operational requirements for HOV lanes on the state system, including service standards and minimum occupancy requirements for vehicles using the lanes.  Currently, in most instances, these lanes are restricted to HOVs on a 24-hour basis, or on a half-day designation in the case of reversible lanes, and are restricted to use by vehicles carrying a minimum of two persons and to motorcycles.

Summary of Bill:  The authority for the Department of Transportation and other local governments to restrict portions of highways to vehicles having a minimum number of persons is limited to only from 6:00 through 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 through 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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