September 10, 2008, Introduced by Rep. Hopgood and referred to the Committee on Transportation.
A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled
"Michigan vehicle code,"
(MCL 257.1 to 257.923) by adding sections 20b, 20c, and 642a.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:
Sec. 20b. "High-occupancy vehicle" or "HOV" means any motor
vehicle carrying no fewer than a specified number of occupants
including the driver of the vehicle.
Sec. 20c. "High-occupancy vehicle lane" or "HOV lane" means
any designated lane or ramp on a highway designated for the
exclusive or preferential use of a public transportation vehicle or
private motor vehicles carrying no fewer than a specified number of
occupants, including the driver of the vehicle.
Sec. 642a. (1) When any lane has been designated as an HOV
lane under section 1 of 1951 PA 51, MCL 247.651, and has been
appropriately marked with signs and pavement markings, the lane
shall be reserved during the periods indicated for the exclusive
use of buses and HOVs. The governing body of a county, city, or
village may also designate HOV lanes and impose and enforce
restrictions on the use of HOV lanes with respect to any highway
under the exclusive jurisdiction of the governing body of a county,
city, or village. The restrictions imposed on HOV lanes do not
apply to any of the following:
(a) Emergency vehicles, including, but not limited to,
firefighting vehicles, ambulances, and rescue squad vehicles.
(b) Law enforcement vehicles.
(c) Motorcycles.
(d) Transit and commuter buses designed to transport 16 or
more persons, including the driver.
(e) Vehicles of public utility companies that are responding
to an emergency call.
(f) Vehicles that are using an HOV lane to make a turn
permitted by law for a reasonable distance in advance of the turn
or for purposes of entering or exiting a limited access highway.
(g) Taxicabs having 2 or more occupants, including the driver.
(h) Bicycles, if the HOV lane is the right-hand lane of a
highway open to bicycles.
(2) The driver of a vehicle who uses an HOV lane in violation
of a lane restriction imposed under this section is responsible for
a state civil infraction and may be fined not more than $100.00 and
costs.