Bill > HB2462

This bill amends the Texas Transportation Code to allow female drivers who are pregnant or are parents/legal guardians to use high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes regardless of the number of occupants in their vehicle. Specifically, the bill creates a new section (545.429) that grants these drivers special lane access privileges, with one important caveat: if the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration determines that this lane usage would result in a loss of federal highway funding or trigger punitive actions against Texas due to noncompliance with federal regulations, the privilege would be rescinded. The provision is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, which gives state transportation authorities time to prepare for and implement the new rule. High occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes are typically reserved for vehicles carrying multiple passengers, designed to reduce traffic congestion and encourage carpooling, so this bill represents a specific exemption to the standard HOV lane rules for certain female drivers.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2462