Bill > SB286

This bill modifies existing laws related to vehicles and high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, primarily by adjusting the eligibility and expiration dates for certain clean-air vehicles to use these lanes. Specifically, it amends Section 5205.5 of the Vehicle Code, which allows vehicles meeting specific emission standards, such as Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles (SULEV) and Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emission Vehicles (AT PZEV), to receive distinctive decals for HOV lane access regardless of the number of occupants. The bill also amends Section 21655.9 of the Vehicle Code, which governs the extension of HOV lane access to these eligible vehicles, and Section 42001.6, which pertains to fines for infractions. A key aspect of this bill is the establishment of expiration dates for these privileges, generally set for January 1, 2019, or upon the expiration of federal authorization, with provisions for earlier termination if federal law no longer permits such access. The bill also includes language to coordinate with another proposed bill, Assembly Bill 266, ensuring that its provisions only become operative if AB 266 is also enacted.