ARIZONA STATE SENATE

RESEARCH STAFF

CASSANDRA UNDHAGEN

LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH INTERN

KAITLYN NEFF

LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH ANALYST

TRANSPORTATION & TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE

Telephone: (602) 926 -3171

TO:                  MEMBERS OF THE SENATE

GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE

DATE:            March 19, 2018

SUBJECT:      Strike everything amendment to H.B. 2383, relating to HOV lanes; emergency vehicles

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Purpose

Permits an authorized emergency vehicle to use a high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane.

Background

A person is prohibited from driving in the HOV lane if there are fewer than two people in the vehicle unless the person is: 1) a tow truck operator driving a tow truck during operational duties; 2) riding a motorcycle; 3) driving an authorized public transportation vehicle; or 4) driving a qualified vehicle that has a special Energy Efficient Plate or an alternative fuel special plate or sticker. A violation subjects the person to a civil penalty of 200 dollars (A.R.S. §§ 28-737; 28‑2416; and 28-2416.01).

            An authorized emergency vehicle is a fire department vehicle, a police vehicle, or any other ambulance, fire truck or rescue vehicle that is authorized by the Arizona Department of Transportation (A.R.S. § 28-101).

There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.

Provisions

1. Allows an authorized emergency vehicle to operate in the HOV lane.

2. Makes technical and conforming changes.

3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.