// EFFECTIVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 PER CHAPTERS 678 AND 679 OF 2018 //

(a)    In this section, “HOV lane” means a high occupancy vehicle lane, the use of which is restricted by a traffic control device during specified times to vehicles carrying at least a specified number of occupants.

(b)    This section applies only to a plug–in electric drive vehicle that has a maximum speed capability of at least 65 miles per hour.

(c)    Whenever the State Highway Administration designates a portion of a highway as an HOV lane, the HOV lane may be used at all times by plug–in electric drive vehicles that have obtained a permit from the Administration under this section, regardless of the number of passengers in the vehicle.

(d)    (1)    The Administration, the State Highway Administration, and the Department of State Police shall consult to design a permit to designate a vehicle as a plug–in electric drive vehicle authorized to use an HOV lane.

(2)    The Administration may charge a fee, not to exceed $20, for issuing a permit under this section.

(3)    The Administration, on the recommendation of the State Highway Administration, may limit the number of permits issued to ensure HOV lane operations are not degraded to an unacceptable level.

(e)    On or before January 1 of each year, the Administration and the State Highway Administration jointly shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on the effect of the use of the plug–in electric drive vehicle permits issued under this section on the operation of HOV lanes in the State.