Sec. 452.0613. ENFORCEMENT OF HIGH OCCUPANCY VEHICLE LANE USAGE; PENALTIES. (a) An executive committee by resolution may regulate or prohibit improper entrance into, exit from, and vehicle occupancy in high occupancy vehicle lanes operated, managed, or maintained by the authority.

(b) An executive committee by resolution may establish reasonable and appropriate methods to enforce regulations or prohibitions established under Subsection (a).

(c) An executive committee by resolution may provide that violations regarding improper entrance into, exit from, or vehicle occupancy in high occupancy vehicle lanes operated, managed, or maintained by the authority incur a penalty, not to exceed $100.

(d) A person commits an offense if the person fails to pay any designated penalty on or before the 30th day after the date the authority notifies the person that the person is required to pay a penalty for:

(1) exiting or entering a high occupancy vehicle lane operated, managed, or maintained by an authority at a location not designated for exit or entrance; or

(2) operating a vehicle in or entering a high occupancy vehicle lane operated, managed, or maintained by an authority with fewer than the required number of occupants.

(e) The notice required by Subsection (d) may be included in a citation issued to the person by a peace officer under Article 14.06, Code of Criminal Procedure, in connection with an offense relating to improper use of a high occupancy vehicle lane.

(f) An offense under Subsection (d) is a Class C misdemeanor.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 644 (S.B. 990), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2011.