High-occupancy toll lanes: notice of toll evasion violation.

Existing law requires an issuing agency or a processing agency to forward a notice of toll evasion violation to the registered owner of a vehicle that is found, by automated devices, visual observation, or otherwise, to have evaded tolls on a toll road or toll bridge within 21 days of the violation, except as specified. Existing law requires the notice of toll evasion violation to set forth the violation, including reference to the code section violated, the approximate time thereof, and the location where the violation occurred. Existing law also requires the notice of toll evasion violation to include the vehicle license plate number, a clear and concise explanation of the procedures for contesting the violation and appealing an adverse decision, and, if practicable, the registration expiration date and the make of the vehicle. This bill would also require the notice of toll evasion violation to include a copy of photographic evidence on which the toll evasion determination was based if the vehicle was found, by automated devices, to have evaded the toll through failure to meet occupancy requirements in a high-occupancy toll lane. Because this bill would require an issuing agency or a processing agency to include additional materials in the notice, it would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.