DEFINITIONS

In this subchapter: (1) "Congestion" means the level at which transportation system performance is no longer acceptable because of traffic interference. The level of acceptable system performance may vary by type of transportation facility, geographic location, or time of day. (2) "Congestion mitigation" means projects and facilities used to reduce congestion by promoting the use of carpools and vanpools, improve air quality, conserve fuel, and enhance the use of existing highways and facilities on the state highway system. (3) "High occupancy vehicle" means a bus or other motorized passenger vehicle such as a carpool or vanpool vehicle used for ridesharing purposes and occupied by a specified minimum number of persons. (4) "High occupancy vehicle lane" means one or more lanes of a highway or an entire highway where high occupancy vehicles are given at all times, or at regularly scheduled times, a priority or preference over some or all other vehicles moving in the general stream of all highway traffic. (5) "Motor vehicle" has the meaning assigned by Section 522.003. (6) "Transportation corporation" means a transportation corporation created by the state under Chapter 431. (7) "Exclusive lane" means a lane of a highway or segment of a highway the use of which is restricted to one or more designated classifications of motor vehicle. (8) "Low-emissions vehicle" means a vehicle that meets emissions standards established by commission rule. (9) "Restricted lane" includes: (A) a high occupancy vehicle lane; (B) a toll lane under Section 228.007; and (C) an exclusive lane.