By: Toth H.B. No. 971 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the use of a high occupancy vehicle lane to pass certain vehicles. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter I, Chapter 545, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Section 545.429 to read as follows: Sec. 545.429. USE OF HIGH OCCUPANCY VEHICLE LANE TO PASS CERTAIN VEHICLES. Regardless of the number of occupants in a motor vehicle, an operator of a motor vehicle is entitled to use any high occupancy vehicle lane in this state for the sole purpose of passing another vehicle that is being operated at a speed that is less than the posted speed limit for the roadway if the operator enters and exits the high occupancy vehicle lane at designated entry and exit points. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.