SB 2697: DOT; COUNTIES; MOTOR VEHICLES; SHOULDER LANES; REGISTRATION; EXPIRED REGISTRATION; ENFORCEMENT; PENALTIES; OUT-OF-STATE MOTOR VEHICLES; HIGH OCCUPANCY VEHICLE LANES; VIOLATIONS; FINES

Prohibits vehicles from driving on the shoulder of a roadway, except in certain circumstances.  Authorizes the Department of Transportation and county police departments to impound or cause to tow vehicles with expired registrations of three years or more after verifying the vehicle's registration status.  Allows the owner of an impounded or towed vehicle to recover the vehicle under certain conditions.  Exempts an owner of an impounded or towed vehicle from liability for any towing or storage charges if the vehicle was improperly impounded or towed.  Allows the owner of an impounded or towed vehicle to recover the vehicle without payment upon presenting the vehicle's current registration to the towing company.  Requires a towing company to allow a vehicle owner to enter the vehicle to obtain the vehicle's current registration.  Requires an annual report to the Legislature.  Increases the fine amount for owners of out-of-state motor vehicles who fail to register the vehicle in the State.  Establishes minimum and maximum statutory penalties for violations relating to the use of high occupancy vehicle lanes.  Effective 8/1/2027.  (SD1)