Passing a Government Transit Bus. (a) Restricted Passing: No vehicle operator shall overtake or pass a government transit bus stopped for loading or unloading passengers on the side where passengers are entering or exiting until the bus has resumed motion and passengers have reached a safe location. (1) Exceptions: (i) Vehicles may proceed past a stopped transit bus in designated safety zones or at intersections controlled by traffic signals or police officers at a speed not exceeding 10 miles per hour. (ii) Drivers must exercise due caution for pedestrians at all times. (2) Enforcement: The Department of Public Safety (DPS) shall enforce this provision in collaboration with COTA, ensuring uniform application of traffic regulation (b) Failure to Yield Right Of Way To Government Transit Bus. (1) Vehicle operators must yield the right of way to a government transit bus signaling an intention to reenter traffic after stopping to load or unload passengers, provided the bus displays a yield sign illuminated by flashing lights. (2) Specifications for Yield Signs: COTA shall develop and implement specifications for yield signs in consultation with DPS, ensuring compliance with national and CNMI standards. (3) Penalties: Violations of subsection (b) constitute an infraction punishable by a fine of not less than $50 but not more than $250. (4) Appeals Process: Cited individuals may appeal penalties through the CNMI Traffic Court. (c) Financial Oversight. (1) Revenue Management: Fines collected under this Act shall be deposited into the general fund and allocated to COTA and DPS subaccounts for transportation safety programs, subject to legislative appropriation. (2) Annual Reporting: COTA and DPS shall submit annual reports to the Legislature, detailing fine revenues, expenditures, and the impact of traffic rules on public safety. (3) Transparency and Audits: Subaccounts shall undergo annual audits by the CNMI Office of the Public Auditor, and findings shall be published publicly. (d) Collaborative Framework: (1) COTA shall operate under the guidance of the Public Transportation Advisory Board, as established by Public Law 17-43, to ensure compliance with transportation goals and safety standards. (2) DPS and COTA shall coordinate traffic safety campaigns and public education initiatives, promoting awareness of new traffic rules.
(3) Public Hearings shall be held prior to the implementation of significant traffic regulations, with public feedback incorporated into final rulemaking. (e) Environmental and Public Health Considerations: (1) Emissions Standards: COTA shall ensure that all transit vehicles meet CNMI environmental standards, prioritizing the use of electric or hybrid vehicles in future procurements. (2) Safety Features: All buses shall be equipped with safety features such as first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and wheelchair-accessible ramps. (3) Public Health Initiatives: COTA shall implement priority seating policies for elderly and disabled passengers. (f) Compliance with Federal Standards: (1) COTA shall ensure all traffic rules and operational practices align with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requirements to maintain grant eligibility. (2) COTA shall submit biannual reports to the Governor and Legislature on the progress and outcomes of federally funded projects. Source: PL 24-24, § 3 (Mar. 12, 2026).