§ 2328. Certain motor vehicle insurance rates; prior approval. For the periods February first, nineteen hundred seventy-four through August second, two thousand one, and the effective date of the property/casualty insurance availability act through June thirtieth, two thousand twenty-six, no changes in rates, rating plans, rating rules and rate manuals applicable to motor vehicle insurance, including no-fault coverages under article fifty-one of this chapter, shall be made effective until approved by the superintendent, notwithstanding any inconsistent provisions of this article; provided, however, that changes in such rates, rating plans, rating rules and rate manuals may be made effective without such approval if the rates that result from such changes are no higher than the insurer's rates last approved by the superintendent. This section shall apply only to policies covering losses or liabilities arising out of ownership of a motor vehicle used principally for the transportation of persons for hire, including a bus or a school bus as defined in sections one hundred four and one hundred forty-two of the vehicle and traffic law.