Hybrids on California HOV Lanes Okayed
Washington, D.C. - A transportation bill signed Wednesday by President Bush includes a provision by Congressman Brad Sherman that cleared the way for California to allow hybrid vehicles on High Occupancy Vehicle lanes.
œThis gives California a way to ease freeway congestion and promote the use of more fuel-efficient cars, Sherman said.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles announced Wednesday that it was moving ahead with plans to issue special stickers to owners of hybrid vehicles that would allow them to drive in HOV lanes with only one person in the car.
Until today, federal law had limited HOV lanes to vehicles with a driver and at least one passenger, vehicles fueled by natural gas and electric cars. Under the Sherman provision of the bill Bush signed, California was able to implement a law to allow solo drivers of hybrids on carpool lanes. Sherman and Congressman Darrell Issa, a California colleague, introduced the hybrid provision that the president approved.
Sherman emphasized that the measure gives states the flexibility to decide when and where hybrid vehicles would be exempt from HOV regulations. He said California and other states could limit or restrict the exemption in areas where HOV lanes are already at full capacity.
œI believe it is important that the states have the flexibility to regulate the hybrid use of HOV lanes within their state, Sherman said. œIn some areas, it may not be favorable to have hybrids in HOV lanes due to congestion. In other areas, allowing hybrids in HOV lanes may provide additional incentives for consumers to use this technology. In either case, the decision should be left up to the states, and the federal government should permit the states to make this decision.
The congressman congratulated Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for quickly taking advantage of the change in federal law. œI agree with the governor that the waiver and sticker program is another example of Californias leadership role in the areas of clean air, alternative fuel systems.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles has posted on its web site a form for hybrid vehicle owners to apply for stickers that will allow single-occupant hybrid cars on diamond lanes. More information is available at https://www.dmv.ca.gov/