Can Hybrid Owners Use Carpool Lanes?

Despite a California law allowing hybrid vehicle owners to use carpool lanes, Congress has yet to approve the state legislation.

1 minute read

December 31, 2004, 7:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen

Congress has yet to "supply its required assent to a bill signed in August by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger granting certain hybrid drivers access to most of the state's diamond lanes even if they have no passengers.

California's law will apply to hybrids that get at least 45 mpg -- currently only the Prius and Honda Civic hybrid qualify. The state Department of Transportation will also rope off to hybrids some carpool lanes it already considers too congested.

Even when the law takes effect, hybrid users won't be legal in carpool lanes without a yellow sticker from the Department of Motor Vehicles -- something state officials say they're ready to dispense if and when Congress acts."

Thanks to Chris Steins

FULL STORY: Hybrids can't use carpool lanes despite signing of new state law

Thursday, December 30, 2004 in The San Francisco Chronicle

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