Friday, May 1, 2009

HOV Exemption for Hybrid Vehicles Extended to June 30, 2010

Hybrid vehicles with the required clean fuel license plates will continue to be able to use the I-95/395, I-66 and Dulles Toll Road high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes until June 30, 2010, or as long as federal rules allow, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation. The Virginia General Assembly approved a one-year extension which was signed into law by Governor Kaine on March 30.

In order for a hybrid vehicle to use Virginia’s HOV lanes during the morning and afternoon rush hours, the vehicle must have a clean special fuel plate issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Not all hybrids qualify for clean fuel license plates, motorists should check the DMV Web site for an updated list of eligible hybrids.

Only hybrid vehicles with clean fuel plates issued before July 1, 2006 can use the I-95/395 HOV lanes during rush hours. All hybrid vehicles with clean fuel plates can use all other HOV lanes in Virginia during HOV hours, including I-66 and the Dulles Toll Road in Northern Virginia. Hybrid vehicles will not be able to use the I-495 High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes when they are completed. Nor would they be permitted to use the proposed I-95/395 HOT lanes.

For the latest Loudoun County traffic news and information, subscribe to Loudoun County Traffic via your favorite RSS reader, or get Loudoun County Traffic by e-mail.



5 comments:

  1. Is there a group out there that voices support for continued hybrid use of the Toll Road and Rt. 66?

    ReplyDelete
  2. If there is they should keep their mouths shut. Clogging up the HOV lanes with hybrids defeats the purpose of having a HOV lane in first place.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I completely agree with comment number 2.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Don't we want to promote clean fuel technology? I agree with number 1. The non-hybrid driver with single drivers are a far bigger problem. Drive on the toll road and see for yourself.

    ReplyDelete
  5. If the hybrids are removed from the HOV lanes, where will they go? Back into the regular lanes. I am all for carpooling, but it does not make full use of the HOV lanes by itself.

    ReplyDelete