Drivers of Single-Occupant Hybrid Cars Can Now Use HOV Lanes in California
Assemblymember Pavley’s measure to be implemented immediately
August 10, 2005
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Fran Pavley today announced that Assembly Bill 2628, a bill allowing single-occupant hybrid vehicles to use carpool lanes, will be immediately implemented by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
“I am thrilled that the Schwarzenegger Administration has decided that we can allow drivers of single-occupant hybrid vehicles to use HOV lanes now,” said Assemblymember Pavley. “This bill is great for Californians. It eases our commutes, saves us money at the pump, reduces our dependency on foreign oil, and cleans our air all at the same time.”
AB 2628, authored by Assemblymember Pavley and sponsored by Treasurer Phil Angelides and the Schwarzenegger Administration, allows hybrid electric vehicles that meet tough emissions and fuel efficiency standards, access to California’s high occupancy vehicle (HOV), or carpool, lanes regardless of the number of people in the vehicle. The legislation will take full advantage of the available capacity in the state’s HOV lanes while encouraging California motorists to use less fuel.
Under AB 2628, the hybrid electric vehicles that will be allowed access to HOV lanes would include those that meet California’s strictest advanced technology-partial zero emission vehicle (AT-PZEV) standards and achieve 45 miles per gallon or higher. In addition, an estimated 20,000 pre-2005 gas-electric hybrid vehicles that meet less stringent emissions criteria but also have a 45 miles per gallon or higher rating would be allowed into HOV lanes. Under the legislation, the hybrid vehicles that would be eligible today for HOV access would include the Honda Insight, Honda Civic Hybrid and Toyota Prius. As new hybrid vehicles are developed, they, too, will become eligible for HOV access if they meet the strictest AT-PZEV emissions and fuel efficiency standards.
The state legislation has taken effect because President Bush today signed federal legislation which allows states to let drivers of single-occupant low-emission and fuel efficient vehicles use carpool lanes, provided that those vehicles meet certain criteria. Just today, the Schwarzenegger administration announced that California can proceed and implement AB 2628.
“This is a ‘WIN-WIN-WIN’ – cleaning up our air, reducing dependence on foreign oil, and saving money at the pump," said Pavley, who had introduced a similar measure in 2001. She pointed out that her 2002 legislation, AB 1493, requires car manufacturers to lower greenhouse gas emissions in passenger vehicles and light duty trucks. “Now,” she said, “AB 2628 will provide incentives for new technologies and alternative fuel vehicles to help accomplish this goal."
There are currently 1,112 miles of high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes in California, with another 1,045 proposed to be completed through 2030. Currently, access to HOV lanes in California is restricted to vehicles carrying at least two, and in some cases three people; zero-emission and “inherently low emission vehicles” (electric and compressed natural gas vehicles); two-seater vehicles carrying two passengers; transit vehicles; and motorcycles.
Under AB 2628, vehicles that are newly eligible for access to HOV lanes will be affixed with decals similar to those currently available for electric and compressed natural gas vehicles. Drivers of solo-occupant hybrid vehicles will not be able to legally access HOV lanes without the decal. The legislation will be in effect until January 1, 2008. The legislation would limit to 75,000 the number of decals available to eligible hybrid electric vehicles. The legislation also provides other assurances that traffic in HOV lanes will continue to flow smoothly.
CONTACT: Susan Little
TELEPHONE: (916) 640-6608
(916) 319-2041
Appropriate form below
(Don't forget to include Clean Air Vehicle Sticker Fee (original or replacement) (VC §§5205.5, 21655.9) = $8 made out to the DMV)
Mail to:
Department of Motor Vehicles,
Special Processing Unit MS D238,
PO Box 932345 Sacramento, CA 94232-3450
