So when I purchased my hybrid evryone was telling me that I could drive in the Maryland and Virginia High Occupancy Vehicle - HOV - lanes without having to meet the occupancy requirements; usually a minimu of two people. SCHWEET!
Never being one to just believe what people tell me I did my own research on this suppossed additional benefit of owning a hybrid. Here's what I found out. In Maryland you can not drive a hybrid in the HOV-2 lanes unless you meet the two person minimum. If I drive in the HOV-2 with just me in the car and I get caught I am subject to same fines as non-hybrid drivers. There is a proposal currently in front of the Maryland Legislature to make exemptions for hybrids, but it will be months in coming.
Okay, so I can use the Virginia HOV-2 lanes... right? Not if I am a Marylander. Here's what the Virginia Dept. of Transportation has to say from the FAQ on their website.
Can I use Virginia's HOV lanes in my hybrid vehicle even though my car is registered in Maryland? In order for a hybrid vehicle to use Virginia's HOV lanes, you must have Virginia clean special fuel license plates. This is the only way we have to monitor the use of these lanes when there is only one individual in a car. In order for Virginia to honor Maryland plates, we would need a reciprocal agreement between the two states, and no such agreement exists to our knowledge.
What happens on July 1, 2006 when the hybrid vehicle rule expires? There is no guarantee that HOV exemptions for inherently low-emission vehicles or hybrids will continue. Exemptions to rules pertaining to travel on HOV lanes are being scrutinized, and as more ILEVs and hybrids enter the HOV lanes, there becomes an increased need to examine their exempt status.
The Virginia HOV Task Force Report released in August made this recommendation: "Do not extend the exemption for vehicles with clean special fuel license plates set to expire on July 1, 2006." The Federal Highway Administration has advised Virginia that its exemption for hybrid vehicles is in violation of current Federal statute, but Congress is considering legislation that would permit states to allow hybrid vehicles to use HOV lanes. There may have more information soon as various hybrid/HOV bills wind their way through Congress.
The above is why I never just take things at face value. There's always more to the story. They say that the devil is in the details and they are right. Had I just pulled into HOV lanes and started driving I likely would have been pulled over. I can see the scene now. VA or MD state trooper standing besides my car, arms folded, incredulous look on his/her face as I explain, "well my friend and the dealer said I could drive in the HOV lanes."
"I see," he says as he reaches for his pen and ticket pad. "Driver's license and registration please." He writes up and hands me a fifty dollar first offence ticket and adds, "Maybe your friend and the dealer will reimburse you for this ticket. Have a nice day and enjoy your hybrid." He tips his hat, jumps in his/her car and persues the next hybrid driver.
Oh well so I can't drive in the HOV lanes. No matter, I still LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Honda Civic Hybrid and my 50+mpg!
oh but you got your scene wrong.
"I can see the scene now. VA or MD state trooper standing besides my car, arms folded, incredulous look on his/her face as I explain, "well my friend and the dealer said I could drive in the HOV lanes.""
your VA or MD state trooper is driving one of these souped up ford expidition SUV patrol cars!!!!!!
Posted by: suv Man on June 4, 2004 05:13 PMSuppose the trooper tips his ass-hat? Then what?
Posted by: Clark on June 4, 2004 05:52 PMcar dealers will tell people anything. when I worked for GMAC I must have spent 30% of my day explaining that GMAC will NOT waive the milage charges on a lease if you lease another vehicle through them!! Sometimes I didn't even want to have the conversation with the customer, i just wanted to put in a tape of my responses.
still thinking there must be somebody you could rideshare with. That way you could split costs, have company and ride in the HOV lanes. just a thought.
Posted by: Lynn on June 4, 2004 06:23 PMhey will just pull out one of your inflatable dolls from under the bed. stick one in the passenger seat, hell, just put a bunch of them in the car and have a rolling orgy----- complete with Nipple Action!!!!
Posted by: mr plastic on June 4, 2004 08:23 PM