http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/hov-rulesfaq.asp
What is the new hybrid law that takes effect July 1, 2006?
Consumers need to be aware of changes to the law before purchasing hybrid and other clean fuel vehicles with the intention of using HOV lanes on Interstates 95 and 395.
Vehicles registered for clean fuel license plates on or after July 1, 2006, will not be exempt from the HOV-3 requirement on the I-95/395 HOV lanes from 6 to 9 a.m. or from 3:30 to 6 p.m. However, they will be permitted to use all other HOV lanes in Virginia during HOV hours, including I-66 and the Dulles Toll Road in Northern Virginia.
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has created a new clean special fuel license plate for hybrid vehicles registered July 1, 2006, and after. The new plate will have a distinctly different design to help Virginia State Police enforce the HOV restrictions.
Applications received by DMV for clean special fuels license plates on or before June 30, 2006, will receive the current clean special fuel plate. Applications received on or after July 1, 2006, will be issued the new plate, regardless of the date the vehicle was purchased or special ordered. Vehicle owners with clean special fuel license plates registered before July 1, 2006, may renew or transfer their plates to a newly purchased qualifying vehicle after the new law takes effect and continue to be exempt from HOV requirements until July 1, 2007.
What happens on July 1, 2007, when the hybrid vehicle rule expires?
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 HOV lanes until June 30, 2008.
The General Assembly approved a one-year extension which was signed into law by Gov. Timothy Kaine in April 2007.
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 DMV.
Not all hybrids qualify for clean fuel license plates but the following do:
* Toyota Prius
* Honda Insight
* Honda Civic
* 2005 Ford Escape
* 2006 Ford Escape
* 2006 Toyota Highlander
* 2006 Lexus RX400
* 2006 Mercury Mariner
* 2006 Honda Accord
* 2007 Toyota Camry
* 2007 Lexus GS450h
* 2007 Ford Escape
* 2007 Mercury Mariner
* 2007 Honda Accord
* 2007 Toyota Highlander
Motorists should check the DMV Web site, dmvnow.com, for an updated list of eligible hybrids.