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August 12, 2005
Cali Hybrids Start HOV Access, Prius Envy
Well now that hybrids are officially allowed in California HOV lanes, now you have to figure out the myriad bureaucratic caveats to see if it applies to you.
First, to see if you hybrid qualifies, go to this California Air Resources Board page. There you will discover the ugly truth that all model years of Toyota Prius hybrids are vetted, while only 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrids and 2000-2004 Insights are allowed -- but no Accord hybrids, posh!
Considering that the vast majority of hybrids sold are Priuses, they could have just called this the Toyota Prius HOV Access Bill.
Then, once you have determined that yes, you are morally superior by virtue of owning a Toyota Prius, you have to go to the Cali DMV page and get a copy of REG 1000. Fill it out and send in your $8.
Unless, of course, you live in the Bay Area, where, Prius moral superiority notwithstanding, you still have to have a FasTrak account to fly over the lanes and bridges while sneering at lesser evolved creatures than thou.
But, there is an opportunity for you to feel more special, because it's not a plain vanilla FasTrak account, no, no, you will receive a super deluxe Hybrid Transponder for your troubles. And for your $40.
Posted by Frank at August 12, 2005 6:00 PM | Filed under Auto News