The Golden State is considering a bill (number 2628) that would amend the vehicle code and permit hybrid vehicles to
travel in carpool lanes with just a single occupant. The state currently lets cars running on compressed natural gas,
liquid petroleum gas and pure electricity take wholesale advantage of carpool lanes, although they do require approval
and identification by official decal before they can do so. The bill is an attempt to wean Californians off of their
low mileage SUVs and push automakers to build more hybrids. The only problems I see: carpool lanes are meant to ease
traffic congestion problems, not reduce emissions. Plus not to mention most hybrids are actually less
efficient on the highway than similarly-sized gas vehicles, so perhaps all vehicles getting a certain mpg number should
be included in the bill.
California may allow non-carpooling hybrids to use carpool lane
The Golden State is considering a bill (number 2628) that would amend the vehicle code and permit hybrid vehicles to travel in carpool lanes with just a single occupant. The state currently lets cars running on compressed natural gas, liquid petroleum gas and pure electricity take wholesale advantage of carpool lanes, although they do require approval and identification by official decal before they can do so. The bill is an attempt to wean Californians off of their low mileage SUVs and push automakers to build more hybrids. The only problems I see: carpool lanes are meant to ease traffic congestion problems, not reduce emissions. Plus not to mention most hybrids are actuallyless efficient on the highway than similarly-sized gas vehicles, so perhaps all vehicles getting a certain mpg number should be included in the bill.