RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Joan Morris (703) 383-2465 joan.morris@VDOT.Virginia.gov

NOVA-07-13 05/01/2007

HOV EXEMPTION FOR HYBRID VEHICLES EXTENDED TO JUNE 30, 2008

Hybrid vehicles with the required clean fuel license plates will continue to be able to use the Interstate 95/395, Interstate 66 and Dulles Toll Road HOV lanes until June 30, 2008, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.

The General Assembly approved a one-year extension which was signed into law by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine last month.

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 the Department of Motor Vehicles (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
• 2007 Ford Escape
• 2006 Toyota Highlander
• 2007 Toyota Highlander
• 2006 Lexus RX400
• 2006 Mercury Mariner
• 2007 Mercury Mariner
• 2006 Honda Accord
• 2007 Honda Accord
• 2007 Toyota Camry
• 2007 Lexus GS450h

Motorists should check the DMV Web site, dmvnow.com, for an updated list of eligible hybrids.

Vehicles registered for clean fuel license plates on or after July 1, 2006, are not permitted to use the I-95/395 HOV lanes from 6 to 9 a.m. or from 3:30 to 6 p.m.

However, they are allowed to use all other HOV lanes in Virginia during HOV hours, including I-66 and the Dulles Toll Road in Northern Virginia.

DMV has created a new clean special fuel license plate for hybrid vehicles registered July 1, 2006, and after. The new plate has a distinctly different design to help Virginia State Police enforce the HOV restrictions.

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, 2008.

HOV fines in Northern Virginia:

• 1st offense: $125
• 2nd offense: $250
• 3rd offense: $500 plus three points
• 4th offense: $1,000 plus three points

HOV hours:

I-95/395 from Route 234 to the 14th Street Bridge
HOV-3
6-9 a.m. northbound
3:30-6 p.m. southbound

I-66 from the Capital Beltway to the Roosevelt Bridge
HOV-2
6:30-9 a.m. eastbound
4-6:30 p.m. westbound

I-66 from Route 234 to I-495
HOV-2
5:30-9:30 a.m. eastbound
3-7 p.m. westbound

Dulles Toll Road from Route 28 to the Main Toll Plaza
HOV-2
6:30-9 a.m. eastbound
4-6:30 p.m. westbound

(END)