DETROIT – California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger last week endorsed a new law that would permit solo drivers of some gasoline-electric hybrids to use carpool lanes throughout the state, giving hybrids a big boost in the nations biggest state.
Currently, Californias carpool lanes can only be used by vehicles carrying two or more people, motorcycles, or any “zero-emission” vehicle (which includes electric and compressed natural gas) regardless of occupants. The bill, which proposes to expand permission to any hybrid that can achieve overall mileage ratings of 45 mpg or higher, in its present language would likely not include upcoming hybrid versions of the Lexus RX, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Escape sport-utility vehicles, although small-car hybrids like the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, and Honda Insight would be included.
The expanded carpool-lane allowance would help reduce air pollution and encourage energy dependence, explained the bill’s advocates, as cited in the Los Angeles Times. According to the Times, California has 1112 miles of carpool lanes, about 40 percent of the U.S. total, and the state plans to nearly double that the number of miles by 2030. In order to use the lanes, drivers would have to get a special sticker at the DMV.
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