New Arizona Hybrid Program

Gov. Napolitano announced that several types of fuel-efficient “hybrid” cars will now be allowed to use the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes on Arizona’s highways. Typically, use of those lanes is restricted to vehicles carrying multiple passengers, but under the new Energy Efficient Pilot Program, qualified hybrids - even with a lone driver - will also be able to occupy the HOV lanes. The pilot is part of the Governor’s Clean Air Initiative and begins immediately.

“We’re using a variety of strategies to begin to clear the air in Arizona ,” said Gov. Napolitano. “Drivers who make the commitment to clean air & energy efficiency will get an easier commute. That seems like a good trade to me.”

Vehicles that are able to achieve a 45% increase in combined city/highway fuel efficiency are eligible to participate in the program. Currently, 3 types of vehicles qualify: the Honda Insight, the Honda Civic Hybrid % the Toyota Prius. Owners of those cars will need to apply for the program through the Motor Vehicle Division of ADOT (Az Dept of Transportation). Once admitted to the pilot, owners will receive a special license plate, as well as a special sticker indicating the car is a part of the pilot. The program is limited to 10,000 vehicles on a 1st-come, 1st served basis. There are currently approx., 9,000 of these types of cars registered in Arizona.

The pilot program will remain in place while the EPA continues its long-term rule-making process for the use of HOV lanes.

The change also affects drivers of Bi-Fuel vehicles. Under the terms of the pilot, & according to federal law, Bi-Fuel vehicles operating with only the driver on-board will no longer be allowed to use the HOV lanes (any vehicle carrying 2 or more people will continue to be allowed to use the special lanes). Within 90 days, the state Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) will issue Bi-Fuel owners a new Bi-Fuel plate; owners will be expected to destroy their current alternative fuel plate. This change does not impact Bi-Fuel owners’ reduced vehicle license taxes.

Information about the program is available at www.azdot.gov and the plate may be ordered online at www.servicearizona.com or by calling MVD at (602) 255-0072 to obtain an application by mail.