Hybrids Welcome in Arizona HOV Lanes

Washington DC February 11, 2007; The AIADA newsletter reported that three models of small hybrid cars, the Honda Insight, Honda Civic Hybrid, and Toyota Prius, are now permitted to use car pool lanes on freeways in Arizona.

The new law is part of a federal experiment that will ban some alternative-fuel vehicles that currently use the special lanes. Bi-fuel vehicles that are equipped to run on gas or alternative fuels will be banned from HOV lanes.

Critics allege that bi-fuels are often converted for alternative fuel use only so the purchasers can qualify for tax breaks. The federal government had been threatening to impose sanctions against Arizona because its authorization for bi-fuel vehicles did not conform to federal restrictions.

According to the Washington Post, the three hybrid vehicles were chosen under federal fuel-efficiency criteria that require at least a 45 percent fuel savings compared with non-hybrid versions of the same model.

The state's announcement said the pilot program takes effect immediately but that there would be a 90-day phase-in period.