For states that let clean cars drive in the HOV lanes, the EPA is setting new guidelines for both reduced emissions and energy efficiency.
The requirements are:
Vehicles must meet Tier 2 bin 5 standard (or cleaner) or the equally stringent California LEV II standards for emissions, and they must be a dedicated alternative fuel vehicle, or a hybrid vehicle achieving 50 percent or better in-city fuel economy or 25 percent or better in combined city/highway fuel economy compared to a similar gasoline fueled vehicle.
You may not like hybrids getting to pass you while you are stuck in traffic or clogging up the HOV lane, but it is an enticement that cleans the air and doesn't cost taxpayers' money (unlike the current hybrid tax incentives.) This recommendation will likely be approved, but states have the flexibility of making their guidelines more restrictive.
