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California AB 2628 to Allow Hybrid Cars in Carpool Lanes

October 04, 2004 by Jeff Shepard

A new bill in California, Assembly Bill (AB) 2628, may increase the draw of rush-hour commuters to more energy-efficient hybrid vehicles. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill in late September that he hopes will encourage the purchase of hybrid cars, cut greenhouse gas emissions and boost the California’s energy independence. Assembly Bill 2628 will allow certain hybrid cars, regardless of the number of passengers inside, to use freeway carpool lanes. The bill still awaits federal approval.

The bill, introduced by Assemblywoman Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills) allows hybrids that get more than 45 mpg and meet tough emissions restrictions to use high-occupancy vehicle lanes, the single-occupant HOV lanes. The bill needs federal approval for it to go into effect because federal funds are used in the construction of HOV lanes.