California

California’s Solo Drivers With EVs, Hybrids May Get Booted From Carpool Lanes After Next Year

California’s Solo Drivers With EVs, Hybrids May Get Booted From Carpool Lanes After Next Year
A Toyota Prius with a California "clean air vehicle" sticker drives in the carpool lane on highway 101 in San Rafael, Calif., on May 6, 2011. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Jill McLaughlin
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Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle drivers in California who now use the carpool lane may get those privileges revoked next year.

Thanks to a federal transportation bill, the green cars are able to apply for a Clean Air Vehicle decal through the state to use the special lanes, allowing them to bypass some traffic snarls during busy commuting times.

Jill McLaughlin
Jill McLaughlin
Author
Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.