The California Department of Motor Vehicles has pulled the plug on hybrid cars getting a free pass in commuter lanes.
State law allowed the DMV to issue 85,000 stickers to certain hybrid drivers on a first-come, first-serve basis, giving them permission to drive solo in the diamond lane. That number was reached, and the program has concluded. Those who have just purchased a hybrid car have lost the opportunity to zoom freely in the commuter lane, riding solo or not.
The state first got the idea in 2005 when legislation was passed to allow 75,000 hybrids to use car-pool lanes. Last year, new legislation boosted the number to 85,000. The DMV stickers, which apply to the cars and not the drivers, are good until 2010. It's unknown if lawmakers will extend the program.
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