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HOV Clean Vehicle Go Ahead Long Island

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by rohlrogge, Feb 26, 2006.

  1. rohlrogge

    rohlrogge Rich

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    Long Island, NY
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    2004 Prius
    I'm surprised none of the Long Island Prius owners have commented on this but NY (Long ISland) has now been approved for clean vehicle HOV access.

    From Newsday, Feb 25th:
    "A joint endeavor by the state's departments of transportation, environmental conservation and motor vehicles, the High Occupancy Vehicle lane change will waive passenger requirements for vehicles bearing "Clean Pass" stickers from the DMV signifying that they meet strict emissions standards and get at least 45 miles per gallon....The New York measure is set to take effect Wednesday [March 1st)and will affect the 40 miles of HOV lanes between Medford and the Queens border."

    "Eligible cars
    Vehicles that qualify for exemption from HOV-lane restrictions:
    Toyota Prius, 2001 to 2006 models
    Honda Insight, 2000 to 2004 models
    Honda Civic hybrid, 2003 to 2006 models"

    Now here are 2 interesting and possibly problematic issues -

    1. From Newsday - "Asked about the switch, DOT spokeswoman Jennifer Post said Friday that the exempt vehicles would bear stickers on four sides for easy identification and that the initiative was a pilot program whose impact on HOV lane traffic would be closely monitored." Depending on what these stickers look like do I want 4 of them altering the appearance of the Prius?? ;)

    2. In order to maintain my optimum mileage with the Prius traveling in the HOV lane where the majority of the vehicles are doing 75MPH or greater (expect when the cops are watching) I may be faced with creating a slow-down in the HOV lane when 'zipping' along at only 60MPH. Thank goodness that I will only have to use the HOV for a short distance in my travels!! This is somewhat of an oxymoron - cars that qualify are those averaging 45MPG or greater but cars using the HOV lane travel at 75MPH bringing there average MPG down to under 40MPH. HMMMM!! <_<
     
    #1 rohlrogge, Feb 26, 2006
  2. notsure

    notsure New Member

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    I was called in at 430am to work, empty roads took the fast route freeway 75-80 mph
    Average mpg, per car was 49, so the hit is not that bad. (maybe it is our warm arizona weather (45 when I drove in))

    126 days without a drop of rain!
     
    #2 notsure, Feb 26, 2006
  3. RobN

    RobN New Member

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    I was very surprised to see this change after the DOT's coment last year. I haven't heard anything in the media leading up to this unlike California where people were waiting for it to go into effect. The only reason I found out about this was I noticed a couple of new signs for the HOV lanes last night when driving on the LIE. Then I read the article in saturday's newspaper. Almost seems like they put this into effect but don't want people to know about it unless they notice the signs.

    I agree with rohlrogge on the four stickers being a little rediculous. Would it even be legal on the windshield as these can't be that small if the police have to see it as you drive by at 60MPH. I'm fine with the two sides of the car and the back windows is so steep that I doubt the cops would be able to see it as you wiz by.

    BTW If you interested in getting these stickers you apply by phone to the DMV at 800-697-0558
     
    #3 RobN, Feb 26, 2006
  4. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    I'm not putting stickers all over my Pri to satisfy the DOT and the DMV, our cars are very easy to spot by its shape like the Honda's Insigth, so no questions around that "we are" the different breed in four wheels.
    Besides, I'm feeling claustrophobic driving in the HOV lane and not wanting to be @*&@#!*@# :angry: by other drivers because our cruzzing speed of under 65.
     
    #4 mrbigh, Feb 26, 2006
  5. mchinta

    mchinta New Member

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    This is a good news to hear that NY is following foot steps of what CA did to allow HOV access for Hybrid cars. Thanks for the update and news. :D
     
    #5 mchinta, Feb 26, 2006
  6. snowflake

    snowflake Junior Member

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    Why don't state or city/county governments just print out a little training brochure for their law enforcement people to identify qualifying cars by simple unique looks.

    The vehicles already have the qualifying emissions rating on them if the law enforcement official has to stop and double-check.

    It would be much simpler and cost effective than issuing tons of stickers to place on all sides of the vehicle... plus it would also be fair. Why would a passer by through RI or CA etc. not be allowed the HOV priviledge?

    Just my two cents...
     
    #6 snowflake, Feb 26, 2006
  7. rohlrogge

    rohlrogge Rich

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    2004 Prius
    The challenge in all honesty for the police is that some hybrids are not unique looking such as the Honda Civic and other SUV hybrids (not sure these would qualify anyway).
     
    #7 rohlrogge, Feb 27, 2006
  8. modernsituations

    modernsituations New Member

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    http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/dmvfaqs.htm#cpv here is the link to the actual gov site.

    applying all those stickers to the car will definately not be an option for me. luckily i drive with my girlfriend to and from work and we use the HOV lane anyhow. anyone see the stickers yet? are they at least cool looking? probably not.
     
    #8 modernsituations, Feb 27, 2006
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