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can I drive in HOT lanes free in Los Angeles, i.e. the 10 freeway?

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by vajratlr, Oct 23, 2013.

  1. vajratlr

    vajratlr Member

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    With green sticker, can I use HOT lanes for free given I have a transponder? I'm confused, I did some research but found conflicting results.
     
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  2. PeteSJCA

    PeteSJCA 2013 Prius Plug-In Base in Winter Gray

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    Thanks for asking. I'm confused too. I just got my stickers last week. They came in handy with the BART strike in the Bay Area the last 5 days!
     
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  3. xpcman

    xpcman Senior Member

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    If you still have a 2010 then the answer is NO.
     
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  4. Tracksyde

    Tracksyde Member

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    Looks like CA AB2405 was signed into law? and that bill will allow white/green stickers in HOT lanes, but not until 3/1/2014?

    Bill Text - AB-2405 Vehicles: high-occupancy toll lanes.

     
  5. vajratlr

    vajratlr Member

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    I have a 2010 currently but I'm asking about the plug in as I'm planning on getting it for the HOV access. But depending on the HOT access, it could make or break this plan.
     
  6. vajratlr

    vajratlr Member

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  7. chesleyn

    chesleyn Active Member

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    It's my understanding that the HOT lanes are still in trial mode and not accessible by green or white stickers as of yet.


    iPad ? HD
     
  8. Tracksyde

    Tracksyde Member

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    Hahah.. I dont "speak" legalese.. but to me, it sounds like AFTER March 1, 2014, then green and white stickers will be exempt from paying toll in HOT lanes (specifically the 10 and 110 in the Los Angeles area).

    Here's an Assembly analysis of the bill:
    Bill Analysis (first one is the one I'm quoting from)

    The 2nd link, the Senate Analysis says this:

    And the "date" that they reference in the law is March 1st, 2014 (not on or before). So the exemption to tolls in HOT lanes on the 10 and 110 will go into effect on March 2nd, 2014.

    At least thats how I read it.. also, the bill was passed in September of 2012 (Bill Analysis):

    Passed Senate on 8/23/12
    Passed Assembly on 8/28/12
    Signed by Governer on 9/27/12
     
  9. PiPi

    PiPi Junior Member

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    Soooooooooooooo I've been using the HOT lane illegally?????? :(
     
  10. Pbaker

    Pbaker Junior Member

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    Don't put that in writing.....
     
  11. chesleyn

    chesleyn Active Member

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    If you have been and the cameras are working, you will get a couple of big tickets in the mail with your mug on a photo with your license plate and a hefty fine.
     
  12. pmv

    pmv New Member

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    I found this in the FAQ section of Metro Express lane website (the HOT lanes on I-110 and I-10):

    Q: I drive a CNG/Electric/Zero Emission vehicle; do I have to pay a toll? Will I need FasTrakĀ®?

    A: Yes. These vehicles are charged a toll similar to all other solo drivers. A FasTrak is required. Governor Brown signed a bill stating that alternative fuel vehicles will be exempt from FasTrak requirements on the Metro ExpressLanes starting in March 2014.
     
  13. cooljw

    cooljw Member

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    As an occasional visitor to LA those HOT lanes are so confusing, especially when I've been used to unfettered carpool lane access. They look so tempting, but I'm glad I've stayed away from them.
     
  14. vajratlr

    vajratlr Member

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    I guess that's somewhat of good news. I just called the metro express lane CS and the lady told me
    How do you know that there are cameras?? I mean it's difficult to see how many are inside the vehicles especially if windows are tinted unless they have thermal cameras.
     
  15. lexlaw69

    lexlaw69 Junior Member

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    The answer is "NO" you cannot drive your PIP car in the HOT lane without a transponder and paying the tolls. Now i'll rant: I bought a PIP solely for the purpose of getting into the carpool lane. The state (CA) really screwed over owners by allowing the HOT lane to charge plug in owners a toll because they changed the "deal" they made with us when we purchased our car. Hopefully the law mentioned above fixes that.
     
  16. M12

    M12 New Member

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    Before the 10 HOT lanes were in effect, metro's website FAQ page said that green stickers would be allowed once the 10 HOT lanes were open. When i looked at the website after the 10 HOT lanes opened, I couldnt find anything with regards to green carpool stickers anymore. So there was a time when i drove on the 110 HOT lanes.
     
  17. chesleyn

    chesleyn Active Member

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    Did they mail you a ticket? I know they said they had 30% violation rates in the opening days of the HOT lanes. They may have had a window of forgiveness for the first few months...
     
  18. vajratlr

    vajratlr Member

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    How
    How do you know there are cameras? Unless there are thermal cameras, I find it hard to believe they can see how many are inside vehicles especially at night and/or with tinted windows.
     
  19. vajratlr

    vajratlr Member

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    How
    How do you know there are cameras? Unless there are thermal cameras, I find it hard to believe they can see how many are inside vehicles especially at night and/or with tinted windows.
     
  20. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    so join the club ..... pay good money for tinting and then get a 'fix-it' ticket for front tinted windows like me. Then enjoy the time you waste getting front tint removed.
    .