Specialized Driving Plates > FORUM > 85239.com Maricopa Arizona (AZ)

Subject: Specialized Driving Plates

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PKMet

Posts:238

03/17/2008 5:45 PM	Alert
If you buy a hybrid vehicle, do you automatically get one of the blue specialized plates that enables you to drive in the HOV lane?

They are who we thought they were!

Judit

Posts:172

03/17/2008 7:12 PM	Alert
NO! You have to register, ( we had to 1 yr ago) and then if they still have then you get your special plate. That time when they started there were a certain amount of nnumber they were giving out. I am not sure what is it these days. Check the DMV website for sure!

Old Username: JKH200405

DesertDweller User is Offline

Posts:2539

03/18/2008 8:46 AM	Alert
I was worried when I bought my Prius that they would be out, but they had plenty. Also, not all hybrids qualify. The only ones I believe that qualify are the Prius and the Honda Civic. It's based on the average mileage.

Stupid should hurt! Desert Dweller - Senior Member - Posts: 2982 - Joined: Feb 2006

missPolitick User is Offline

Posts:606

03/18/2008 9:05 AM	Alert
I don't think the hybrid Camry qualifies.

Despite All My Rage I Am Still Just A Rat In A Cage

Granny5X

Posts:359

03/19/2008 6:36 PM	Alert
I have a Honda Civic, and while in the service department, I overheard a prospective buyer asking questions about the honda civic hybrid, and the honda rep. said that the batteries for the hybrid is $3,500.00 and they need replaced just as often as a regular battery. The facts are, if you drive mostly highway miles, the hybrid is not for you. There was a "pilot program" started in I think Feb 07. You can go to: *WWW.azdot.gov* Hope this will be some help. There are only 3 hybrids that qualify for this. Keep in mind the maintenance on these hybrids is very costly.

"Your future is a rainbow of beautiful memories when you hold a dream in your heart"

DesertDweller User is Offline

Posts:2539

03/19/2008 9:41 PM	Alert
Granny, I have had my Prius for almost a year and the only thing that I have had to do is change the oil. MissPolitik, you're right, the Camry doesn't qualify or else I would have bought one. I love that car.

Stupid should hurt! Desert Dweller - Senior Member - Posts: 2982 - Joined: Feb 2006

GilaGuy

Posts:789

03/21/2008 3:59 AM	Alert
Posted By PKMet on 03/17/2008 5:45 PM If you buy a hybrid vehicle, do you automatically get one of the blue specialized plates that enables you to drive in the HOV lane? I've always found this to be quite a "head-scratcher." We allow Priuses and their ilk into the carpool lanes on the freeways, where they are burning gasoline just like every other car around them. Hmmm....

OldTownCopa User is Offline

Posts:38

03/21/2008 2:05 PM	Alert
I'd have to agree that Arizona is a little strange when it comes to their usage of hybrid plates for HOV lanes. I realize that hybrid vehicles get more MPG than standard gasoline engines, but why reward hybrids with HOV lane usage? They still use gasoline, still pollute, and the nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries are just as toxic as regular lead-acid ones. In California, the only way to get an alternative fuel license plate (allowing HOV lane access at all times), is to have a truly alt-fuel vehicle. Meaning: No gasoline allowed. Natural gas, biodiesel, ethanol, 100% electric, etc. are the only vehicles which will qualify. I know the air quality in California, specifically in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas is extremely poor, but let's not kid ourselves and think that Phoenix is far behind. Please see "brown cloud" for any needed proof.

DesertDweller User is Offline

Posts:2539

03/30/2008 11:39 PM	Alert
I think the idea was to stimulate the market for hybrid vehicles, thus reducing emissions. These things aren't cheap. I paid just short of $30K for my Prius. Depending on how high gas goes, the gasoline savings will likely be offset by the cost of batteries when the time comes. So, my only other incentive was the 20 minutes those plates take off my commute each day. Now I get to share the carpool lane with mothers who have their child in a car seat in the back seat of their SUV. Tell me how THAT reduces emissions as if the kid would be driving himself to day care.

Stupid should hurt! Desert Dweller - Senior Member - Posts: 2982 - Joined: Feb 2006

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