Virginia is considering extending the HOV exemption for hybrid, compressed natural gas or hydrogen cars. The HOV exemption extension bill was signed back in March, allowing solo access to owners of those alternative cars in the high occupancy vehicle lanes until July 1, 2008.But it's that time of year again, which means you will be seeing editorials like this one: Fredericksburg.com - Hybrid exemption makes no sense here; showing up in Virginia papers.
Some people feel that hybrid cars don't deserve the special privilege, saying that one SUV with three people is worth more than one hybrid car. Others will say the HOV lane is clogged by these one person riders. More often than not, the debate degenerates into a hybrid drivers are smug festival.
Neither argument makes a lot of sense. Hybrid car owners do not clog up the HOV lanes. It's the people who are entering illegally who do more harm. Also, the HOV exemption is meant to encourage people to buy hybrid cars, cars that use less gas even after they leave the HOV lane. Yes, an SUV carrying three or more people probably gets better people per gallon during rush hour. But what about at other times of the day or on the weekend?
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