Does a Toyota Prius qualify as a certified Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV)?
I just noticed that in the HOV lane there is a sign that says that Certified AFV’s are OK. Does this mean that my mom, who drives a Toyota Prius, could drive in the HOV lane when she’s by herself?
Depends on the state, and it depends on which hybrid, but typically you’d have to apply for, receive, and apply the state’s HOV stickers or a special license plate to your hybrid car in order to use the HOV lanes without the required number of passengers.
http://go.ucsusa.org/hybridcenter/incentives.cfm
and look to the "Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV)" column at http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/progs/tech_matrx.php
AZ: Honda Insight, Honda Civic Hybrid, and Toyota Prius, with special license plate
CA: Honda Insight, Honda Civic Hybrid, and Toyota Prius, with special stickers (stickers have run out, so the only way to get the stickers is to buy a used hybrid with them!)
CO: with special permit and transponder
FL: with special sticker
GA: with special license plate
NJ: Ford Escape Hybrid, Mazda Tribute Hybrid, Toyota Prius, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Honda Insight, Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid, and Lexus RX 400h on the NJ Turnpike’s HOV lanes
NY: with special sticker on the LIE
TN: new for 2009! with special sticker
UT: with special license plates
VA: with special license plates
Of course, if you have the required number of passengers, you can drive in the carpool (HOV) lanes. Otherwise, you need that state’s special license/sticker first.