In about a month, Arizona’s Energy Efficient Plate Program will require some drivers to change lanes.
Drivers of hybrid vehicles will no longer be issued special license plates starting March 2. These plates allow eligible hybrids to drive in high-occupancy lanes without additional passengers.
This change only affects plug-in hybrid vehicles, as well as some older, non plug-in hybrid vehicles. ADOT has recently released a complete list of the cars that apply to the Energy Efficient Plate Program.
Alternative fuel vehicles, such as electric cars, are not affected by the program.
Doug Nick is a spokesperson for the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division. He says the federal pilot program officially expired on Sept. 30, but Arizona has allowed an adjustment period for drivers.
"Arizona’s a bit unique in that we’re allowing it to end by attrition," said Nick. "Some other states, say, Utah, for example, ended it immediately as of that date."
Current plate holders will still be able to use the lane unless their vehicle is sold, traded or the plates are transferred to another driver.
Owners of the plates may also choose to transfer their plates to a new, qualifying vehicle until March 2.
