Smart car on HOV

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   The Daimler's Smart car, which is popular in Europe for several years now, will soon be launched in US early 2008.  Has anyone heard about whether it will be allowed to go on HOV lanes the same as hybrids?

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springfieldslugger Members Profile Find Members Posts New Slug Joined: 05 Apr 2007 Location: va Status: Offline Points: 0	Post Options Post Reply Quote springfieldslugger Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Smart car on HOV Posted: 08 Nov 2007 at 3:21pm
	The Daimler's Smart car, which is popular in Europe for several years now, will soon be launched in US early 2008. Has anyone heard about whether it will be allowed to go on HOV lanes the same as hybrids?

MDC Members Profile Find Members Posts New Slug Joined: 04 Dec 2002 Status: Offline Points: 0	Post Options Post Reply Quote MDC Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 08 Nov 2007 at 4:49pm
	Of course it can go in HOV. Just like a hybrid bought today, it can go on HOV legally with three or more people. I have no idea whether it will qualify for "clean fuel" plates that were issued prior to July 2006 which would be required on 395/95 HOV lanes.

scottt Members Profile Find Members Posts Senior Slug Joined: 12 May 2004 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 106	Post Options Post Reply Quote scottt Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 09 Nov 2007 at 8:17am
	No it can't go on the HOV (during rush hour) since it only holds 2 people.

Bob Members Profile Find Members Posts New Slug Joined: 14 Dec 2001 Status: Offline Points: 0	Post Options Post Reply Quote Bob Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 09 Nov 2007 at 8:28am
	I wanted to ask you guys if you have seen a Taurus with CF plates that is apparently not hybrid or natural gas. It looks like this person was able to get the CF plates on a so-called flexible fuel vehicle which can use gasohol. I corresponded with DMV a couple years ago and they assured me that those cars would not get CF plates.

springfieldslugger Members Profile Find Members Posts New Slug Joined: 05 Apr 2007 Location: va Status: Offline Points: 0	Post Options Post Reply Quote springfieldslugger Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 09 Nov 2007 at 8:53am
	I will be calling VDOT on Monday to find out more about their use of HOV lanes... I will try to remember to post here any updates from VDOT after I speak with them next week. Thanks.

NoSUV Members Profile Find Members Posts New Slug Joined: 14 Jan 2005 Status: Offline Points: 0	Post Options Post Reply Quote NoSUV Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 09 Nov 2007 at 9:56am
	quote: Originally posted by scottt [br]No it can't go on the HOV (during rush hour) since it only holds 2 people. False for I66. HOV isn't just I95/I395...

sluDgE Members Profile Find Members Posts Master Slug Joined: 27 Oct 2003 Status: Offline Points: 501	Post Options Post Reply Quote sluDgE Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 12 Nov 2007 at 8:06am
	When it comes to HOV use, owning a SmartCar is just like owning a Miata, Corvette, Viper, Skye, Solstace, Honda 2000, BMW Z3 or Z4, or any other 2-seater. You can't use them legally during HOV restricted hours on Virginia's HOV-3 lanes. With two people on board you can drive a SmartCar on any of the HOV-2 lanes in Virginia (I-66, I-64/264) and in Maryland (I-270, US-50)during the restricted hours. I-95/395 is HOV-3, and the SmartCar just doesn't have a third (or 4th) seat.

scottt Members Profile Find Members Posts Senior Slug Joined: 12 May 2004 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 106	Post Options Post Reply Quote scottt Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 12 Nov 2007 at 2:54pm
	quote: Originally posted by NoSUV [br] quote: Originally posted by scottt [br]No it can't go on the HOV (during rush hour) since it only holds 2 people. False for I66. HOV isn't just I95/I395... Sorry NoSUV. When we discuss "HOV" lanes, we usually mean the ones on 395/95 (since this is a SLUGGING discussion board). :-)