California Extends HOV Lane Access for Green Vehicles

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill to extend carpool lane access to low emission, alternative-fuel vehicles until 2015.

by Staff

July 8, 2010

1 min to read

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has reaffirmed the State of California's commitment to encouraging the use of clean, alternative fuel vehicles by signing Assembly Bill 1500, which extends until 2015 access to the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) or carpool lane for drivers of certain low-emission "green" vehicles, even when driving solo.

The law extends single-occupant use of HOV lanes by alternative fuel vehicles that qualify as "inherently low emission" vehicles and "super ultra low emission" vehicles. Cars that meet these rigorous requirements include electric and compressed natural gas vehicles. HOV access for hybrid vehicles was not extended by AB 1500.

Assemblymember Ted W. Lieu (D-Torrance) introduced the bill. "I am very pleased that the governor recognizes the importance of this legislation which will improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gases by encouraging the use of electric and natural gas vehicles," Lieu said.

"AB 1500 provides a real incentive for Californians to drive cars that enhance the state's clean air, energy security, and global warming goals, while also fostering job creation and green tech growth here in California," said Tim Carmichael, president of the California Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition.

Topics:Battery-Electric Vehicles Alternative Fuels Compressed Natural Gas Green Fleet

More Green Fleet

Rendering of electric vehicles charging beneath a solar-panel canopy, illustrating Inspiration Mobility Group’s acquisition of Electrada assets to expand commercial fleet electrification services.

Green Fleet•by News/Media Release•June 17, 2026

Inspiration Mobility Acquires Key Electrada Assets

Inspiration Mobility Group has acquired select assets of Electrada, adding the fleet electrification provider's team, technology, and charging infrastructure development capabilities to its energy management business.

Turning Connected Vehicle Data Into Decisions That Matter

Fleet leaders have more data than ever, but turning that data into clear, actionable decisions remains a challenge. This white paper shows how leading organizations are using connected vehicle data to improve safety, reduce costs, and optimize fleet performance. Learn how to turn insight into action across your fleet.

Are You Tracking Your Fleet's True Total Cost of Ownership?

Bobit Business Media surveyed 190 fleet professionals and found that while most fleets are tracking costs, fragmented systems and data gaps are keeping true TCO visibility out of reach. With rising pressure to control spend in an increasingly volatile environment, the gap between what fleets think they know and what the data actually shows is wider than you might expect. See how your peers are managing costs today and where the industry still has room to improve.

Hybrids: Electrification Without the Challenges

For fleet managers, fuel is one of the biggest line items in the budget — and it's one hybrids can shrink without changing how your people work. Download the eBook to see the numbers, understand the technology, and get a step-by-step guide to making the switch.