California Hybrid Owners Lose HOV Lane Privileges

Over the years, the state restricted the types of hybrids rated for the privilege. Today, even those hybrids — the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid and Honda Insight — will no longer be eligible for the speedy lanes.

However, electric car owners will be able to get stickers allowing them access to HOV lanes. A new carrot, err … green sticker, will be available starting Jan. 1, 2012, for owners of the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Volt and other electric- and natural-gas-powered vehicles.

Prius, other hybrids lose Calif. carpool lane access today (USA Today)