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HOV Laws in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads

Virginia State Police crackdowns on HOV violators on I-66, I-95, I-395 and the Dulles Toll Road in Northern Virginia are becoming more frequent as the HOV lanes are being increasingly congested with traffic and it does not take long to see why - HOV violators. Virginia State Police say they have heard every excuse possible to get out a HOV ticket from being late to work to the driver was not aware that they were violating a law. If you are caught, a state trooper will not stop you with a smile and offer a cup of coffee but instead hand you a pretty yellow piece of paper that can hurt your wallet and, if you are a repeat offender, your ability to keep your driver's license. To follow up on our blog HOV Cheaters in Northern Virginia Beware here are the Virginia HOV laws as explained by the Virginia Department of Transportation.

During HOV operating hours the following vehicles may travel in the HOV lanes:

any vehicle that has the designated number of people (HOV 2 or 3) can use the HOV lanes (except that tractor trailer trucks regardless of number of occupants are not permitted on the HOV lanes in the Hampton Roads area or on I-66 inside the Beltway at any time)
motorcycles
hybrid vehicles with Virginia clean fuel tags under certain rules explained below
emergency vehicles (fire, ambulance and rescue) and law enforcement
public utility vehicles when responding to emergency calls
motorists traveling to and from Dulles International Airport on business are permitted to use I-66 inside the Beltway during HOV hours
buses designed to transport sixteen or more passengers, including the driver
taxicabs with two or more people, including the driver, are permitted.

Hybrid HOV Rules
You must apply for a clean fuel plate with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Not all hybrid vehicles qualify for clean fuel plates.

Hybrid tags from other states will not be recognized on Virginia HOV lanes and violators with less than the required occupants with out of state hybrid tags will be ticketed.

SmartCars are not hybrids and do not qualify for clean fuel plates.

Hybrid rules on I-95/395:

Hybrid vehicles licensed with clean fuel plates issued before July 1, 2006 are allowed to use the I-95/395 HOV lanes during HOV hours (6 a.m.-9 a.m.; 3:30 p.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Friday). The current exemption expires June 30, 2012.
Hybrids with clean fuel plates purchased after July 2006 are not allowed to travel on the I-95/395 HOV lanes without three people on board.

Hybrid rules on I-66 and Dulles Toll Road:

Effective July 1, 2011, hybrids with clean fuel plates issued before July 1, 2011 are allowed to travel in the HOV lanes on I-66 and the Dulles Toll Road during rush hour with one occupant. That exemption will expire June 30, 2012.

Hybrid rules on I-64 and I-264 in Hampton Roads:

Hybrids with clean fuel plates are allowed to travel in Hampton Roads on the I-64 and I-264 HOV lanes during rush hour with one occupant. The current exemption expires June 30, 2011.

Hybrid rules on I-66 and Dulles Toll Road:

Effective July 1, 2011, hybrids with clean fuel plates issued before July 1, 2011 are allowed to travel in the HOV lanes on I-66 and the Dulles Toll Road during rush hour with one occupant.
That exemption will expire June 30, 2012.

HOV Fines and Penalties

Hampton Roads HOV Lane Fines: Each offense: $100

Northern Virginia HOV Lane Fines:

First offense: $125
Second offense: $250 plus 3 points on your driving record
Third offense: $500 plus 3 points on your driving record
Fourth offense: $1,000 plus 3 points on your driving record

Additional Source:
Virginia DMV News Releases - HOV Exemption Extended for Cars with Clean Special Fuel Plates

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