Why are motorcycles allowed to use HOV lanes, but hybrids are not?
Motorcycles are permitted by federal law to use HOV lanes, even with only one passenger. The rationale behind allowing motorcycles to use HOV lanes is that it is safer to keep two-wheeled vehicles moving than to have them travel in start-and-stop traffic conditions. States can choose to override this provision of federal law, if they determine that safety is at risk. (Source: Federal Highway Administration, Office of Operations) Hybrids cannot use HOV lanes because they use gasoline and produce fuel vapor emissions. In order to qualify to use the HOV with only a single passenger, a vehicle must meet clean fuel standards as set by the EPA.
