New Va. Law to Limit Hybrids in High Occupancy Lanes

Starting July 1st, hybrids purchased after June 30th will not be exempt from car pool rules on Interstates 95 and 395.

Solo hybrid drivers on other highways will still be allowed in the lanes until next year.

The changes modify efforts by Virginia to promote hybrid vehicle use that began more than a decade ago.

Starting in July, buyers of new hybrids will be given different license plates.

The new plates are blue and have the "clean special fuel" logo on the opposite side of existing plates.

Police also are increasing fines for car pool violators during rush hours.

Some hybrid owners argue that the cars should still be allowed use the car pool lanes because traffic still moves better than in the regular lanes.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)