The lanes are already full of these hybrids. Time to phase out the special plates, or at least increase the requirements to obtain one. Should require that the EPA combined mileage exceed 50MPG.

No new hybrid plates have been issued since 2006. The HOV lanes are the same as they have been for congestion since then. Agree with the extension. The Hybrids save fuel, help us get oil independent, and cut on pollution in Northern VA. I think this is one way to minimize some of the congestive effect in the poplulous northern part of the state. Travel the lanes, you will see that the current restriction on Hybrids works fine.

I've traveled I-66 via Hybrid since 2005, and inside the beltway the ratio of cheaters to hybrids is still probably 1:1. I think that for the next couple of years a number of good goals (see Brian's comments above) would be served by continuing the hybrid exemption and cracking down on the cheaters.

I've been a VA resident for three years, in that time I have enjoyed the HOV lanes and noted that about 1/3 of the Clean Fuel tagged cars do have multiple occupants. With $15 of every renewal going to the VIRGINIA STATE POLICE - I believe this is a lucrative source of revenue that will be missed when drivers no longer have an incentive to pay for the plate. I think "the many" residents would not want higher taxes to make up for the loss of revenue from "the few". However, I do agree that the plate should also be tied to mileage - above 40MPG (by 2008 standards) seems reasonable.