The Colorado Department of Transportation will issue 2,000 permits to owners of qualifying hybrid vehicles allowing them to use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) and High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes.
Between today and May 31, CDOT will be accepting applications for the permits.
They will then be issued through a lottery system, said Stacey Stegman, CDOT director of public information.
The permits will be issued in mid-June.
Federal law authorizes use of HOV lanes by the hybrid vehicles through Sept. 30, 2009. Permits will expire at that time unless the federal government extends the mandate.
Persons interested in the program can apply online, in person and through the mail.
According to Stegman, CDOT defines “hybrid vehicles” as light-duty vehicles and light duty trucks up to 8,500 pounds.
People selected for the permits can use them on the Interstate 25 Express Lanes, U.S. 36 Santa Fe Drive and State Highway 82 HOV lanes.
Stegman said CDOT will issue an identifying decal to those selected and those individuals will be required to obtain an EXpressToll transponder. They will be required to set up a deposit that allows for the use of the hybrid in HOV and express lanes.
There is, however, no cost to obtain the permit.
Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com
More Information
Information about the program can be obtained at:
Applications will be accepted online at:
Download the printable application form at:
For specific types of vehicles that qualify visit:
Completed applications can be mailed to:
Colorado Department of Transportation
Attn: Hybrid Permits
4201 E. Arkansas Ave., Room 290
Denver, CO 80222
Phone: (303) 757-9716
