I’ve long been on record as preferring HOT (toll) lanes to HOV (occupancy) lanes – but putting that aside – one thing that struck me was how hard the traffic gods had pushed for special treatment for hybrid vehicles, by giving them a pass to the HOV lanes. (In fact, a good friend who commutes from Chantilly to Crystal City bought one just to save 30 minutes each way)

Well – looks like that’s coming to an end. “Starting July 1st, hybrids purchased after June 30th will not be exempt from car pool rules on Interstates 95 and 395.” And current hybrid owners get to keep using the lanes till next year.