sphinx said:
I had an interesting call with DMV. They said that if you have out of state tags that are the white tag equivalent, you can use HOV lanes. My view on that is YMMV.
Yeah if you get an unsympathetic CHiPie, you're looking at a $400+ fine. California Vehicle Code section 21655.9 (b) makes it clear that unless you meet the occupancy requirements, you have to have a decal or other identifier on your car to use the HOV lanes:
"A person shall not drive a vehicle described in subdivision (a) of Section 5205.5 with a single occupant upon a high-occupancy vehicle lane pursuant to this section unless the decal, label, or other identifier issued pursuant to Section 5205.5 is properly displayed on the vehicle, and the vehicle registration described in Section 5205.5 is with the vehicle."
Further, section 5205 (e)(1) says that decals that are mentioned in this section are to be designed in collaboration by the CHP, DMV, and Department of Transportation (Caltrans). A CHP officer could use that section to justify issuing a citation to an out-of-state vehicle that does not meet the lane's occupancy requirements, even if that car would be OK in its home state.
I did go through Fastrak the other day but went through the non-carpool lane. Was charged standard prices. That was my first time though.
If you're talking about the Bay Bridges, the discount only applies at specific times: 5-9 AM and 4-6 PM for the GGB, and 5-10 AM and 3-7 PM for the other bridges, Mon-Fri except certain holidays.
Weirdly, this pricing scheme is actually encouraging EVers and carpoolers to commute during peak hours, rather than the other way around which is what normally happens. For example, on the 91 Express Lanes, 3+ carpoolers normally ride for free, but they only get a 50% discount when driving eastbound Mon-Fri 4-6 PM. In the case of Metro HOT lanes, you need 3+ or a qualifying EV/PHEV to ride free during peak commute hours, otherwise you only need 2+.