California Exemptions from Requirements/Restrictions
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Zero Emission (ZEV) Vehicle Parking Incentive - San Jose
The City of San Jose has developed a Clean Air Vehicle Parking Program to encourage reduced auto emissions, stimulate activity in the downtown, and increase sales of clean-air vehicles at San Jose auto dealerships. For eligible vehicles, the program allows free parking at participating municipal off-street parking facilities, on-street meters, and regional park and recreation parking lots. Clean-air vehicles must display the Clean Air Vehicle Parking Permit, which is available for a $30 application fee. Only eligible vehicles purchased in San Jose after January 1, 2000, can obtain a permit. ZEVs purchased outside San Jose are also eligible to apply as long as the vehicle is registered in San Jose.
Point of Contact
Pamela McAnally
Department of Transportation
City of San José
Phone (408) 535-3850
pamela.mcanally@sanjoseca.gov
http://www.sjdowntownparking.com/clean_air_program.php
High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane Exemption
Qualified alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) can use HOV lanes regardless of the number of occupants in the vehicle. An identification sticker and FasTrak account must first be obtained from the California Department of Motor Vehicles; only 85,000 decals will be made available. Until January 1, 2011, qualified AFVs are limited to the following: 1) Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (SULEVs) or Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) which also meet the federal Inherently Low Emission Vehicles (ILEV) evaporative emissions standards; 2) Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs) produced during Model Year 2004 (MY2004) or earlier that also meet the federal ILEV standard; 3) HEVs produced during MY2004 or earlier that have a fuel economy rating of 45 miles per gallon or greater and also meet the state ULEV, SULEV, or Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) standards. Enactment of the 2005 Federal transportation bill Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), Public Law 109-59) allowed full implementation of this incentive. Additionally, certain vehicles registered to an address in the 9-county San Francisco Bay region are permitted to use the toll-free and reduced-rate passage privilege on specified bridges if the owner of the vehicle has obtained an automatic vehicle identification account. (Reference Assembly Bill 2600 and 1407, 2006, and California Vehicle Code Sections 5205.5 and 21655.9)
Point of Contact
Motor Vehicle Information Hotline
California Air Resources Board
Phone (800) 242-4450
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/carpool/carpool.htm
Electric Vehicle (EV) Parking Incentive - Sacramento
Sacramento offers free parking to individuals or small businesses certified by the city's Emerging Small Business Development that own or lease EVs with an EV parking pass in downtown parking lots C, G, H, I, K, P, and R. Free charging stations are located in lot C,G, H, and I.
Point of Contact
Parking Facilities Division
City of Sacramento
Phone (916) 808-5110
http://www.cityofsacramento.org/transportation/parking
Electric Vehicle (EV) Parking Incentive - Los Angeles Airport
The Los Angeles Airport (LAX) offers free parking and recharging for EVs in the lower/arrivals level of Parking Structures 1 and 6.
Point of Contact
LAX Parking Services Division
Phone (310) 646-9070
http://www.lawa.org/lax/laxframe.html
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) License
In order to equalize the vehicle license fee between AFVs and conventional fuel vehicles, the incremental cost of purchasing an AFV is exempt from the vehicle license fee (of 2%) when the costs are more than the most comparable conventional fuel vehicle, as determined by the California Energy Commission. This reduction applies to new, light-duty AFVs that are certified to meet or exceed Ultra Low Emission Vehicle standards. This program expires January 1, 2009. (Reference California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 10759.5)
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Parking Incentive - Los Angeles
Los Angeles allows free meter parking for selected HEVs and AFVs powered by electricity, compressed natural gas, and hydrogen. To qualify, the vehicle must display California Department of Motor Vehicles High Occupancy Vehicle lane access stickers. The program for HEVs expires December 31, 2007; after this date only HEVs with the California Clean Air Vehicle Decal will qualify for free parking. All other parking restrictions, including posted time limits, no parking during street cleaning times, and peak hour tow away periods, must be obeyed.
Point of Contact
Department of Transportation
City of Los Angeles
Phone (213) 972-8470
http://www.lacity.org/ladot/freepark.htm
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Taxi Incentive
The San Francisco International Airport, in partnership with the San Francisco Taxicab Commission, allows drivers of CNG taxis a front-of-the-line incentive allowing them one jump and one trip fee waiver per shift.
Clean Vehicle Parking Incentive - Hermosa Beach
Downtown Hermosa Beach offers free metered parking at silver poled meters for vehicles with the California Clean Air Decal and electric vehicles, including GEM vehicles. Vehicles may park for the maximum time limit designated on the meter.
Point of Contact
Ennis Jackson
Hermosa Beach Police
Phone (310) 318-0249
ejackson@hermosabch.org
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Parking Incentive - Santa Monica
The City of Santa Monica offers free meter parking for dedicated electric and compressed natural gas, or hybrid electric vehicles carrying the Clean Air Decal. Vehicles may park for the maximum time limit designated on the meter per trip.
Point of Contact
Lynne Taffert
Santa Monica Police Department
Phone (310) 458-2226
lynne.taffert@smgov.net
