So, I ended up selling my 2001 Cougar, which I loved so much in order to purchase an HOV friendly HCH1. I commute about 45 miles each way daily, and my morning drive was horrible with Long Island traffic. Well, I bought my HCH, and thus far, love the car. I am getting close to 50 mpg with a lifetime average of 46.1 and rising. THe only problem so far is......COPS.

I have owned the car for 7 weeks, and have had my HOV sticker for 4 weeks. There are clear signs on the Expressway saying CLEAN PASS VEHICLES PERMITTED. Well, that doesnt stop the negligence of some police. I have the 4 designated stickers in the designated spots, but have somehow managed to get pulled over 5 times so far. Each time was exactly for the same reason. Single passenger in the HOV. Each time, I tell them I drive a Clean Pass Vehicle, and get off without any tickets. Its just annoying that I buy this car with intent to cut my commute time in half, and keep getting pulled over.

I was just wondering if anyone else had this problem?

My wife faced the same problem many times in the San Francisco bay area, driving her Toyota RAV4-EV with stickers. This was before hybrids got the stickers, and stickers were quite rare. After the first couple of times, she'd smile at the officer as he pulled her over, which would get them furious. But there's nothing they could do. They let her go every time.

Ultimately, all the highway patrol officers in your area will learn, and they'll stop doing it.

2006 HCH Alabaster Silver w/Navi
2003 Honda Accord LX

Well, I hope these officers start reading their memos....because I hate wasting time being on the side of the road getting harassed.

You can find me at your local paintball field!!!!

Hey Pablo,

I'm picking mine up on Friday and will await my Cleanpass stickers and let you know.

Can you tell me how long it took to get your stickers?

I recommend you keep track of the police officers name and badge number who pulled you over just to be on the safe side.

Has it been Nassau or Suffolk or both?

Michael

Why not simply have a copy of the relevant law in your car for the cops to peruse? Or have a few copies so each cop can keep theirs?

Infael

2004 Gray Prius with smart start/entry and VSC

His complaint is that he's getting pulled over, not that the cops don't believe him. Being pulled over wastes time.

But there are a finite number of cops and they'll remember the rules eventually. Or you can show up at their precinct and issue a complaint.

I knew there was a reason I left LI...

tax burden...
declining infrastructure...
massive cost of living...
those accents...
and now hybrid harassment by SCPD/NCPD...

But man I miss Robert Moses Beach...
quick shots into NYC on LIRR...
WBAB...
incredible schools...
great pizza on every corner...
even better lacrosse than here in MD...

Wow!!! A whole new infraction:


DWH



Driving while hybrid


Dan

Don't forget the Nikon@Jones Beach Theater!

You should write down the names of the dimbulb cops who pull you over and loudly complain to their superior(s). A call to some of the local TV stations might also be in order -- negative publicity is one of the best antidotes to govt. buffoonery.