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UPDATE (May 22, 2009):
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYSDMV) is currently issuing Clean Pass stickers to all eligible vehicles, including the 2009 model year.
The following vehicle models currently qualify for the stickers:
- A model year 1997 to 1998 Chevrolet S10 Electric (only these model years qualify, not any other model years), or
- A model year 2000 to 2004 Honda Insight (only these model years qualify, not any other model years), or
- A model year 2001 to 2009 Toyota Prius, or
- A model year 2003 to 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid (only the Hybrid version of the Honda Civic qualifies, no other version of the Civic qualifies), or
- A model year 2008 Mini Cooper Mini E, or
- A model year 2008 to 2009 Tesla Roadster.
The vehicle must have a valid NYS non-commercial registration.
For information about the reasons why only these vehicle models qualify, see the DOT web site.
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is currently issuing stickers to these vehicles.
 Clean Pass is an innovative program that will allow eligible low-emission, energy-efficient vehicles to use the 40-mile Long Island Expressway High Occupancy Vehicle (LIE/HOV) lanes beginning March 1st, regardless of the number of occupants in the vehicle. The program will result in an estimated reduction of 6,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions and savings in excess of 500,000 gallons of gasoline.
As part of Governor Pataki's Strategic Energy Action Plan, the one-year pilot program will expand the use of energy-efficient vehicles, providing Long Island commuters with incentives to save money, gas and time, while reducing stress during the daily commute on the LIE. Motorists whose estimated United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) fuel economy rating averages at least 45 miles per gallon and meets certain USEPA strict emissions standards will be allowed to participate by applying to the State Department of Motor Vehicles.
Clean Pass is a multi-agency pilot program partnering three New York State agencies, the State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), the State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The recent passage of the federal transportation bill, Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) enabled states to allow low-emission and energy-efficient vehicles to use HOV facilities regardless of occupancy.
Prior to this pilot program, the HOV lanes were reserved for use by vehicles with two or more occupants, buses and motorcycles during peak travel hours - weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.. At any other time, the LIE/HOV lanes are open to all traffic.
Based on certain federal emission and fuel economy standards, eligible vehicles
include the Toyota Prius Hybrid, model year 2001-2008; the
Honda Civic Hybrid, model year 2003-2008 (Note that only
the Hybrid version of the Honda Civic qualifies.
No other version of the Civic qualifies); and the Honda Insight
Hybrid, model year 2000-2004. Clean Pass stickers are required
for qualifying single occupant hybrid vehicles to use any
section of the LIE/HOV system. Registered owners of eligible
vehicles can apply to DMV to participate in the Clean Pass
program. Vehicles bearing Clean Pass stickers can travel the
40 continuous miles of HOV lanes in both the eastbound and
westbound directions along the length of the Long Island Expressway
from Medford in the Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County, to
the Queens border.
A key attribute of the LIE/HOV system is that it provides time-savings for peak-period commuters. Enforcement of the LIE/HOV regulations is provided by dedicated police patrols from the Nassau and Suffolk county police departments to maintain the integrity and reliability of the HOV lanes.
Applications will be taken over the phone, by calling the State Department of Motor Vehicles toll free 1(800) 697-0558, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Upon application approval, DMV will mail the stickers with instructions to the registered owner of the vehicle. Have your NYS vehicle registration card available to provide information to the DMV
representative. There is no fee for the stickers. After the application is approved, your Clean Pass vehicle stickers and information about the program will arrive by mail within 10 days.
What is the Clean Pass program?
The Clean Pass program is a multi-agency pilot program partnering three New York State agencies; the State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), the State Department of
Motor Vehicles (DMV), and State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
Clean Pass is an innovative program that allows eligible low emission, energy-efficient vehicles to use the 40-mile Long Island Expressway High Occupancy Vehicle (LIE/HOV) lanes, regardless of the number of occupants in the vehicle. This program is designed to encourage the use of environmentally friendly, fuel efficient vehicles to promote energy independence, lower fuel consumption and improved air quality. As part of Governor Pataki's Strategic Energy Action Plan, the one-year pilot program will expand the use of energy-efficient vehicles, providing Long Island commuters with incentives to save money, gas and time while reducing stress during the daily commute on the LIE.
Vehicles bearing Clean Pass stickers can travel the 40 continuous miles of HOV lanes in both the eastbound and westbound directions along the length of the Long Island Expressway from Medford in the Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County, to the Queens border. Prior to this pilot program, the LIE/HOV lanes were otherwise reserved for use by vehicles with two or more occupants, buses and motorcycles during peak travel hours - weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. At any other time, the LIE/HOV lanes are open to all traffic. A key attribute of the LIE/HOV system is that it provides time-savings for peak-period commuters.
How do I participate in the Clean Pass program?
To participate, you must be the registered owner of an eligible vehicle(s) with a valid
NYS registration and complete an application with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Applications will only be taken over the phone. To apply call DMV's toll free number 1-800-697-0558 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Have your NYS vehicle registration card available to provide information to the DMV representative. There is no fee for the stickers. After the application is approved, your Clean Pass vehicle stickers and information about the program will arrive by mail within 10 days.
What is a Clean Pass Vehicle? What vehicles are eligible?
Eligible Vehicle Criteria:
- Vehicles which are certified to the California Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) standard and achieve a United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) highway fuel economy rating of 45 miles per gallon or more; or
- Pre-model year 2005 hybrid vehicles which are certified to the California Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standard and achieve a USEPA highway fuel economy rating of 45 miles per gallon or more.
Current Eligible Vehicles*:
- Honda Insight - model years 2000-2004**;
- Toyota Prius - model years 2001-2008;
- Honda Civic Hybrid - model years 2003-2008
(Note that only the Hybrid version of the
Honda Civic qualifies. No other version of the Civic qualifies);
- Chevrolet S10 Electric- model years 1997 and 1998;
- Mini Cooper Mini E - model year 2008; and
- Tesla Roadster - model year 2008 and 2009
*(No other alternate fuel or hybrid vehicles are eligible for the program at this time)
**Note - Honda Insights - model years 2005-2006 do not meet the eligibility criteria because they do not meet California Air Resources Board SULEV emission requirements.
It is important to note that the model year 2005 and model year 2006 Honda Insights do not meet the eligibility criteria because they are not compliant with the SULEV emission requirements. No other vehicles are eligible for the program at this time. DEC will deliver to DMV an annual list of qualifying models, from which DMV will accept or reject applications.
How was the list of eligible vehicles determined?
Vehicle eligibility focused on three characteristics:
- Vehicles that use a non-petroleum based source of energy for at least some of their propulsion;
- Vehicles that are among the cleanest with respect to emissions; and
- Vehicles that are among the highest in fuel efficiency.
The final determination was based on the characteristics of the eligible vehicles listed above, in combination with the available capacity of the LIE/HOV lanes.
What benefits do I get from participating in the Clean Pass program?
The incentives of Clean Pass participation include access to the LIE/HOV lanes regardless of the number of passengers, stress reduction during the daily commute and personal savings in gas, money and time.
What do I need to know about the Clean Pass pilot program?
The recent passage of the federal transportation bill SAFETEA-LU (Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users) enabled states to allow low-emission and energy-efficient vehicles use of HOV facilities. An assessment of the LIE/HOV lanes was undertaken to determine if a Clean Pass program was viable. This assessment studied ongoing and planned construction, existing capacity and operational constraints.
With the introduction of Clean Pass, NYSDOT has implemented a monitoring program to assess and report on the operating levels of the LIE/HOV lanes and the Clean Pass program's impacts on those operations. After one year, if the capacities of the LIE/HOV lanes are not significantly degraded as defined by FHWA in SAFETEA-LU, the program will continue. NYSDOT would continue monitoring capacity levels. If speeds in the LIE/HOV lanes become significantly reduced, NYSDOT must discontinue the program.
How will the police know I am eligible to drive in the lanes with my vehicle?
Each eligible single occupant vehicle driving in the LIE/HOV lane must bear four "Clean
Pass Vehicle" stickers on their vehicle. Clean Pass stickers will be issued by the DMV.
Nassau and Suffolk county police will enforce the new regulations in the LIE/HOV lanes.
Why are there four stickers?
State and local police required that the sticker be visible from either side of the vehicle, as well as the front and the rear, in order to properly enforce the regulations of the LIE/HOV lanes. If the stickers are not properly placed on each side of the vehicle, police may issue a ticket.
Will other vehicles ever be eligible for the Clean Pass program?
As technology improves, NYSDOT may consider allowing other low-emission, energy efficient vehicles in the LIE/HOV lanes if there continues to be available capacity. If speeds in the LIE/HOV lanes become significantly reduced, NYSDOT must discontinue the program.
The LIE HOV lane is already at capacity, how can more vehicles be allowed in the lanes?
NYSDOT did a capacity analysis of the LIE/HOV lane, and although there are a few locations where traffic slows at certain times the LIE/HOV lanes have the capacity for additional vehicles.
For more information, please visit: https://www.nysdot.gov/portal/page/portal/programs/clean-pass
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