California is one of the few states that provide huge incentive on hybrid vehicle purchase. This incentive is not limited to tax credits only like other states. You can avoid highway lane restriction; get parking privilege if you are driving a hybrid vehicle. Also some of Californians City offer benefit on hybrid cars. Here are some benefits in California for buying hybrid vehicles:

State Hybrid HOV: On Jan. 1, 2005, CA will allow hybrid electric vehicles that get at least 45mpg and have SULEV emissions ratings to use high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes without regard to the number of passengers in the vehicle. As of 8/10, this incentive is now in operation. Current eligible vehicles include the Toyota Prius, Honda Insight and Honda Civic hybrid. Vehicles must have special decals in order to use HOV lanes. Note: A total of 75,000 decals are available and will be granted on a "first come-first served" basis. For more information go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/carpool/carpool.htm

San Jose Free Hybrid Parking: Free parking at downtown San Jose public parking facilities and on-street meters throughout the City for Clean-Fuel Vehicles purchased in San Jose. Began 1/1/03. Eligibility-- Contact-- Jason Burton (408) 794-1427, jason.burton@ci.sj.ca.us.

Los Angeles Hybrid Free Parking -- Gas-electric hybrid cars can park at parking meters for free, but can still be ticketed for exceeding the time allotment for metered spaces. The ran through a 6 month trial period from October 2004-March 2005. The LA City Council recently voted an extension of the incentive through May 2005 while the LA Department of Transportation prepares an evaluation. Police Officers have been trained to recognize hybrid cars.

If you own a Zero Emission Vehicle or Super Low Emission Vehicle as defined by the California Air Resources Board, you may purchase a California Clean Air Vehicle Decal from the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Once you have purchased and affixed the decal to your vehicle per DMV instructions, you can park without depositing coins at metered parking spaces (however, you remain subject to the posted time limit restrictions) throughout the city. To find out how to obtain a California Clean Air Vehicle Decal, go to: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/decal.htm

According to a representative at the LA Department of Transporation, four hybrid vehicles were identified as eligible to receive the free metered parking privileges during the pilot program: Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Insight and Ford Escape Hybrid.

For more information e-mail the LA Department of Transportation at ladot@dot.lacity.org.

Insurance Discount for Hybrids (private): Los Angeles-based Farmers Insurance company is offering a 5 percent discount on auto insurance to California customers driving hybrid-electric models. The discount, effective October 1, 2005, is for all customers who own a hybrid or alternative-fuel vehicle. All new business customers will receive the discount as of the new business date, and existing customers will receive the discount upon renewal.

Hybrid Tax Credit (bill): AB 838 would provide purchasers of hybrid vehicles a credit against net tax in an amount equal to a specified percentage of the amount paid as vehicle license fee (VLF) during the taxable year. The percentage of the credit would depend on emissions ratings. ZEV autos would receive 100 percent of the credit, PZEVs 90 percent, ATPZEVs 85 percent, and SULEVs 80 percent. ULEVs would also qualify if the vehicle obtained an EPA-raded 75 mpg or above (75 percent of the credit) or between 33 and 75 mpg (between 33 percent and 74 percent, accordingly). The bill was not passed in the 2005 legislative session.

Hybrid Internet Sales (bill): AB 1223 would allow direct sales of hybrid vehicles from manufacturers to customers without having to go through a dealer. This bill failed to pass the Transportation Committee on 5/2/05.

Santa Barbara County Incentives for Hybrids: Incentive funding ($1000) for up to ten (10) hybrid vehicles is available for Santa Barbara Air Pollution Control District residents. Funding currently depleted. Contact--Irene Salazar ISalazar@energy.state.ca.us. Responsible agency--California Energy Commission. Program ended March 30, 2004 and is no longer in effect.

About The Author Mo Rahman is a freelance writer. He writes about automobiles mainly about hybrid cars and electric vehicles. You can find his writing on his website at: http://www.whybuyhybrid.com.