The Department of Revenue has started accepting applications for the Smart Pass program, which allows hybrid vehicles to drive in high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes without satisfying the two-passenger minimum. Applications will be posted online at www.Tennessee.gov/revenue/vehicle/hovpass.htm, where registered owners of qualifying hybrid vehicles can download it and submit it to the department. Drivers will receive a small decal for their vehicle that must be displayed in order to drive in HOV lanes without additional passengers.

Public Chapter 1121 allows qualifying hybrid vehicles to drive in HOV lanes because they are inherently low-emission and energy efficient. The first HOV lane was opened in the Nashville area in 1993, and lanes continue to expand in the Davidson and Shelby County areas.

• Environmental Protection Agency HOV Lane Rule Fact Sheet
• Tennessee HOV Lanes
  
• Smart Pass Eligible Vehicles - Draft EPA List of Eligible Vehicles for HOV Lane Exemption*
  *Vehicles from this list also manufactured in 2008 and 2009 will be considered eligible for Smart Pass. Eligibility is subject to change based on EPA's future ruling.