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CA Carpool Sticker availability?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by hluedorf, Nov 11, 2005.

  1. hluedorf

    hluedorf Junior Member

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    I just bought a new Prius yesterday and I am really excited about it.

    I would like to get a carpool-lane sticker. Does anyone know how good my chances are to get one if I apply early next week? Any ideas on how much are still left?

    I understand that one prerequisite is a Hybrid Fastrak-Transponder for people who live in San Francisco. Is this absolutely mandatory though as I am not really using the bridges that much?

    Also, can I drop off my DMV application for the carpool-sticker at a DMV office personally? I am hoping that if they accept it at the counter, that I will get the sticker for sure.

    I would be great to get some thoughts on this. Thanks!

    I loved my ride to work this morning. Commuting never felt better! :D
     
    #1 hluedorf, Nov 11, 2005
  2. jsm

    jsm New Member

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    I found this in a newspaper article dated 10/29
    As of Friday, the DMV had received 35,612 hybrid-carpool applications in 11 weeks, and now gets about 500 a week. Max is 75,000
     
    #2 jsm, Nov 11, 2005
  3. mjw

    mjw New Member

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    Like it or not, the Fastrak thing is mandatory if you live in SF (or other Bay Area counties). You can pick it up in person at their office on the Embarcadero. No charge -- it's just a prepaid toll deposit. (They have to be able to bill you when you use the bridges.)

    I think your odds are pretty good. We got our car just under a month ago, and our stickers just came today. The app says something about "special processing unit", though, so my guess is that you can't get the stickers in person at the DMV.

    See this thread for more discussion on the topic:

    http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=11396&hl=sticker


    mike
     
    #3 mjw, Nov 18, 2005
  4. suemarnold

    suemarnold New Member

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    #4 suemarnold, Nov 18, 2005
  5. suemarnold

    suemarnold New Member

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    #5 suemarnold, Nov 18, 2005
  6. ceric

    ceric New Member

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    Our honest CA government. I am amazed.
    In August, due to early confusion, I sent in two applications with two $8 checks (thanks to the FasTrak deal). I got two sets of stickers back. Both checks were cashed. Being a good citizen, I sent one set of stickers back. Why do I need a second set? One set is ugly enough... <_< I thought the extra $8 was long gone. I didn't have to energy to argue with DMV.

    Today, Nov 17, I got a $8 check from DMV saying that I overpaid them based on their computer records. I am amazed. Thanks, CA.

    BTW, the stickers are estimated to run out in March/2006 time frame. Don't worry. Not every Prius owner in CA wants those stickers...I have seen many w/o. :p
     
    #6 ceric, Nov 18, 2005
  7. 3c3

    3c3 Junior Member

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    Maybe some people have the "ugly" stickers but don't want to put them on. :)
     
    #7 3c3, Nov 18, 2005
  8. jsf

    jsf Member

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    The max is 75,000 but DMV will evaluate at 50,000 and decide if they will stop there or continue to 75,000. No indication they will stop, but they could.
     
    #8 jsf, Nov 18, 2005
  9. IsrAmeriPrius

    IsrAmeriPrius Progressive Member

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    Mine are still in the envelope on my desk.

    :D
     
    #9 IsrAmeriPrius, Nov 18, 2005
  10. sheri

    sheri New Member

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    As of November 17, 37,490 carpool applications had been made by hybrid owners and 34,294 stickers had been issued. Around 1,500 were returned because they were incomplete, had incorrect information or didn't qualify. About 800 applications came in last week. The state will review the carpool-lane perk at 50,000, and will cap it at 75,000.
     
    #10 sheri, Nov 20, 2005
  11. chrisek

    chrisek geek

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    We just got our stickers yesterday (bought ours just a couple of weeks ago). My wife was so excited (it is her car, afterall) she called me up "dammit, I wish it were a weekday during rush hour, I'd drive up to San Jose and back just to break them in!" That's my wife for ya B)
     
    #11 chrisek, Nov 20, 2005
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