2007 Prius NOT eligible for HOV stickers (yet)

I am trying to go through the rather laborious process of applying for the California HOV stickers for my new 2007 Prius, but ran up against a stiff roadblock. Apparently, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) doesn't have the 2007 Toyota Prius listed on their website yet (or in their database at all) as an HOV eligible car, so they told me that they would reject any applications sent in for a '07 Prius as of right now. They also told me (via telephone) that it was up to Toyota to certify the '07 Prius as being eligible with the ARB.

Okay, so I called Toyota to ask about this certification process. Toyota told me that, as far as they know, the Prius is already certified as a PZEV and therefore already eligible for the HOV stickers. They suggested I call the ARB back and escalate my request until somebody has an answer (I immediately tried, but they're closed for the day). I'm guessing that they'll pass the buck, again, when I do call. <_<

Question: Has anyone gotten any better information about how to successfully apply for the HOV stickers, even though the 2007 Prius isn't yet listed as eligible for them?

I don't think the issue is whether it will eventually be listed, as I'm sure it will, but whether the applications can be processed yet since the car isn't in the ARB database. I'm pushing the issue at this point because I want to be sure that those of us who just bought '07s don't get delayed so long that the new batch of stickers runs out.

Vince

 

UPDATE: I called ARB again just now and they told me that the 2007 does indeed qualify, even though it's not listed on their website. Nothing like a little inconsistency in their customer service. <_<

Vince

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(plee @ Oct 5 2006, 10:23 AM) [snapback]328510[/snapback]</div>

Apparently, you have to have a license plate number before you can send the paperwork in. The VIN alone won't do <_< Once you have the license, though, you can apply. That's my understanding.

Vince