Nevada Hybrid Electric Vehicle Laws and Incentives
State Incentives
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Taxicab Exemption
HEVs operating as taxicabs may remain in operation for an additional 24 months beyond the existing limits. Existing limits restrict vehicles used as taxicabs to operate for a period of up to 67 months for new vehicles or 55 months for used vehicles with less than 30,000 miles on the odometer. (Reference Senate Bill 9, 2009, and Nevada Revised Statutes 706.8834)
State Laws and Regulations
Support for Use of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
The Nevada legislature recommends that the U.S. Congress enact legislation authorizing HEVs to qualify for compliance under the Energy Policy Act of 1992 as a practical and economic way to reduce emissions and lessen the use of foreign oil. (Reference Senate Joint Resolution 9, 2009)
Authorization for High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane Exemption
The Nevada Department of Transportation is authorized, in consultation with the Federal Highway Administration and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, to establish a program allowing federally certified low emission and energy-efficient vehicles to operate in HOV lanes regardless of the number of passengers. (Reference Assembly Bill 163, 2009, and Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 484)
Alternative Fuel Use in County School Districts
Transportation equipment purchased by county school district general funds and used for transporting pupils must fall into the following categories: 1) motor vehicles that use biodiesel, compressed natural gas, or similar emissions-reducing fuels; 2) equipment to retrofit motor vehicles to use these fuels; or 3) equipment for the transportation, storage, or dispensing of these fuels. (Reference Assembly Bill 563, 2009)
Funds for School District Alternative Fuel Use
A portion of any penalty assessed for violations of air pollution control laws must be deposited in the county school district fund of the county where the violation occurred. Expenditures from such a fund must be approved by the local air pollution control board and are limited to: 1) programs of education on topics relating to air quality; and 2) projects to improve air quality, including the purchase and installation of equipment to retrofit school buses to operate on biodiesel, compressed natural gas, or a similar fuel formulated to reduce gasoline and diesel fuel emissions within the school district. (Reference Nevada Revised Statutes 445B.500)
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Emissions Inspection Exemption
AFVs are exempt from the emissions testing requirements of the Nevada Emissions Control Program. New HEVs are exempt from emission inspection testing for the first six years, after which the vehicle is required to comply with emissions inspection testing requirements on an annual basis. (Reference Nevada Revised Statutes 445B.770-445B.825)
