ASPEN — The Colorado Department of Transportation is now accepting applications from the owners of qualifying hybrid vehicles for a permit to use the state’s High Occupancy Vehicle lanes, including the HOV lanes on Highway 82 between Aspen and Basalt.

CDOT will be accepting applications and then issue 2,000 permits through a lottery system. Applications will be accepted online, in person and through the mail.

Permitted hybrids will be allowed to travel with only one occupant in the Highway 82 HOV lanes, on the Interstate 25 Express Lanes, and in the US 36 and Santa Fe Drive HOV lanes. Permitted hybrids will not be allowed free travel on E-470 or the Northwest Parkway, nor will they be allowed to travel on the HOV/diamond ramp lanes that exist along select highways.

If travel times on the roads declines, the permits may be cancelled and hybrid drivers could have to pay charges to travel on the I-25 Express Lanes with only one occupant, according to CDOT.

Federal law currently authorizes use of HOV lanes by qualifying low-emission and energy-efficient vehicles through Sept. 30, 2009. Permits will expire then unless the federal authorization is extended.

Applications will be accepted online and can be downloaded at www.dot.state.co.us/hybrids/ or, to request an application, e-mail info@dot.state.co.us. Completed applications can be mailed to: Colorado Department of Transportation; Attn: Hybrid Permits; 4201 E. Arkansas Ave., Room 290; Denver, CO 80222.