Ohio is getting wise to the poseur SUV hybrid game. Now that car manufacturers are producing hybrid SUVs with less-than-impressive gas mileage ratings, Ohio legislators have decided to change the laws that allow any hybrid into the HOV lanes.

With hybrid gas hogs like the GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado – both with an average below 20 MPG – allowed in the get-me-to-work-on-time HOV lanes, it’s hard to argue with the logic of House Bill 62, sponsored by state Rep. Todd Kiser, R-Sandy. Of course, part of the motivation is that Ohio could risk losing federal highway funds, because the feds dictate that only hybrids that improve mileage by 50 percent in the city or 25 percent overall should be allowed in HOV lanes.

If you currently have an HOV license plate sticker for your SUV, it won’t be taken away, but new buyers of imposter hybrids won’t get the privilege. Of course, there are still plenty of options for hybrid SUVs, like the Toyota Highlander, Ford Escape, and Mazda Tribute. But you can look at the gas mileage ratings for hybrids, and see that there are plenty of cars still hovering in the 20 MPG range, which doesn’t inspire much green awe. Nonetheless, you do have to give GMC, Chevy, et al some credit for coming up with new hybrid engine designs. The question is, where do you draw the line when it comes to special driving privileges? Let us know what you think.