The carpool access change will start in October. Photo: Courtney Pedroza/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Solo electric vehicle drivers in Georgia and nearly a dozen other states will no longer be allowed to use the HOV lanes starting tomorrow.
Why it matters: Unrestricted access to highway carpool lanes is a big motivator for commuters to switch to electric or hybrid vehicles and helps reduce congestion for other drivers.
State of play: The federal rule that permits states to open their HOV lanes to alternative fuel vehicles, regardless of the number of riders, expires at 11:59pm tonight.
After that, solo Georgia EV drivers will be stuck in the slow lanes and have to pay tolls on the I-85 Express Lanes.
Caveat: All drivers can use the Express Lanes without paying a toll if their vehicle has three or more occupants and they use the Peach Pass Verify app. Learn more
Between the lines: A bipartisan group of congressional members is pushing for an extension but has been unsuccessful so far. No members of the Georgia delegation have signed on as co-sponsors thus far.
