California's solo EV drivers lose access to HOV lanes
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Traffic backs up on a non-HOV stretch of I-5 during rush hour. Photo: Kevin Carter/Getty Images
San Diego's solo electric vehicle drivers, as well as those throughout California and 11 other states, will no longer be allowed to use the HOV lanes or pay lower tolls starting Wednesday.
Why it matters: Unrestricted access to highway carpool lanes is a big motivator for commuters to switch to electric or hybrid vehicles.
Driving the news: The federal rule that permits states to open their HOV lanes to alternative fuel vehicles, regardless of the number of riders, expires at the end of the month.
- The California DMV has been issuing Clean Air Vehicle decals for two decades but stopped in August, warning that the program could end.
- Without last-minute congressional intervention, the roughly 500,000 California EV drivers with decals will be stuck in the slow lane if they're driving solo.
Zoom in: In EV-friendly San Diego County, the new rules of the road will apply to high-occupancy and express lanes on the I-15, I-5, I-805 and SR-56.
Yes, but: Drivers won't get tickets for breaking the rules until 60 days after the program ends, per state law.
What they're saying: "Californians are committed to lowering their carbon footprint and these decals helped drivers be good stewards of our highways and environment," DMV director Steve Gordon said in a statement. "By taking away this program, hundreds of thousands of California's drivers will pay the price."
- "It's a lose-lose and we urge the federal government to retain this program."
Reality check: The change will make carpool lanes less congested.
State of play: The $7,500 federal tax credits for new EVs (and $4,000 for used) also expire at the end of the month, which could cause EV sales to plummet over the next few years.
- Gov. Gavin Newsom recently confirmed California won't replace that tax credit with a state rebate program as promised.
What we're watching: California's EV push — from banning gas-powered cars to rapidly expanding charging infrastructure — are seen as crucial to cutting carbon emissions.
- As California's clean air policies are under attack by the Trump administration, state agencies are looking for new ways to keep those climate efforts alive.
