STM Daily News
Solo Arizona EV Drivers May Lose HOV Lane Access October 1 Unless Congress Acts
Starting Oct. 1, 2025, Arizona EV drivers may lose solo HOV lane access as a federal exemption expires. Unless Congress acts, Energy Efficient plates won’t grant carpool privileges.
Last Updated on September 30, 2025 by Daily News Staff
PHOENIX, Ariz. — A federal change set to take effect next week could take away one of the biggest perks for Arizona’s electric vehicle (EV) drivers: the ability to use high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes while driving solo.
Currently, Arizona drivers with electric or alternative-fuel vehicles qualify for special license plates that allow them to bypass traffic and use HOV lanes without passengers. That privilege exists because of a federal law—23 U.S.C. 166(b)(4)—which gave states the option to exempt alternative fuel vehicles from standard carpool restrictions.
However, that exemption is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2025, unless Congress passes an extension. If it expires as written, starting October 1, 2025, solo EV and other alternative-fuel drivers will no longer be allowed to use HOV lanes during peak hours in Arizona.
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), the change is entirely tied to federal law. “Arizona cannot override this federal requirement,” ADOT stated in a recent update on its website. The agency has already begun informing drivers that vehicles with alternative fuel or energy-efficient plates will lose access unless new legislation is passed.
Legislative Push for an Extension
Some lawmakers are working to keep the exemption alive. Earlier this year, Representatives Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.)and Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.) introduced the HOV Lane Exemption Reauthorization Act, which would extend the program through 2031. “Arizona’s EV drivers shouldn’t be penalized for leading the way on clean energy adoption,” Stanton said in a press release announcing the bill (desaulnier.house.gov).
Without congressional action, though, Arizona has no legal pathway to continue offering the exemption.
What Drivers Should Expect
If the exemption ends as scheduled:
- Solo EV and alternative-fuel drivers must follow normal HOV lane rules—that means at least two occupants during restricted hours.
- Energy Efficient and Alternative Fuel plates will remain valid for registration purposes but will no longer grant HOV access.
- Enforcement will be handled the same way as standard HOV violations, with possible fines for noncompliance.
A National Impact
Arizona isn’t the only state affected. California, Virginia, and others with similar clean vehicle HOV programs are preparing for the same October 1 cutoff. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, California EV drivers will also lose carpool-lane and FasTrak perks unless the law is extended (sfchronicle.com).
Conclusion
For now, Arizona EV drivers should prepare for changes starting October 1. The future of HOV access hinges on Congress—if lawmakers extend the program, the privilege continues. If not, Arizona’s carpool lanes will soon look a lot more crowded.
Sources:
- Arizona Department of Transportation
- Axios Phoenix
- Rep. Mark DeSaulnier – Press Release
- San Francisco Chronicle
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