Starting October 1, electric vehicles and other alternative fuel vehicles with only a driver will no longer be allowed to use high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes during restricted hours in Arizona, unless Congress takes action to extend the current federal provision.
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has set up a resource page at azdot.gov/HOVRule to help owners of alternative fuel vehicles prepare for the change. According to ADOT, “The decision on whether to allow this provision in federal code to lapse lies with Congress, and as of now vehicles with an Alternative Fuel or Energy Efficient license plate will no longer qualify to use the HOV lane with only the driver as of Oct. 1.”
HOV lanes are found on freeways throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. The occupancy requirement—two or more people per vehicle—is enforced weekdays from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Motorcycles, public transit buses, emergency vehicles used by first responders, and tow trucks performing their duties remain exempt from these requirements.
A section of federal law [23 USC 166(b)(4)] currently allows Arizona to let alternative fuel vehicles bypass normal HOV restrictions that require multiple occupants. This exemption applies not only to electric cars but also vehicles powered by natural gas, propane, hydrogen, coal-derived liquid fuels, biological materials, methanol, denatured alcohol or similar substances.
If Congress does not renew this rule and it lapses as scheduled, enforcement will continue under state law. The Arizona Department of Public Safety will rely on existing traffic enforcement discretion among State Troopers who will consider factors such as severity and safety when enforcing violations.
ADOT also provides general information about HOV lanes—including usage rules and frequently asked questions—at azdot.gov/HOV.
