Pinal Today

The Federal Highway Administration has informed Arizona officials about a change that could impact the use of high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes for alternative fuel vehicle owners. Starting September 30, 2025, if no federal changes are made, electric vehicles and other eligible alternative fuel vehicles with only a single occupant will no longer be allowed access to these lanes during restricted times.

In response, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has created a website, azdot.gov/HOVRule, to prepare affected vehicle owners and the public for this change. The site provides detailed information on the scheduled expiration of a federal code provision that currently permits certain vehicles to use HOV lanes with just one occupant.

Currently, according to the federal code 23 USC 166b, Arizona can exempt alternative fuel vehicles from standard HOV lane restrictions, which typically require two or more occupants, except motorcycles. Along with electric vehicles, the exemption applies to vehicles running exclusively on fuels such as natural gas, propane, hydrogen, and others derived from biological materials.

HOV lanes are a common feature on freeways within the Phoenix metropolitan area, providing an alternative to congested traffic for carpoolers and qualifying vehicles. Whether this change will affect traffic patterns or congestion remains to be seen, as vehicle owners and local authorities await any potential federal amendments.