can electric vehicles use hov lane in california

Compressed natural gas, hydrogen, electric, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles meeting specified California and federal emissions standards and affixed with a California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Clean Air Vehicle sticker may use HOV lanes

regardless of the number of occupants in the vehicle.

Full Answer

What kind of cars can use HOV lanes in California?

Compressed natural gas, hydrogen, electric, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles meeting specified California and federal emissions standards and affixed with a California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Clean Air Vehicle sticker may use HOV lanes regardless of the number of occupants in the vehicle.

What is the HOV lane policy for plug-in electric vehicles in California?

Access to HOV lanes in California has been a powerful non-financial incentive that helps drivers make the switch to a plug-in electric vehicle (PEV). Nevertheless, California amended its HOV lane policy so that decals are now only eligible to remain on the PEVs for three years, after which the PEV is no longer eligible for the HOV lane.

Can teslas go in HOV lanes?

Can Teslas go in HOV lane? Owners of electric cars can apply for HOV stickers through the Department of Motor Vehicles if their state recognizes vehicle as “exempt”. Tesla’s anticipated automatic HOV Lane feature will further provide convenience for drivers who are hauling passengers when utilizing Navigate on Autopilot.

Can motorcyclists use HOV lanes without a decal?

Solo motorcyclists can use HOV lanes (and most HOT lanes) without a decal unless otherwise posted. Motorcyclists cannot ride on, in, or over solid double lines. Under some conditions, these vehicles can use HOV lanes with single occupants. For details, see the California Vehicle Code, Sections 21655.5 and 23301.5.

When will California be kicked out of HOV?

This policy change is to the detriment of many Californians, particularly early adopters of PEVs. Drivers who purchased a car before January 1, 2017 will be kicked out of HOV lanes starting in January 2019. Any driver who is issued a decal between January 1, 2017 and January 1, 2019 will be able to access the HOV lane until January 1, 2022, ...

When can early adopters access the HOV lane?

Plug In America is working hard to grandfather in early adopters who have the HOV decal into the new policy, so that early adopters can access the HOV lane until January 1, 2022.

How long can you stay on a PEV in California?

Nevertheless, California amended its HOV lane policy so that decals are now only eligible to remain on the PEVs for three years, after which the PEV is no longer eligible for the HOV lane.

Is CalTrans concerned about PEV drivers?

Despite the fact that CalTrans stated they are not concerned with PEV drivers congesting the HOV lanes and despite the hard work of Plug In America to amend this bill, the automakers shoved it through the Legislature.

What is a hot lane?

High-Occupancy Toll (HOT) Lanes: These freeway facilities are also called "Express Lanes" and allow single-occupant vehicles to use the HOT lane by paying a toll electronically (with a FasTrak transponder or by using a Prepaid ExpressAccount). Some HOT lane facilities have a One-Time-Toll feature. Most HOT lanes allow carpools to use ...

Do you have to cross solid lines in a HOV lane?

HOV Lane Striping: Do not cross solid, double lines whether they are white or yellow! If you are entering or exiting an HOV lane, you must change lanes only where there is a designated area or where you are crossing a single dashed line (white). In all cases, you must change lanes safely.

Can you use a hot lane for free?

Most HOT lanes allow carpool s to use the lane for free (local signs will specify this and indicate if carpools must carry a FasTrak transponder). HOT lanes may not be used by vehicles restricted to a 55 MPH speed limit. An example of a HOT lane is the Sunol Grade on Interstate 680 in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Can you drive a car with a red decal?

Electric and Other Vehicles with Red or Purple Clean-Air Decals: If your vehicle has a red or purple decal issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), you CAN drive by yourself in the HOV lane unless prohibited by local signs.

Can you ride on a hot lanes?

Solo motorcyclists can use HOV lanes (and most HOT lanes) without a decal unless otherwise posted. Motorcyclists cannot ride on, in, or over solid double lines.

Is it legal to use HOV lanes?

Part-time High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes: Some lanes are restricted to carpools only during high-use commute hours. It is legal for single-occupant vehicles to use the HOV lanes if it is outside those HOV hours of operation.

What is a HOV sticker in California?

The stickers enable single-occupant vehicles to access the high-occupancy vehicle, or HOV, lanes on public roads.

What is a HOV sticker?

Odds are your potential new car is eligible for a HOV lane sticker issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. The stickers enable single-occupant vehicles to access the high-occupancy vehicle, or HOV, lanes on public roads. There are two main types: Green and White.

When do HOV stickers expire?

Unless extended by California's legislature, both green and white stickers will expire in 2019, just as yellow stickers on older hybrids expired in 2011.

What is a HOV lane?

What Is an HOV Lane? High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, also known as carpool or diamond lanes, is a traffic management strategy to promote and encourage ridesharing; thereby alleviating congestion and maximizing the people-carrying capacity of California highways.

Where are the HOV lanes on the freeway?

HOV lanes are usually located on the inside (left) lane and are identified by signs along the freeway and white diamond symbols painted on the pavement.

Why Build HOV Lanes?

According to California state law, the goals of HOV lanes are to reduce congestion and improve air quality on the State Highway System. The law states that HOV lanes are used "to stimulate and encourage the development of ways and means of relieving traffic congestion on California highways and, at the same time, to encourage individual citizens to pool their vehicular resources and thereby conserve fuel and lessen emission of air pollutants."

How many people can drive on I-880?

Certain routes in the San Francisco Bay Area I-80 and I-880, Los Angeles I-10 El Monte Bus Way (during peak hour) and San Diego I-5 San Ysidro requires three or more (3+) persons per vehicle to access HOV lanes. Signs along the highway will specify the enforcement policy for each route. For San Francisco Bay Area ONLY, originally factory designed vehicles with a maximum two-seat occupancy may access the HOV (3+) lanes as long as there are two occupants in the vehicles.

What is the fine for a HOV violation in California?

Once monitor counts detect violation rates above 10%, District personnel will notify local area CHP of the need for heightened enforcement in a particular HOV corridor. An HOV lane violation ticket is a minimum $490 fine. Fine may be higher for repeat offenders. In addition, at the discretion of the county's Board of Supervisors, local counties can assess additional administrative fees.

How does congestion differ between Northern California and Southern California?

Northern California high ways usually experience two weekday congestion periods during peak morning and afternoon commute hours followed by a long period of non-congestion. Using a full-time operation would leave the HOV lane relatively unoccupied during off-peak hours and would not constitute an efficient utilization of the roadway. Southern California experiences very long hours of congestion, typically between six to eleven hours per day, with short off-peak traffic hours; part-time operation under these conditions would not be viable.

What is an occupant in HOV?

An "occupant" is defined as any person who occupies a safety restraint device, i.e., seat belt.

How long does it take to get a HOV decal?

Applications are processed in the order they are received (usually within 30 business days). You must wait to drive in HOV lanes (as a sole occupant) until you receive your decals and ID card, and affix the decals to your vehicle.

What is a CAV decal?

If you drive a vehicle that meets certain emissions standards and other criteria, you may be able to get Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) decals and a CAV decal identification (ID) card, which allow single occupancy use of High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV, or carpool) lanes.

What does CARB mean on a vehicle?

CARB indicated that you had applied for or received a rebate from the CVRP for the vehicle and/or you do not meet the income requirements.

How to contact Carb before conversion?

For more information visit the CARB website or call 1-800-242-4450. You must obtain a certification from CARB if your vehicle’s motive power was changed as a result of an aftermarket conversion (for example, gasoline to electric). A copy of the CARB certification letter must be attached to the CAV decal application.

What is the phone number for CAV decals?

If you are considering purchasing a used clean air vehicle to participate in the CAV decal program and the VIN is not on the list, please call 916-657-8035 to determine the vehicle’s eligibility.

Can you transfer a CAV decal to another vehicle?

CAV decals cannot be transferred to any other vehicle . If you purchase a vehicle that has CAV decals, you must transfer the decal to your name. If your vehicle was originally issued white or green decals prior to 2017, your vehicle is no longer eligible to participate in the CAV decal program (as of January 1, 2019).

How to find exhaust size in California?

To first visit the California Air Resources Board (CARB) website or call CARB’s toll-free number (1-800-242-4450) to find out whether your vehicle is eligible and find your vehicle’s exhaust standard and engine size.

Which states have HOV lane access?

Many states and provinces, including California, Colorado, Florida, Maryland and British Columbia, provide high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane access for EVs and other low-emission vehicles, often using a special sticker or license plate to show that the car is eligible for the HOV lane. Research shows that HOV lane access has been influential in ...

When will California EV drivers get a red sticker?

As of January 1, 2019, all California EV drivers will need a new red sticker. Those issued a green or white HOV decal after January 1, 2017, will be able to apply for a red sticker here if you drive a qualifying vehicle. If you already have a sticker, you should also get an application for a new sticker by mail.

Why is driving an electric car so smart?

Driving an electric car is a smart choice for many reasons, including reduced emissions, fuel savings, quick acceleration and a quiet ride. Another major factor in driving electric is unmatched convenience, including fewer service visits and time-saving carpool lane access. My own EV story started with the need to ease a tough commute across ...

When are California green decals valid?

Heads up: In California, white (zero-emission) or green (plug-in hybrid or partial zero emission) clean air vehicle decals are valid until January 1, 2019. As of January 1, 2019, all California EV drivers will need a new red sticker.

Do HOV permits go with a car?

Permits go with the car, not the owner. If you sell the car, the permit goes with it. Qualifying models for HOV lane programs may vary by state; make sure to check your state's official transportation website for local requirements. Programs may be open to a limited number of participants, so apply early.

Why are there HOV lanes in California?

To help the environment and encourage carpooling and ridesharing, the state of California has incorporated HOV lanes, otherwise known as High-Occupancy Vehicle Lanes, on several highways. This lane was designed to alleviate road congestion and maximize the rider capacity on Califor nia Roads. These lanes may seem like a lifesaver; however, there are some rules and regulations you should learn before using them. So let’s take a look at what cars qualify for HOV lane in California.

How many people are allowed in a HOV lane?

Usually, that means at least two people, or in some cases, three people. This is non-negotiable. Therefore, a child counts as a person but not an animal or unborn child.

How to Know a Lane is Carpool or HOV?

The California HOV or Carpool, or Diamond lanes are usually located on the inside (left) lane and are identified by signs along the freeway and white diamond symbols painted on the pavement.

What is an occupancy requirement for HOV lanes?

There is an occupancy requirement with HOV lanes. Vehicles with two or more occupants are allowed to access the HOV lanes during their operational hours. An ‘occupant’ is defined as any person who occupies a safety restraint device such as a seat belt.

How much is a HOV ticket?

An HOV lane violation ticket is a minimum $490 fine. The fine can increase for repeat offenders. Additionally, you could end up with a point on your driving record depending on the carpool lane violation. If you received a traffic ticket for crossing the double lines to get in or out of the HOV lane then a point will be added to your driving record. A DMV point will stay on your record for the next 3 years and increase your insurance premiums. On the other hand, a traffic ticket for driving solo in the HOV lane does NOT carry a point.

What are the hours of operation for HOV lanes?

Part-time High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes: These lanes are carpool only during peak travel times such as 6-10 am and 3-7 pm on weekdays (Monday through Friday). As a result, it is legal for single-occupant cars to use these lanes when it is outside the HOV hours of operation. Signs will be posted next to the HOV lane telling drivers when the lanes are carpool only. Part-Time HOV Lanes are more common in Northern California. In Southern California, typically, HOV lanes are separated from regular lanes by a buffer and are in effect 24/7.

What is a HOT lane?

High-Occupancy Toll (HOT) Lanes: These HOT Lanes or “Express Lanes” allow single-occupant vehicles as long as they pay a toll. The toll can be paid electronically with a FasTrak responder or through a Prepaid Express Account. Express lanes may never be used by vehicles that are restricted to 55 MPH speed limit such as trucks and cars with trailers.