Saturday July 12, 2025 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Electric-vehicle (EV) drivers may use their vehicles in the high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes on BC roads. That comes into effect on August 15, 2025.
The Ministry of Transportation and Transit says this reflects the popularity of electric vehicles in BC.
Starting August 15, 2025 drivers of eligible plug-in hybrid or battery-electric vehicles will no longer need to display an OK decal to use designated HOV lanes.
As of that date, access to HOV lanes for EV drivers will be indicated solely by road signs.
Eliminates need for decals:
This update to the Electric Vehicle in High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes (EVHOV) program simplifies HOV-lane usage for EV owners and eliminates administrative wait times for decals, the ministry stated in their July 10 release about this change.
By removing the decal requirement, the Ministry of Transportation and Transit will save approximately $70,000 annually in administrative costs. The ministry says it will continue to monitor the capacity of HOV lanes in the province to ensure they remain effective for all permitted users.
Link to info on HOV lane EV access decals.
Eligibility:
Plug-in hybrid or battery-electric vehicles can be driven in designated HOV lanes on BC highways starting August 15, 2025.
That includes light-duty, medium-duty and heavy-duty EVs.
Out of province vehicles and trucks:
Other changes include allowing eligible out-of-province vehicles and electric heavy-duty trucks to use HOV lanes where signage permits, supporting more efficient goods movement and encouraging cleaner transportation options.
No passenger minimum:
Access to HOV lanes without the minimum number of passengers where signage permits will remain available to vehicles that run on an electric motor and plug in to charge.
Hydrogen vehicles will no longer be eligible to use HOV lanes without meeting the minimum passenger requirement.
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NEWS SECTIONS: TRANSPORTATION & TRAVEL