The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) has announced that a federal exemption allowing alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) to use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes as single-occupant vehicles will expire at 11:59 p.m. on September 29, 2025. This change is based on the expiration of a federal law provision that previously permitted certain AFVs, including battery-powered electric vehicles with state-issued alternative fueled vehicle license plates, to access HOV lanes without meeting the standard occupancy requirements.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, after the exemption ends, drivers of AFVs in Georgia must follow the same rules as other passenger vehicles for HOV lane usage. Specifically, AFVs will need to have two or more occupants to use these lanes beginning September 30, 2025. Information about these changes is available on Georgia DOT’s website.
The expiration also affects access to High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes within Georgia’s Express Lanes system. The State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA), which operates these express lanes, advises AFV drivers seeking further details about HOT lane access and certification changes to visit Peach Pass’ official site or contact their customer service center.
“Per the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the existing statutory exemption – which previously allowed non-conforming vehicle occupancy (SOVs) in HOV lanes for plug-in all-electric vehicles and other qualifying AFVs bearing alternative fueled vehicle license plates issued by the state of Georgia – will officially expire at 11:59pm onSeptember 29, 2025. After that date, federal law will require AFV drivers to adhere to existing requirements for all other passenger vehicles regarding use of HOV lanes.”
“HOV Lanes: Like all other passenger vehicles, AFVs must be occupied by two or more persons to use HOV lanes. The change applies to all HOV lanes in the state of Georgia. Information regarding the expiration and what AFV drivers need to know can be found on Georgia DOT’s website.”
“High Occupancy Toll (HOT) Lanes: the upcoming expiration of a federal exemption also applies to AFV usage of the I-85 HOT lanes, which are part of Georgia’s Express Lanes system. Georgia’s State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) is the agency responsible for operation of Express Lanes in Georgia. For additional details on the HOT lanes AFV expiration, please visit www.peachpass.com/afv-certification or call the Peach Pass Customer Service Center at 1-855-PCH-PASS (724-7277).”
Georgia DOT manages planning, construction, and maintenance for both state and federal highways across Georgia and supports local governments with road upkeep.
