The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) has announced that, starting September 30, 2025, single-occupancy electric vehicles (EVs) with EV plates will no longer be permitted to use high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes during restricted hours.
This change is required to comply with federal law. A provision in the federal code [23 USC 166(B)(4)] has allowed states since 2005 to exempt EVs from HOV lane occupancy requirements. That provision is set to expire on September 30, 2025.
“To be compliant with federal law, HDOT is informing the public of this change,” stated the department in its notice.
The Federal Highway Administration requires each state to produce an annual report on HOV lane traffic flow. If any HOV lanes do not meet traffic flow requirements, they must undergo further analysis and receive countermeasures aimed at improving travel times.
HDOT noted it will keep the exemption language for EVs in Hawai‘i Administrative Rule Chapter 19-108-7. This will allow for a possible return of the exemption if the federal rule is extended or renewed in the future.
