B.C. to end sticker program for EVs in HOV lanes
The B.C. government says the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) sticker program for electric vehicles will soon be coming to an end.
In a news release published on Friday, July 11, the Ministry of Transportation and Transit said the change will come into effect on Aug. 15, 2025, meaning “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,” noted the ministry.
The province clarified that hydrogen vehicles are no longer permitted to use HOV lanes without meeting the minimum passenger requirement of two or more occupants.
According to the province, “the definition of an electric vehicle is a vehicle propelled by an electric motor and powered by a battery that can be charged from an external electricity source.”
This includes:
- Fuel types:
- Battery electric vehicle (BEV)
- Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)
- All sizes of eligible EVs are allowed, including light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty EVs.
Vehicles that run on an electric motor and plug to charge will be able to access HOV lanes without minimum passenger requirements, where signage permits.
EVs will be allowed in the following HOV lanes:
Lower Mainland
- Highway 1: Westbound from east of 202 Street to Gilmore Way overpass
- Highway 1: Eastbound from Gilmore Way overpass to 208 Street overpass
- Highway 7: Westbound HOV lane starts past (West of) Golden Ears Way and ends just ahead (East) of Old Dewdney Trunk Road
- Highway 7: Eastbound HOV lane starts past (East of) Old Dewdney Trunk Road and ends just ahead (West) of Golden Ears Way
- Highway 17A: Northbound only Ladner Trunk Road to Highway 99
- Highway 99: Northbound south of Highway 17 to north of Highway 17A
- Highway 99: Southbound south of Westminster Highway to north of Steveston Highway
Kelowna
- Highway 97: Northbound Pandosy Street to Sexsmith Rd/Old Vernon Road
- Highway 97: Southbound Sexsmith Rd/Old Vernon Road to Pandosy Street
The ministry also outlined some other changes, including allowing eligible out-of-province vehicles and electric heavy-duty trucks to use HOV lanes (where signage allows) to encourage more efficient modes of transportation.
Starting Aug. 15, 2025, EVs with single driver are allowed in these HOV lanes if there is a sign indicating they are allowed. (Province of B.C.)
In April, the ministry said it was reviewing the program to see if “any improvements or changes [were] warranted.”
The program allowed qualifying low-emission vehicle owners to apply for a decal. When displayed on the vehicle’s bumper, it permits drivers access to B.C.’s HOV lanes regardless of how many passengers are in the car.
The EV program was introduced by former B.C. Premier Christy Clark in 2016.
The province says removing the decal requirement will save $70,000 in administrative costs.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect that the sticker program will be ending for EVs in HOV lanes. A previous version of this story stated that “out-of-province heavy-duty vehicles” would be allowed in B.C. HOV lanes. That has been corrected.