'Move over': B.C. drivers sound off about EVs in HOV lanes

If you’ve driven in an HOV lane recently, have you noticed traffic was moving much slower than you’d expect?

Some folks have taken their gripes with the current state of the province’s HOV lanes online, specifically expressing their frustration with electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids being allowed to drive in those lanes.

“My co-worker and I have been carpooling since forever. We both understand that when EVs and Hybrids needed an incentive for purchase, the government waived the HOV guidelines allowing single occupancy,” said a recent commenter in the British Columbia subreddit.

They went on to argue that the HOV lanes that were “designed to encourage people to carpool” have now “turned [it] into an EV/Hybrid single occupancy lane.”

“The number of, dare I say it, single passenger Teslas that stay in the lane going under the speed limit while the fast lane is going by is frustrating, to say the least. Just because you can be in the HOV lane does not mean you should be,” they continued.

“When the traffic is backing up behind you and cars are passing you on the right… move over. You are not that special. I know, I know, I know. People are going to say, ‘But what about the environment?’ Well, when you have 5-10 gas-guzzling actual multi-passenger cars behind you while you are in the HOV lane trying to max your battery distance… it kind of defeats the purpose.”

“Please make the HOV lane a real High Occupancy Vehicle lane again,” they concluded.

Are HOV lanes being taken over by EVs?

The post was flooded with comments from fellow B.C. drivers, many of whom agreed with the original poster’s comments about EVs.

“HOV lanes are meant to encourage multiple people per car… We should get rid of single occupancy vehicles in that lane,” wrote one driver.

“EVs shouldn’t get to use the HOV. In theory, they’re better for the environment idling. Too many people use the HOVs in any car because there is zero enforcement,” wrote another.

One EV driver chimed in to agree, arguing that the point of the HOV lane should be to encourage folks to be less reliant on their vehicles in general and to carpool.

“Gas, it all adds up to traffic, which adds idling emissions for any gas vehicle stuck in traffic,” they wrote.

However, they pointed out that more enforcement is needed because they often spot many “solo gas vehicles using the HOV as a fast lane.”

“EVs don’t need any more help. HOV should be high occupancy again,” said another.

However, some took issue with the original commenter’s remarks insinuating that the HOV is the “fast lane.”

“Also remember, [the] HOV lane is not a passing lane. My car has an auto speed limit and follows the highway limit. I have been honked [at] and shown [the] finger several times for following the speed limit on the HOV lane. Everyone drives crazy wants to pass on the HOV lane,” one driver wrote.

“It’s not a fast lane,” another stated.

“The HOV is not a fast lane. It’s a dedicated lane for traveling for those who are HOV and don’t want to weave in and out of traffic. I and many others would rather do literally ‘go slower than traffic’ with no one in front than have to constantly merge from the merge lane the middle as traffic comes on and off and speed up and slow down,” chimed in one commenter.

In an email to Daily Hive, the Ministry of Transportation and Transit clarified that HOV lanes “are designed to encourage carpooling, reduce congestion and promote more efficient use of road space.”

“Vehicles in HOV lanes must adhere to the posted speed limits. The intent is to provide a more consistent flow of traffic for eligible vehicles, not to serve as express or passing lanes,” stated the Ministry.

What are the province’s HOV rules?

According to the B.C. Motor Vehicle Act, vehicles under 5,500 kg in weight and meeting the minimum required occupants, as posted on signs, can use HOV lanes. Buses can also use HOV lanes.

Vehicles over 5,500 kg, except buses, cannot use HOV lanes even if they meet the occupancy requirements.

However, there are some exceptions, as some vehicles can use HOV lanes even if they do not meet the minimum number of occupants.

These include:

• Emergency vehicles
• Motorcycles
• Cycles
• Taxis (ride-hailing vehicles are not exempt from HOV lane requirements)
• HandyDART vehicles
• Electric vehicles (EVs) displaying an official decal
• Blood delivery vehicles when transporting blood or blood products
• Peace officer on active duty
• Marked vehicles responding to a disabled vehicle or other emergency on the highway

When it comes to EVs, owners who qualify for “low emission vehicles” less than 5,500 kg can apply for a decal to drive in HOV lanes on B.C. highways.

What are your thoughts on the current state of HOV lanes in B.C.? Let us know in the comments.

With files from Amir Ali