Since 2010, drivers of plug-in electric or hybrid vehicles have been allowed — when equipped with a special permit — to use HOV lanes in Maryland regardless of the number of passengers. The state legislature last renewed the benefit in 2018 but didn’t take action during the most recent session, which allowed the provision to expire.
Motor Vehicle Administration spokeswoman Ashley Millner said any changes would require action by the legislature. She said the agency has issued 13,786 HOV stickers to owners of electric vehicles and will notify driversThe change comes as demand for electric vehicles continues to rise. As battery capacity grows and charging stations become more widely available, thousands of Marylanders have used federal and state incentives to buy electric or hybrid vehicles.
EV and hybrid drivers in the Washington region have for years taken advantage of the end-run around the carpooling requirement to drive on HOV lanes, but the rules have mystified others. While the exemption was viewed as an incentive to encourage the purchase of vehicles that are less harmful to the environment, other commuters complained about HOV lanes becoming more congested because of solo drivers in EVs.
Energy Energy Latest News, Energy Energy Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Source: IntEngineering - 🏆 287. / 63 Read more »