U.S. lawmakers want to extend incentives for EV drivers

Two Members of the House of Representatives: Mark DeSaulnier (Democrat from California) and Greg Stanton (Democrat from Arizona), introduced last week the HOV Lane Exemption Reauthorization Act, which would extend the High Occupancy Vehicle Lane Exemption program until 2031. Current provisions will expire on September 30, 2025, unless Congress takes legislative action. What is it about, and could such a solution be attractive in Poland?

HOV lanes – what are they?

HOV lanes are special traffic lanes on highways and expressways in the U.S. (and in several other countries), designated for vehicles carrying multiple passengers.

Main rules of operation:

typically, only cars carrying at least two or three passengers may use them (depending on local regulations),

the goal is to encourage carpooling, which reduces the number of cars on the road,

during rush hours, HOV lanes are often less congested, allowing their users to save time,

in some states, electric vehicles, hybrids, and other low-emission cars are also allowed to use HOV lanes, even when the driver is alone.

In this way, HOV lanes serve both as a transport policy tool and an environmental measure.

Supporters’ arguments

Greg Stanton emphasized that in Arizona, EV drivers have long benefited from access to HOV lanes:
“This program not only encourages the transition to clean-energy vehicles, but also reduces traffic congestion for all road users. Without legislative action, this reasonable policy will expire this year.”

Mark DeSaulnier, a former member of the California Air Resources Board, recalled California’s experience:
“Incentives for EVs tangibly improve quality of life, reduce emissions, and save drivers hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually on fuel.”

The proposal has received broad support from the automotive industry and pro-climate organizations. The Electric Drive Transportation Association notes that HOV access lowers commuting costs and time while reducing urban emissions. Similar positions were taken by the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association, Renewable Fuels Association, and the Zero Emission Transportation Association.

Political challenges

Although the bill has the backing of key transportation organizations, its future remains uncertain. Since President Donald Trump took office, the federal administration has consistently scaled back support for the EV market. In September 2025, the federal tax credit for EV buyers expired, and the White House also blocked California’s plan to ban sales of new combustion-engine cars starting in 2035. Against this backdrop, extending the HOV Lane Exemption could become a point of political contention.

Preferential access programs for EVs to fast lanes are not unique to the U.S.—similar policies exist in Norway, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. However, in the U.S. they play a particularly important role, as road infrastructure is central to everyday transport.

If the HOV Lane Exemption is extended until 2031:

EV drivers will gain tangible time and financial benefits,

metropolitan areas can reduce local emissions and somewhat ease congestion,

state governments will retain flexibility in shaping their own transport policies.

If passed, the HOV Lane Exemption Act would remain one of the few federal indirect support instruments for the development of the EV market.

And what about Poland?

Although the U.S. example shows that HOV lanes can be an effective tool for promoting electromobility and reducing traffic jams, Poland is not yet ready to introduce them. Despite dynamic growth, the number of EVs in Poland is still marginal compared to Western markets. Moreover, in the U.S. HOV lanes were created primarily to promote carpooling for commuting. In Poland, the culture of carpooling is still in its infancy, while daily transport continues to rely mainly on private cars and public transport.

Source: electrive.com