The provincial government is changing the rules for electric vehicles wishing to access high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes. These changes affect municipal roads with HOV lanes and could trigger the need for municipalities to update road signage.
Starting August 15, 2025, drivers of electric vehicles will no longer be required to display a decal to drive in high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes when carrying less than the required number of passengers. Instead, electric vehicles can be driven in HOV lanes where signage allows it.
Previously, electric vehicle owners had to apply for an “EV OK” decal from the Ministry of Transportation and Transit to use HOV lanes. Upcoming changes to the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations remove this requirement, simplify criteria and end wait times to receive a decal. Information on the new rules is available on the Ministry’s Electric Vehicle HOV Program website.
Municipal highways with HOV lanes that allow electric vehicles will be required to make signage changes to continue to allow electric vehicle use. Ministry staff consulted municipalities with HOV lanes so signage changes can be made before the new rules take effect on August 15, 2025.
Municipalities seeking information may email the Ministry of Transportation and Transit.