Electric vehicle (EV) owners in Georgia are facing significant changes as of September 2025. The state has eliminated the privilege allowing solo drivers of electric cars to use high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes. Despite this, drivers are still required to pay fees associated with their Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) plates, which no longer provide the benefits they were originally meant to offer.
The AFV plate has long been a symbol of access for EV drivers, allowing them to enter HOV lanes even when driving alone. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, this federal allowance has been in place since 2005, with Georgia among thirteen states that utilized the AFV plate to identify eligible vehicles. The benefit was reaffirmed through the FAST Act of 2015, but it expired in September 2025 when Congress did not approve an extension.
Continued Charges Despite Loss of Benefits
With the expiration of the HOV lane access, Georgia can no longer permit solo EV drivers to use those lanes. Despite this significant change, the state has not reduced the fees associated with the AFV plates. Currently, drivers are still required to pay an additional $35 per year for the special tag fee, $59 for a new AFV plate, and the standard $20 annual fee. The Georgia Department of Revenue has since reclassified the AFV plate as just another specialty plate, which has left many drivers feeling misled.
In a statement to local news outlet 11Alive, the Georgia Department of Revenue noted, “The AFV plate will remain available as an optional specialty license plate for Georgia drivers. We have issued guidance to the local county tag offices, and customers who no longer wish to use the AFV plate may visit their local tag office to exchange it for a standard plate at no cost.” While the option to switch to a regular plate exists without incurring additional fees, there are no refunds for those who paid for the AFV plate after the loss of HOV lane access.
Impact on Electric Vehicle Owners
The change has sparked frustration among Georgia EV owners, who argue that they are effectively being charged for a benefit that no longer exists. Since the expiration of this privilege, the state has reportedly collected over $212,000 in additional fees from AFV plate holders, raising concerns about fairness in the system.
For those who currently hold an AFV plate, the implications are clear: they can no longer use HOV lanes alone, and they will continue to incur fees unless they transition to a standard plate. Drivers are left to ponder the value of their AFV plates, especially when the primary advantage has vanished.
The situation has led to discontent among EV drivers, many of whom feel that the state is profiting from a program that no longer serves its intended purpose. The frustration stems not only from the loss of HOV lane access but also from the ongoing financial burden associated with maintaining the AFV plate.
As this situation develops, Georgia EV owners are left to navigate the new landscape of vehicle regulations and fees. The recent changes serve as a reminder for drivers to reassess the value of their specialty plates and consider available options to avoid unnecessary costs.
