High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane Exemption

A driver may operate a qualified inherently low emission vehicle (ILEV) or hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) in an HOV lane at any time, regardless of the number of passengers, provided that the vehicle is certified and labeled in accordance with federal regulations. All eligible ILEVs and HEVs must comply with the minimum fuel economy standards set forth in Title 23 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, section 166(f)(3)(B). The vehicle must display a Florida Division of Motor Vehicles issued decal, which must be renewed annually. Special fees may apply. Vehicles with decals may also use any HOV lane designated as a HOV toll lane without paying the toll. An HEV is defined as a motor vehicle that draws propulsion energy from on-board sources of stored energy comprised of both an internal combustion engine using combustible fuel and a rechargeable energy storage system and meets or exceeds the qualifying California standards for a Low Emission Vehicle. Three-wheeled vehicles are considered ILEVs for the purposes of HOV lane exemption. For more information, see the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles HOV Decal website.

(Reference Florida Statutes 316.0741)