EV Drivers Lose HOV Lane Access in NY and NJ as Federal Program Ends

End of Clean Pass Program

• 🚗 The federal government has halted programs like New York's Clean Pass, ending special access to HOV lanes for single-occupant hybrid and electric vehicle drivers.
• ⏰ This change goes into effect at midnight tonight, impacting 15 states, including New York and New Jersey.

Consequences for Drivers

• ⚠️ Drivers registered for the Clean Pass program in New York face potential fines of at least $150 and two points on their driving record if caught using HOV lanes.
• ⏳ TripleA predicts increased traffic congestion, with one driver anticipating an extra 30 to 45 minutes added to their commute.

Political Reactions

• 🗣️ A spokesperson for Governor Hokll blamed the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress for making Long Island a "victim" in a campaign to worsen air quality and traffic.
• ⚖️ Critics argued that the program was unfair to carpoolers and contributed to the clogging of HOV lanes.