You’ve followed the rules for decades—so why do EV drivers get this special treatment?
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Aussie drivers may not realise they’re sharing the fast lane with a surprising group of vehicles.
A little-known road rule is giving some motorists an express-lane advantage—without the need for passengers.
And this privilege is sticking around for a while longer.
It might look like a solo driver is breaking the rules in a transit lane—but not if they’re behind the wheel of an electric vehicle sporting a special blue EV label.
This quiet exemption, introduced in 2022, granted electric vehicle (EV) owners in New South Wales and the ACT the right to use T2 and T3 transit lanes even when travelling alone.
Originally set to expire by the end of that same year, the rule has since been extended multiple times and is now locked in until 30 June 2027.
The policy was part of a broader strategy by governments to encourage the switch to zero-emission vehicles by offering perks like access to less congested lanes.
According to the NSW Government’s official guide, ‘Transit lanes can be used by vehicles containing a certain number of people.’
The rule doesn’t extend to EV drivers in other states, making it a unique benefit to those in NSW and the ACT.
Transit lanes—designed to ease congestion and promote carpooling—usually require a minimum of two people for T2 lanes and three for T3.
But EVs aren’t the only exception.
Public buses and minibuses, taxis, emergency vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and hire cars with HC plates are also allowed to use transit lanes, regardless of how many people are inside.
There are also specific circumstances when any driver can briefly enter a transit lane, including turning off a road, overtaking a vehicle making a right turn or U-turn, or entering a lane from the roadside.
Not all road rules are as straightforward as they seem—and some can catch even the most seasoned drivers off guard.
If you’ve ever second-guessed what’s allowed on the road, you’re not alone.
Here’s another example of a misunderstood rule that’s landed people with hefty fines.
Read more: Authorities ‘bust the myth’ about this little-known road rule that could cost you up to $349
Could this small perk be enough to sway more Aussies toward going electric?
A little-known road rule is giving some motorists an express-lane advantage—without the need for passengers.
And this privilege is sticking around for a while longer.
It might look like a solo driver is breaking the rules in a transit lane—but not if they’re behind the wheel of an electric vehicle sporting a special blue EV label.
This quiet exemption, introduced in 2022, granted electric vehicle (EV) owners in New South Wales and the ACT the right to use T2 and T3 transit lanes even when travelling alone.
Originally set to expire by the end of that same year, the rule has since been extended multiple times and is now locked in until 30 June 2027.
EV drivers allowed solo access to transit lane. Image source: Australian Electric Vehicle Association
The policy was part of a broader strategy by governments to encourage the switch to zero-emission vehicles by offering perks like access to less congested lanes.
According to the NSW Government’s official guide, ‘Transit lanes can be used by vehicles containing a certain number of people.’
It continues: ‘Electric vehicles are also permitted to drive in transit lanes regardless of the number of occupants until 30 June 2027.’The rule doesn’t extend to EV drivers in other states, making it a unique benefit to those in NSW and the ACT.
Transit lanes—designed to ease congestion and promote carpooling—usually require a minimum of two people for T2 lanes and three for T3.
But EVs aren’t the only exception.
Public buses and minibuses, taxis, emergency vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and hire cars with HC plates are also allowed to use transit lanes, regardless of how many people are inside.
There are also specific circumstances when any driver can briefly enter a transit lane, including turning off a road, overtaking a vehicle making a right turn or U-turn, or entering a lane from the roadside.
Not all road rules are as straightforward as they seem—and some can catch even the most seasoned drivers off guard.
If you’ve ever second-guessed what’s allowed on the road, you’re not alone.
Here’s another example of a misunderstood rule that’s landed people with hefty fines.
Read more: Authorities ‘bust the myth’ about this little-known road rule that could cost you up to $349
Could this small perk be enough to sway more Aussies toward going electric?
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