B.C. removes ‘OK’ decal requirement for EVs in HOV lanes

Beginning Aug. 15, battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in B.C. will no longer be required to show an “OK” decal on the back of their vehicles to use an HOV lane.

As of that day, the Ministry of Transportation and Transit says access to HOV lanes for EVs will be signed along highways.

“This update to the Electric Vehicle in High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes (EVHOV) program simplifies HOV-lane usage for EV owners and eliminates administrative wait times for decals,” the Ministry said in a statement on Friday.

On Thursday, just hours before the province’s announcement, wait times to receive a decal from the ministry had blown out to about eight weeks.

The Ministry adds that the removal of the decal requirement will also now allow EVs from out of province to use HOV lanes where permitted.

New signs will be placed on eligible highways across B.C. from Aug. 15, 2025. (Courtesy B.C. Government)

“By removing the decal requirement, the Ministry of Transportation and Transit will save approximately $70,000 annually in administrative costs. The ministry will continue to monitor the capacity of HOV lanes in the province to ensure they remain effective for all permitted users,” the Ministry explained.

With the removal of the decal requirement, the province says hydrogen-powered vehicles will no longer be eligible to use HOV lanes without meeting the passenger number requirement.

Listen live to 1130 NewsRadio Vancouver every 10 minutes on the ones for traffic updates. You can also follow us on X @NewsRadioVan and subscribe to Traffic Alerts sent directly to your inbox.