In Georgia, owners of electric vehicles (EVs) are getting very upset about license plates. For many years, drivers could use carpool (HOV) lanes even when driving alone if they bought an Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) plate for their EV or plug-in hybrid.
The benefit for the plate expired in late September, but the extra fee for it did not.
People are now questioning why are they still paying for something that no longer provides the benefit for which they signed up. The federal government changed the rules, but Georgia’s subsequent handling of AFV plates has made many drivers feel like they are being charged for nothing.
How the EV carpool perk disappeared
The AFV plate was more than just a fashion statement for a very long time. For vehicles that met the requirements, it worked as a pass into the carpool lane. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, federal law had allowed “single-occupant low-emission and energy-efficient vehicles” to use HOV lanes since 2005.
Georgia was one of thirteen states that exploited this regulation. They used the AFV plate to identify which vehicles were eligible for that benefit. This access was extended by the FAST Act of 2015, but only through September of this year. To continue with it, Congress would have had to approve another extension. But the benefit expired nationwide because it didn’t.
A special plate with no special privileges
Georgia was no longer able to let solo EV drivers to use those lanes after the HOV access ended. Federal law wins over. However, Georgia did not reduce the cost or halt AFV renewals. Drivers continue to pay:
-
$35 extra per year as a special tag fee,
-
$59 for a new AFV plate,
-
plus the usual $20 annual fee.
The AFV plate is now referred to as just another specialty plate by the Georgia Department of Revenue. “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,” the company said in a statement to 11Alive.
In order to avoid further costs in the future, you can return to a regular plate for free. However, there are no refunds for drivers who have already paid after the benefit expired. Many of them paid for actual HOV-lane time not just to show that they drive an alternative fuel vehicle.
What this means for Georgia EV drivers
Even though the main advantage has ended, Georgia is right now still making money from AFV plates. Since then, the state has allegedly collected more than $212,000 in additional fees.
Therefore, if you have an AFV plate and drive an EV or plug-in hybrid in Georgia, better keep this in mind:
-
You can’t use HOV lanes alone anymore just because of the plate.
-
You’re still paying extra unless you switch to a standard plate.
-
You can exchange it for a regular plate at no cost, but you won’t get a refund for what you’ve already paid.
The fact that laws have changed is not the real reason of frustration for many drivers; is that, Washington is responsible for it. The state continued to charge the same premium for a plate that’s primary benefit disappeared.
Ultimately, it’s a reminder that it’s time to look at what plates or programs offers right now. People that have being charged wrongfully, might still show their discontent for a while—and with a good reason—hoping that at some point they will be reimbursed.