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Little-known road rule benefiting EV drivers prompts reminder to Aussies

Australians are being reminded of a little-known road rule specifically benefiting electric vehicle drivers. Online this week, Aussies in a community group shared that in the ACT and NSW, EVs are allowed to drive in the transit lanes, regardless of how many occupants are in the car. This is at odds with typical rules that state there must be two or sometimes three people in the car, and many responding said they didn't know about the transit lane exemption. "Never knew about it," one person said. "I had no idea," commented another. Transit lanes — marked as T2 or T3 — are designed to reduce congestion and encourage more efficient travel by prioritising vehicles carrying multiple people. T2 lanes require at least two occupants, while T3 lanes require three or more. They operate during peak hours or as signed, and vehicles such as buses, taxis, motorcycles and bicycles can use them freely regardless of passenger numbers. Drivers not meeting the minimum occupant requirement can only enter transit lanes briefly, typically up to 100 metres, to overtake or turn. But in NSW and the ACT, EVs with a blue EV label on their number plates are allowed to use T2 and T3 lanes even when carrying only the driver. This exemption forms part of a government effort to encourage EV uptake by offering practical incentives. It was introduced in 2022 and was recently extended until June 30, 2027, in NSW. Other states like Queensland and Victoria do not offer similar allowances. Little-known road rule with $600 fine shocks Aussies Drivers warned major road rule change with $961 fines 'just weeks' away Common road act that carries a fine in every Aussie state Why do we have transit lanes? The point of transit lanes is to reduce traffic congestion and improve the efficiency of road networks, particularly during peak travel times. By giving priority to vehicles carrying multiple passengers, such as carpoolers, buses, taxis, and motorcycles, transit lanes aim to: Encourage ride-sharing and reduce the number of single-occupant vehicles on the road Speed up travel times for high-occupancy vehicles and public transport Lower overall emissions by cutting the number of cars on the road Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.