Solo electric vehicle drivers will soon lose HOV lane access

State of play: The federal rule that permits states to open their HOV lanes to alternative fuel vehicles, regardless of the number of riders, expires at the end of the month.

• Without last-minute congressional intervention, solo Arizona EV drivers will be stuck in the slow lanes on weekdays from 6-9am and 3-7pm.

Between the lines: A bipartisan group of congressional members, including U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton (D-Phoenix), is pushing for an extension but has been unsuccessful so far.

• "The lane exemption program doesn't just incentivize the transition to clean energy vehicles, it eases congestion for all drivers," Stanton, who serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said in a press release last month.

What we're watching: The Arizona Department of Transportation has been warning drivers of the impending change for several months, however, some confusion on the roads is likely after it takes effect.

• State troopers will use discretion and "weigh severity, safety and context" when enforcing HOV lane violations, according to Arizona Department of Public Safety spokesperson Bart Graves.