WLRN Public Media | By Tom Hudson

HOV lanes are no more in Florida.

Drivers of hybrid and electric vehicles will still get a pass on express lanes for a while, though.

A new law that went to effect Tuesday eliminates high occupancy traffic lanes throughout the state. There were about 50 miles of highways with that designation. Most of those miles were in South Florida, including I-95 express lanes in Broward County.

The designation reserved the lanes for cars and trucks carrying more than the driver. However, hybrid and electric vehicles were allowed to drive in them even when carrying no passengers. Drivers of these vehicles could get a decal from the state for $5 allowing them to use the HOV lanes and bypass any tolls.

This story was originally produced by WLRN, South Florida’s only public radio station at 91.3 FM, as part of a content sharing partnership with MIA Media Group. Read more at WLRN.org