ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Big changes are coming this week for electric vehicle (EV) drivers on the interstate.

Georgia has participated in a federal exemption allowing EVs and other alternative fuel vehicles, identified by special plates, to ride toll-free in the I-85 High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes since they opened in 2011. Nationally, EVs can also travel in High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes with only the driver inside.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Electric vehicles to lose I-85 toll exemption next month

But those exemptions expire on Tuesday. EVs will have to pay tolls to use HOT lanes and have at least two occupants to travel in the HOV lanes.

However, all drivers can avoid tolls on the I-85 HOT lanes when carpooling with three or more people if the occupants have been valid

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