To paraphrase a famous TV duty sergeant, "Be careful out there."
I've been reading the California state Vehicle Code concerning HOV lanes and stickers. I am not an attorney, but from what I can tell it is still the law that standard cars using the HOV lanes must have more than one occupant (at least 2 or 3, depending on the jurisdiction) or display an up-to-date HOV sticker (granted to CAVs). (Two-seater vehicles and motorcycles also have access, if I am not mistaken.) Therefore, the presence of one-occupant cars (even if BEV) without HOV stickers in diamond lanes during posted commute periods would appear to still be against the law, correct? Or is having an obvious BEV adequate to ensure immunity from ticketing? Or maybe carrying proof of HOV sticker application? Regardless, even partial enforcement of diamond lanes is probably a chore, at best. I would hope that CHP personnel are more concerned with speeding and reckless behavior.
In a few years (after 2024?), once CAVs predominate, commuter lanes may either disappear altogether or return to true HOV-only status, and electric and hydrogen cars no longer granted access.