Potential End to Clean Air Vehicle Decals for California Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
Are Clean Air Vehicle Decals in California Coming to an End?
For years, owners of electric and hybrid vehicles in California have enjoyed the privilege of using the carpool lane even when driving solo, thanks to the “clean air vehicle” decals. However, this freedom may soon come to an end if the federal government does not extend the program allowing alternative-fuel vehicles to use the carpool lane, as it is set to expire on September 30, 2025.
The program allowing solo drivers in low-emission and energy-efficient cars to use the carpool lane was authorized in 2005 to promote the adoption of alternative-fuel vehicles and help meet environmental goals. The objectives of carpool lanes align with the goals of reducing fuel consumption and pollution caused by congested freeways, making it a win-win situation for both drivers and the environment.
States have had the power to choose which vehicle models to give carpool access to, based on purchasing trends and technology advancements. However, the highway funding bill enacted in 2015 extended this power only until September 29, 2025. After this date, unless Congress extends the provision, public authorities must discontinue allowing the use of such vehicles in HOV lanes.
California’s Clean Air Vehicle decals, which grant low- and zero-emission vehicles access to HOV lanes, are set to expire on September 30, 2025. Since the program started in 2001, the DMV has issued over 1 million decals to cars that meet the state’s criteria. Only first-time owners of eligible vehicles qualify for the decals, and since 2018, newly issued decals have expired in four years or less with no option for renewal.
If the federal government and the California Legislature extend the decal program beyond September 30, 2025, the DMV will evaluate the new requirements before deciding whether to extend the existing decals. Regardless of color, all decals issued before 2021 have now expired.
The future of clean air vehicle decals in California hangs in the balance, so stay tuned for updates on whether this program will continue to benefit owners of electric and hybrid vehicles in the state. Sign up for Essential California to receive news, features, and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.