For over two decades, California EV drivers enjoyed a golden ticket: the ability to cruise solo in the carpool lane using a Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) decal. That era is ending.
Clean Air Decals No Longer Valid
Starting October 1, 2025, all CAV decals will be officially invalid, no matter when they were issued. This follows the federal government’s decision not to renew the regulation that authorized states to issue these decals.
The California DMV stopped accepting new CAV applications on August 29. That means no new applicants, no renewals, and no solo access to HOV lanes for current holders.
Once the rule expires, electric and hybrid vehicles must meet posted occupancy requirements for carpool lanes and pay full tolls. Ignoring the change? That could result in a citation and fines.
Over One Million Drivers Affected
Since the program’s launch, more than one million decals have been issued in California alone. These stickers helped accelerate EV adoption by offering meaningful, real-world benefits like time savings, reduced toll costs, and traffic relief.
“This is a great program for climate-conscious Californians,” said DMV Director Steve Gordon. “Taking it away now is a step backward. Californians want to reduce emissions, and these incentives made that transition easier.”
The State Is Trying to Spread the Word
The DMV is emailing affected drivers, posting updates at field offices, and using social media to ensure people don’t get caught off guard. Caltrans will also update freeway signs with a clear message:
“CLEAN AIR DECALS NOT VALID STARTING OCT 1”
Expect to see these warnings leading up to the deadline.
What’s Next for EV Incentives?
First introduced in 1999, the CAV decal program has been central to California’s clean transportation efforts. Now, without it, many fear the shift to EVs could slow—especially for commuters who counted on HOV access as a key benefit.
The big question: Will new, equally effective incentives take its place—or is this the beginning of a pullback on EV support?
