Umair Gaines
Electric vehicles have been allowed to use California's HOV lanes since 2005, thanks to a federal transportation bill. However, this access is currently set to end on 30 September 2025, when the California Clean Air Vehicle program is set to expire. This means that electric, plug-in hybrid, and other alternative-fuel vehicles will no longer be able to use HOV lanes without passengers. To qualify for the Clean Air Vehicle program, vehicles must meet specified California and federal emissions standards and be affixed with a California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Clean Air Vehicle sticker.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vehicles eligible for HOV lane | Electric, compressed natural gas, hydrogen, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles that meet specified California and federal emissions standards |
| Sticker requirements | Must have a California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) sticker |
| Sticker colours and expiry dates | Blue stickers (expire January 1, 2025), yellow, burgundy, and green stickers (expire September 30, 2025) |
| Sticker fees | $27 for CAV decals, no fee for replacement ID card |
| Other benefits | Eligible for reduced rates or exemptions from toll charges on HOT lanes |
| Restrictions | Vehicles with temporary or paper license plates are not eligible |
| Other requirements | Must meet the posted minimum occupancy requirements for carpool lanes |
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What You'll Learn
Electric vehicles with Clean Air Vehicle decals
The California Air Resources Board (ARB) and the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) jointly run the Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) decal program. The DMV issues CAV decals to vehicles that meet specified emissions standards. These decals allow single-occupancy vehicles to use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes. The ARB establishes the official list of eligible vehicles based on their emissions.
The CAV decal program is subject to authorization by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). If authorization is not granted, the program may end sooner than specified in state law. The California Department of Transportation (DOT) or federal authorities can restrict carpool lane use for CAVs if their presence contributes to increased traffic congestion, increased travel times, or decreased sustained travel speeds.
CAV decals are issued per vehicle and cannot be transferred to another vehicle. If a vehicle with CAV decals is sold, the decals must be transferred to the new owner. The decals expire on January 1 of the fourth year after they are issued. For example, decals issued in 2021 will expire on January 1, 2025. The decals are also colour-coded by year, with blue stickers expiring on January 1, 2025, and yellow, burgundy, and green stickers expiring on September 30, 2025. The decal program will end, and any remaining valid decals will expire on September 30, 2025.
In addition to HOV lane access, CAV decals offer other benefits. They grant toll-free or reduced-rate passage on certain toll bridges in the Bay Area, such as discounted carpool toll rates on state-owned toll bridges. Drivers with valid CAV decals and a FasTrak account can obtain a FasTrak CAV toll tag, which communicates to roadside toll equipment that the driver is in a clean air vehicle and eligible for applicable toll discounts. With this toll tag, drivers can use Bay Area Express Lanes toll-free or with a 50% discount during designated hours.
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Plug-in hybrid vehicles
To determine whether a specific plug-in hybrid vehicle qualifies for the HOV lane decal, owners can refer to the California Air Resources Board website, which provides a list of eligible vehicles. This list includes vehicles that meet the Transitional Zero Emission Vehicle (TZEV) standard, previously known as the Enhanced Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (AT PZEV) standard.
The decal type for plug-in hybrid vehicles is typically green, as indicated by sources discussing the Chevrolet Volt. However, it is important to note that the decal colour may vary depending on the vehicle's exhaust standard, with some sources mentioning white decals for plug-in hybrids.
To obtain the HOV lane decal, owners of eligible plug-in hybrid vehicles must apply through the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or their website. The application process requires information such as the vehicle's license plate number, vehicle identification number, year, make, and model. It is worth noting that only first-time owners of eligible vehicles qualify for these decals, and they are valid until September 30, 2025.
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Low- and zero-emission vehicles
To qualify for the Clean Air Vehicle program, vehicles must meet California's specified emissions standards and be affixed with a California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Clean Air Vehicle sticker. The stickers are colour-coded, with blue stickers expiring on January 1, 2025, and yellow, burgundy, and green stickers expiring on September 30, 2025. Vehicles with white, green, orange, purple, or red decals are no longer eligible for the program.
The California Clean Air Vehicle program is set to expire on September 30, 2025, and unless the federal government and the California Legislature extend the program, the DMV will not renew the decals, and electric and hybrid vehicles will lose their carpool lane access. This expiration is expected to reduce traffic in carpool lanes and increase motivation for carpooling and ride-sharing.
It is important to note that only first-time owners of eligible vehicles qualify for the decals, and since 2018, newly issued decals have had an expiration date of four years or less, with no option for renewal. Additionally, as of January 1, 2020, low-income drivers can apply for California carpool stickers for used electric cars if their household income is less than $65,777 per year (80% of California's median income).
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California carpool stickers
California's Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) program allows low- and zero-emission vehicles with a CAV decal access to High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, regardless of the number of occupants in the vehicle. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues these decals, which are also known as California carpool stickers.
To qualify for a California carpool sticker, vehicles must meet specified California and federal emissions standards. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) establishes the official list of eligible vehicles. Auto manufacturers can contact CARB with their emissions certification Executive Order and a VIN decoder if their eligible vehicles are not yet listed.
The type of decal issued depends on the applicant's gross annual income and the vehicle type. Higher-income consumers who purchase or lease a BEV or PHEV that does not qualify for a CVRP rebate can still qualify for a Clean Air Decal. However, higher-income consumers who purchase or lease an FCEV and are exempt from the income caps will not receive a rebate if they receive a Clean Air Decal.
It is important to note that California's Clean Air Vehicle decals are non-renewable and have an expiration date. Blue stickers are set to expire on January 1, 2025, while yellow, burgundy, and green stickers will expire on September 30, 2025. The California Clean Air Vehicle program is also set to expire on September 30, 2025, unless the federal government and the California Legislature extend it.
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California Clean Air Vehicle program
The California Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) program allows vehicles that meet specified emissions standards to use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, regardless of the number of occupants in the vehicle. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues Clean Air Vehicle decals, also known as carpool stickers, to eligible vehicles. These decals indicate that a vehicle is permitted to use HOV lanes even if there is only a single occupant in the car.
The CAV program was established to meet California's health-based air quality standards and greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. By encouraging the adoption of low- and zero-emission vehicles, the program aims to reduce fuel consumption and pollution caused by congested freeways.
To qualify for the California Clean Air Vehicle program, vehicles must meet certain emissions standards set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). CARB maintains an official list of eligible vehicles, which includes electric, plug-in hybrid electric, compressed natural gas, and hydrogen-powered vehicles. It is important to note that only first-time owners of eligible vehicles qualify for the decals, and these decals are non-renewable.
The decals are colour-coded and have different expiration dates. Blue stickers are valid until January 1, 2025, while yellow, burgundy, and green stickers expire on September 30, 2025. Vehicles with stickers may also be eligible for reduced rates or exemptions from toll charges on High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes.
For higher-income consumers who purchase or lease a BEV or PHEV that does not qualify for a CVRP rebate, qualification for the Clean Air Decal remains unaffected. However, higher-income consumers who purchase or lease an FCEV and are exempt from income caps will not receive a rebate if they have already received a Clean Air Decal.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric, plug-in hybrid, and other alternative-fuel vehicles that meet California and federal emissions standards and have a California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Clean Air Vehicle sticker qualify for HOV lane access.
If you buy or lease a new electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle, you can apply for a California Clean Air Vehicle sticker. First-time owners of eligible vehicles can fill out the Clean Vehicle application after purchasing a qualified low-emission vehicle. Lower-income drivers can also apply for stickers for used electric cars if their household earns less than $65,777 per year.
Blue stickers expire on January 1, 2025, while yellow, burgundy, and green stickers expire on September 30, 2025. The California Clean Air Vehicle program is currently set to expire on September 30, 2025, unless it is extended by the federal government and the California Legislature.
Having a California Clean Air Vehicle sticker allows you to drive in HOV lanes without any passengers, potentially saving you time on your commute. Drivers with these stickers may also be eligible for reduced rates or exemptions from toll charges on HOT lanes.
