If you drive an electric or hybrid vehicle in California, an important change is coming your way. Starting October 1, 2025, drivers with Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) decals will no longer be allowed to use carpool (HOV) lanes alone.
This marks the official end of California’s long-running clean-air vehicle carpool program. Even if your car still has a valid decal, you’ll need to follow the same rules as everyone else — that means meeting the required occupancy to use the lane.
🚦 What’s Changing
The Clean Air Vehicle decal program officially expires on September 30, 2025.
After that date:
⚙️ Why the Change Is Happening
This update stems from the expiration of the federal rule that allowed states to offer solo carpool access to clean-air vehicles. While California hoped to extend the program, it cannot continue without federal approval.
State transportation officials say this shift will help reduce congestion and ensure that HOV lanes serve their original purpose — encouraging true carpooling and reducing the number of vehicles on the road.
👮 What Drivers Should Expect
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) plans to start with a brief education period in October, focusing on warnings and driver awareness. By late November, however, violations will lead to standard carpool fines.
Drivers should also expect heavier traffic in general lanes as former CAV users rejoin regular flow. Planning ahead and allowing extra time will help ease the transition.
✅ What You Can Do
🚘 Stay Smart, Stay Legal
California’s driving laws are always evolving — and knowing the latest rules helps you stay safe and avoid costly tickets.
At In and Out Traffic School, we make it fast and easy to stay informed. Whether you need to take care of a ticket, refresh your driving knowledge, or just want to understand new laws like this one, our DMV-licensed online course gets you in, out, and done.
