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5mo ago

California’s Solo EV Carpool Access Ends Sept. 30 as Federal Authorization Expires

Congress declined to renew the authority, leaving the state unable to extend the program.

In an aerial view, electric cars sit parked at a charging station on May 19, 2025, in Corte Madera, California.
A highway carpool lane sits empty as traffic makes its way into Los Angeles, California, U.S., March 29, 2017. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo
Image
A sticker for commuter lane access is on the bumper of an electric vehicle. One of California’s longest-running incentives for people to buy electric cars is about to end. (Laura A. Oda/ Bay Area News Group)

Overview

  • Starting Oct. 1, drivers must meet posted occupancy rules to use HOV lanes or risk citations, according to the DMV.
  • CHP and regional toll agencies will enforce the change, and FasTrak CAV tags will switch to regular tags with full tolls.
  • About 500,000 active Clean Air Vehicle decals will expire, with more than 1 million issued since the program began.
  • California’s AB 2678 sought to extend access through 2027, but the state law cannot take effect without renewed federal authorization.
  • Similar clean‑vehicle HOV access programs in 13 states end with the federal lapse, aligning with the Sept. 30 sunset of federal EV tax credits.