Overview

• The California Highway Patrol says state law creates a 60‑day transition starting Oct. 1 during which solo drivers with valid clean‑air decals will not be cited for HOV use.
• All decals become invalid Oct. 1, after which solo drivers must meet posted occupancy rules or risk fines, with reporting noting penalties of at least $490 for misuse.
• The DMV stopped accepting new Clean Air Vehicle decal applications on Aug. 29 and confirms there will be no refunds for recent purchases.
• Roughly 500,000 California vehicles are currently covered, with more than 1.2 million decal sets issued over the program’s 25 years.
• Similar programs in other states, including New York’s Clean Pass, are also ending after the president and Congress did not reauthorize the federal authority.