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4w ago

California EV Carpool Decals Expire Sept. 30 as Solo HOV Access Ends

Congress did not renew the federal authority that enabled solo HOV access for clean-air vehicles.

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
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Overview

  • Starting Oct. 1, drivers must meet posted occupancy rules in HOV lanes or face citations, with typical fines cited at about $490.
  • FasTrak Clean Air Vehicle toll tags will convert to standard FasTrak Flex on Oct. 1, and drivers will pay full tolls unless they qualify for carpool rates.
  • Roughly 500,000 vehicles with active decals lose the perk at month’s end, after more than 1.2 million decals were issued over the program’s 25-year run.
  • California enacted AB 2678 to extend the program, but it cannot take effect without congressional reauthorization under federal law.
  • State officials urged keeping the policy, while the U.S. Transportation Department noted Congress previously chose not to extend the deadline.