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EV HOV-Lane Perks End Oct. 1 as Federal Authorization Expires

California agencies will shift to education during a 60-day transition before ticketing resumes.

The Clean Air Vehicle Decal Program, that allows cars that qualify as zero-emissions vehicles to drive in HOV lanes even if there is just one person in the car, is scheduled to end soon. (Rob Nikolewski/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Overview

  • The federal Clean Air Vehicle decal authorization ends at 12:01 a.m. Oct. 1, ending solo HOV access for qualifying cars.
  • CHP will use a 60-day transition focused on education before resuming citations, with fines reported around $400–$500 for violations.
  • Discounted tolls tied to decals end immediately for solo drivers, including Bay Bridge rates rising from $4 to the standard $8 unless carpool rules are met.
  • Roughly 465,000–500,000 California vehicles carry active decals, with about 51,000 in the Bay Area, which agencies warn could affect congestion.
  • Lawmakers have introduced reauthorization bills such as H.R. 4948 as industry groups press to restore the incentive, while some agencies like Arizona DPS signal initial discretion.