Cruising in the carpool lane or paying reduced tolls will no longer a reality for some California drivers after this week.
Starting Wednesday, Oct. 1, Clean Air Vehicle Decals will no longer be valid due to changes in federal policy.
The first germ of the CAVD program originated in 2001. It was approved in 2004 in order to promote hybrid vehicles. Millions of vehicles across California have since been a part of the program, but a failed federal extension means they can no longer reap these benefits.
California law called for an extension of the program until January 2027, with hopes for a federal authorization that was never received. Vehicles must now pay full price for tolls and must meet occupancy requirements for the carpool lane.
“California changed the law in hopes that the federal government would extend the CAVD Program,” said the California Department of Motor Vehicles on the program information website.
“However, that federal authority was not extended, so the program ends at midnight on September 30, 2025.”
Previously, the decals expired on January 1 of the fourth year after they were issued. However, the website clarifies that customers who weren’t able to use the decals for the full four years will not receive a refund.
Applications submitted before the Aug. 29 deadline will still be processed, and decals may be mailed, but they will not be valid in carpool lanes.
