Starting October 1, 2025, a new government rule will end the EV HOV perk in California. Initially, California electric vehicle (EV) drivers were allowed to drive on high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes. The program, also known as the Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) decal program, will officially end after the federal government decided not to extend it.
According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Air Resources Board, more than 500,000 vehicles in California will be affected by the new government rule.
EV Drivers Face Longer Commutes as HOV Lane Access Ends
Since 1999, the CAV decal program allowed EV drivers, plug-in hybrids, and hydrogen-powered vehicles to use the HOV lanes even with only one occupant. This incentive was so effective in encouraging clean vehicle adoption in California.
Unfortunately, this incentive will expire on September 30, 2025. This means that beginning October 1, EV drivers will have to follow the same occupancy rules as all other vehicles. Those found using the carpool lanes without passengers could face fines.
Additionally, the DMV confirmed that discounted tolls tied to the CAV decal program will end too.
“The federal government’s decision to eliminate this smart and popular program will hurt hundreds of thousands of California drivers,” the DMV said in a statement. “It’s a lose-lose situation and the state is now looking at other options to provide this service to Californians.”
Longer Commutes Ahead
Drivers will be forced to move back to the general-purpose lanes when CAV decal program comes to an end. This will add hours of traffic over the course of a week. For instance, in congested corridors like State Route 91, the decal saved drivers significant driving time. The removal of this perk will now see most motorists take 20 to 30 minutes more on the road each day.
Final Opportunity for Drivers Before the Program Ends
While the CAV decal program is ending, the DMV has created a short grace period for drivers who want to apply for the decal before it expires. The deadline is August 29, 2025. However, it is essential to note that their HOV lane access will expire on September 30, 2025. This is not an extension, but a last chance for those who had not applied to use the perk.
Why the Program Is Ending
The CAV program is ending because the federal government has not authorized single-occupant EVs to use carpool lanes. For California to renew these decals, it needs approval from the federal government. California state officials had hoped that the deal would continue through 2027, but they are bound by federal law.
Why Critics Call the Decision a Step Backward
Local groups like the Electric Vehicle Association of San Diego have opposed the move, saying that the decal program is a low-cost and high-impact policy that encouraged EV purchases and also eased congestion. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of drivers will now have to endure longer and more expensive commutes.
Will Ending HOV Lane Access Slow EV Adoption?
Experts have argued that incentives like HOV access have contributed to EV sales, especially in regions that experience heavy traffic, such as the Bay Area and Los Angeles. This incentive was so effective in encouraging clean vehicle adoption in California. It also had ambitious targets to ban the sale of gas-powered car sales by 2035.
Without access to the carpool lane perk, the other benefits, like tax credits, cheaper fueling, and lower maintenance costs, may not be enough to encourage households to buy or use EV vehicles.
Conclusion
The deadline to apply for a Clean Air Vehicle decal is August 29, 2025. However, all decals will expire on September 30, 2025. Therefore, starting October 1, 2025, only drivers who meet the standard carpool occupancy rules will be able to use the HOV lanes. Single-occupant EVs will not enjoy the privilege anymore.