California’s Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) decal program, which has allowed electric vehicles (EVs) to use carpool lanes regardless of the number of passengers, will end on September 30. Starting October 1, drivers of EVs, plug-in hybrids, and hydrogen fuel cell cars will need to meet standard carpool lane occupancy requirements or face fines.
The program, in place since 1999, is ending due to a federal sunset provision in Section 166 of Title 23 of the United States Code. This provision required congressional approval for an extension, which was not granted, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) stopped accepting new CAV decal applications on August 29 to prevent issuing decals that would soon expire.
With the expiration of the decals, EV drivers will also lose toll discounts on bridges and express lanes. According to the California DMV, FasTrak CAV toll tags will automatically convert to standard FasTrak Flex tags, requiring drivers to pay full tolls unless they meet carpool requirements.
State officials are encouraging drivers to explore alternatives, such as carpooling or ride-share programs to continue using HOV lanes. The change affects thousands of California drivers who have relied on this perk for a smoother commute.
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