California Clean Air Vehicle Decals (HOV Stickers) are expiring! Here’s what to do!
If you drive an electric, hybrid, or CNG (Clean Natural Gas) vehicle, watch out!
If you obtained the HOV lane sticker, known officially as the Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) Decal, you should know that the CAV Decal program is ending soon!
When does the CAV Decal Program end?
The program will end on September 30, 2025. All valid CAV decals will expire as of September 30, 2025, and you will no longer be able to access the carpool lane by virtue of driving a car that doesn’t run on gas. This means you will be required to carpool with other passengers to access the carpool lane, with no exceptions!
What does a CAV Decal look like?
The following above are what CAV Decals look like. They differ in color depending on what year your decal was issued. The list follows as below:
Decal issued on January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 → PURPLE, will remain valid until January 1, 2023
Decal issued on Jan. 1, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2020 → ORANGE, valid until Jan. 1, 2024
Decal issued on Jan. 1, 2021 to Dec. 31, 2021 → BLUE, valid until Jan. 1, 2025
Decal issued on Jan. 1, 2022 to Dec. 31, 2022 → YELLOW, valid until September 30, 2025.
Decal issued on Jan. 1, 2023 to Dec. 31, 2023 → GREEN, valid until Sept. 30, 2025.
Decal issued on Jan. 1, 2024 to Dec. 31, 2024 → BURGUNDY, valid until Sept. 30, 2025.
What kind of cars qualify for CAV Decals?
To find out if your car qualifies, you can click this link to view the Eligibility List provided directly from the California DMV: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/eligible-carpool-sticker-list
Qualifying vehicles must meet one of the following:
California’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) standard
So cars that are 100% electric or are hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles would qualify for this
Plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles certified to meet California TZEV (transitional zero emissions vehicle) standards.
Dedicated Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles that meet both the California SULEV (Super Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle) and Federal ILEV (Inherently Low Emissions Vehicle) emission standards.
Also, it’s important to note that CNG and electric after-market retrofit / upfit vehicles on the DMV’s eligibility list may require additional documentation by the applicant and additional time to verify eligibility after the DMV application is submitted.
I want a HOV carpool lane sticker (CAV Decal), where can I apply?
You can apply using this link to the DMV’s application here: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/license-plates-decals-and-placards/clean-air-vehicle-decals-for-using-carpool-lanes/
Note: The 2024 BURGUNDY CAV Decal will be the final Decal issued to any accepted applicants, and will expire on September 30, 2025 alongside the GREEN and YELLOW CAV Decals.
My HOV sticker is expiring! What can I do?
With the upcoming end to the California CAV Decal program on September 30, 2025, you may want to consider ridesharing with friends, co-workers, and family as part of your regular commutes to work or while traveling between cities.
If you live in California, programs like the Official OCTA Vanpool Program or Bay Area’s 511 Carpool Program can help you reduce your carbon footprint and rideshare with people who have common schedules and similar work/home destinations.
You may also want to join a club rideshare program or even start your own carpool or vanpool. By starting your own vanpool, you may be eligible for government incentives and credits offered by Orange County. Click here to learn more!
Lastly, motorcyclists are allowed to enter the carpool lane at any time, even with only a single rider!
