By Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
California drivers with Clean Air Vehicle decals will lose their ability to drive solo in carpool lanes starting Oct. 1, as the federal government did not extend funding for the program, officials announced.
The program, which has encouraged adoption of clean and zero-emission vehicles for more than two decades, currently benefits roughly 500,000 drivers in the state.
The decals also provided access to reduced toll rates in some areas, a perk that will end with the program. “Californians are committed to lowering their carbon footprint and these decals helped drivers be good stewards of our highways and environment,” said Steve Gordon, director of the California Department of Motor Vehicles in a statement. “By taking away this program, hundreds of thousands of California’s drivers will pay the price. It’s a lose-lose and we urge the federal government to retain this program.”
The carpool lane benefit was originally designed to incentivize electric and low-emission vehicle purchases. More than a million motorists have applied for the decal since its inception, and California is one of 13 states that offered the perk. Vehicles that qualified included fuel-cell electric, natural gas, or plug-in electric models.
Gov. Gavin Newsom blamed congressional Republicans and President Donald Trump for the program’s expiration, calling it a “traffic jam” that threatens environmental progress and commuting efficiency. “That’s Trump’s America: more traffic, more smog and a government more committed to slashing proven programs than solving real problems,” Newsom said in a statement.
Last year, Newsom signed a state bill extending the program through 2027, but federal approval is required to continue the benefits. The program ends simultaneously with the $7,500 federal tax credit for new electric vehicles, further reducing incentives for EV buyers.
California Energy Commission data shows that 25% of new cars sold in the state are zero-emission vehicles, reflecting growing consumer interest despite program cuts. Drivers may continue using carpool lanes only if they meet the multiple-occupant requirement. California law provides a 60-day grace period after the program ends before citations are issued for decal misuse.
