The End of California's Clean Air Vehicle Decal Program

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Here you will find the latest information about the end of California's Clean Air Vehicle Decal Program and who to contact if you need additional information.

When does the program end?

Here are important dates to keep in mind:

  • August 29, 2025: Last day to order Clean Air Vehicle Decal from DMV
  • October 1, 2025: Clean Air Vehicle decals will no longer be valid

Starting October 1, 2025, Clean Air Vehicle Decals are no longer valid, and all vehicles must meet the posted occupancy requirements for traveling in a carpool lane, pay required tolls, or risk receiving a citation. See DMV’s frequently asked questions for additional details.

DMV stopped accepting new and replacement decal applications on August 29, 2025, at 5 p.m., to prevent customers from receiving decals that would expire within days of receipt. 

Why is the program ending?

The program requires the approval of the federal government. California enacted legislation to extend carpool lane access for zero-emission vehicles through 2027. However, this extension requires federal approval under Section 166 of Title 23 of the U.S. Code, which has not been granted.

The California State Transportation Agency is leading the state’s efforts to secure this approval. At this time, the federal government has not authorized the program to move forward, meaning access for single-occupant zero-emission vehicles remains set to expire on September 30, 2025.

California leaders know the value of these programs. Extending carpool lane access for zero-emission vehicles is a recommendation in a recent report to Governor Newsom in response to Executive Order-27-25. However, without federal approval, the program can not be extended.

How will lawful use of the carpool lane be enforced?

Enforcement will continue to be conducted by the California Highway Patrol and relevant toll authorities.

Will there be a grace period for people driving with a Clean Air Decal in the carpool lane?

No, there will be no grace period. 

Do I need to remove the decal from my car?

No.  But the decal will not be valid for lawful travel in the carpool lane after Sept. 30, 2025.

How many clean vehicles are affected? 

There are approximately 500,000 clean vehicles that have active decals expiring September 30, 2025.

What role have the decals played in promoting clean and zero-emission vehicles across the state? 

More than 1.2 million people have received the Clean Air Vehicle decals, and the well-publicized carpool lane access has been a strong motivator for many to purchase zero-emission vehicles. 

The program has been a highly successful and cost-effective way to accelerate clean vehicle uptake and raise consumer awareness of their benefits. Combined with California’s financial incentives, strong regulations, and complementary programs like the Clean Air Vehicle decal, these efforts have made California the nation’s most successful electric vehicle market—where one in every four new cars sold is electric, compared to about one in ten nationwide.

Wouldn’t it be better for the environment and traffic reduction to have only carpools in California’s high-occupancy vehicle lanes?

Yes. Carpool lanes were designed to reduce traffic and pollution by moving more people in fewer cars. Allowing clean air vehicles to use carpool lanes helped encourage early uptake of electric and other clean vehicles, but as these cars become more common, the environmental benefit of giving them solo access to the carpool lane is reduced. Looking ahead, reserving these lanes primarily for carpools may offer greater overall benefits in terms of both congestion relief and air quality, while it remains important to continue supporting clean vehicle adoption through effective incentives.

How many carpool lane decals have been issued?

Over the course of the Clean Air Vehicle Decal Program, DMV has issued:

  • 1,213,479 decals issued over the life of the program (January 2, 2000-August 30, 2025)

Annual breakdown of decals issued (2022-2025):

  • 2022: 114,404
  • 2023: 125,983
  • 2024: 194,894
  • 2025 (Jan.1-Aug. 30): 71,371

Breakdown by decal color over the life of the program:

  • Teal, first issued January 2023 and expires Sept. 30, 2025: 71,653
  • Cardinal red, first issued November 2023 and expires Sept. 30, 2025: 201,586
  • Lime green, first issued in 2023 and expires Sept. 30, 2025: 116,903
  • Sunflower yellow, first issued in 2022 and expires Sept. 30, 2025: 116,817
  • Intense blue, first issued 2021 and expired Jan. 1, 2025: 85,371
  • Orange, first issued 2020 and expired Jan. 1, 2024: 61,793
  • Light purple, first issued 2019 and expired Jan. 1, 2023: 104,577
  • Red, first issued 2018 and expired Jan. 1, 2022: 154,231
  • Green, white and yellow, issued 2000-2012 and expired no later than 2019: 300,548

Find descriptions of eligible vehicles by phase of the program on DMV’s FAQ, section CAV Decal Colors and Expiration Dates.

Breakdown by vehicle type (2022-2025):

Battery-electric vehicles

  • 2022: 95,278
  • 2023: 111,835
  • 2024: 174,144
  • 2025: 63,805 (January-August)

Fuel cell electric vehicles

  • 2022: 1,733
  • 2023: 1,499
  • 2024: 692
  • 2025: 156 (January-August)

Plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles

  • 2022: 17,078
  • 2023: 12,438
  • 2024: 20,003
  • 2025: 7,395 (January-August)

Compressed natural gas vehicles

  • 2022: 54
  • 2023: 26
  • 2024: 28
  • 2025: 14 (January-August)

Others, including propane

  • 2022: 261
  • 2023: 138
  • 2024: 27
  • 2025: 1 (January-August)

What is the history of the program and how does it work?

The Clean Air Vehicle Decal Program, also known as the carpool sticker program, was established in 1999 to incentivize the use of cleaner vehicles in California. The decal is a non-monetary incentive that allows owners of qualified clean and zero-emission vehicles to drive in carpool lanes without a minimum number of passengers. 

Initially, early electric, hybrids, and compressed natural gas vehicles were eligible for the program. Eligibility then transitioned to zero-emission vehicles, including battery-electric, fuel cell electric, eligible plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles and eligible compressed natural gas vehicles. 

The California Air Resources Board determines vehicle eligibility for the program. The DMV processes applications and issues decals. 

For additional information on the history of the program, visit this page.

I have questions. Who do I contact?