New Penalties for Electric Vehicle Drivers in California Carpool Lanes

ANTELOPE VALLEY, CA – Electric vehicle (EV) drivers in California who previously enjoyed solo access to carpool lanes are now subject to fines if they violate a newly enacted rule. Vehicles displaying Clean Air Vehicle decals must comply with the posted occupancy requirements for high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes. Typically, these carpool lanes require vehicles to carry at least two people.

As of October 1, 2025, EVs no longer have access to carpool lanes, and the CHP will now start enforcing the new law since the 2-month grace period has now expired.

Implementation and Enforcement

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has been actively informing motorists about this change since September. As part of the transition, EV drivers were provided with a two-month grace period to adapt to the new regulation, in accordance with state law. This grace period has now ended, according to confirmation from the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Solo drivers found in violation of the rule may receive citations with fines reaching up to $490.

Changes to the Clean Air Vehicle Decal Program

The Clean Air Vehicle decals, which had a validity of up to four years, were rendered invalid for all holders as of October 1, following the federal government’s decision to terminate the program. Consequently, the California DMV stopped accepting new decal applications as of August 29.

Background and History

California first allowed single-occupant clean-air vehicles access to HOV lanes in 1999, with the most recent reauthorization occurring in 2017. Under the current program, the DMV began issuing Clean Air Vehicle decals on January 1, 2019, and more than 1 million decals have been distributed since then.

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