In a significant shift from a policy initiated in 1999, California’s carpool lanes may soon revert to being exclusive for vehicles meeting traditional carpool criteria, marking the end of a progressive era that championed clean-air vehicles.
By September 30, 2025, the familiar maroon, green, and yellow stickers that have granted access to these lanes for electric, plug-in hybrid, and compressed natural gas vehicles—irrespective of their occupancy—might become a relic of the past, pending the expiration of federal authorization.
This development hinges on legislative action both from Congress and the California State Legislature to continue the exemption for clean-air vehicles. According to Chris Orrock, a spokesperson for the state Department of Motor Vehicles, “Congress must first act before California could extend the program,” suggesting a complex intergovernmental collaboration is required to sustain the initiative.
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the Bay Area’s regional transportation planning authority, has not signaled any forthcoming legislation aimed at extending these privileges for low- and zero-emission vehicles.
John Goodwin, a spokesperson for the commission, expressed skepticism about the likelihood of an extension, considering the current Congress’s stance towards California’s environmental initiatives, particularly those encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles.
To date, the California DMV reports that 411,133 vehicles possess valid stickers allowing carpool lane access statewide, underlining the significant impact of the program.
Initially launched to encourage the purchase of clean-air vehicles, starting with hybrids like the early Toyota Prius, the program has evolved through various eligibility criteria adjustments and a spectrum of decal colors over the years.
Currently, the scheme permits drivers of certain qualifying vehicles to obtain stickers valid for four years, with the impending expiry date casting uncertainty over future clean-air vehicle sales and the overall efficacy of carpool lanes in mitigating traffic congestion.
Notably, the program’s conclusion could also affect compliance with Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2020 executive order, which mandates the phase-out of new gas-fueled vehicle sales by 2035, aligning with a broader shift towards electric vehicles nationwide.
The potential impact of this policy change on Bay Area traffic patterns and electric vehicle sales remains to be fully understood. As the state navigates these legislative and environmental challenges, the future of clean-air vehicle incentives and their role in California’s transportation ecosystem stands at a crossroads.