Yes, certain electric cars can use California's carpool lanes, but only if they have a valid Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) decal issued by the DMV. However, this program is set to expire on September 30, 2025, and new applications are no longer being accepted. The privilege is primarily for vehicles that meet specific emissions standards and was designed to incentivize clean vehicle adoption.
The key to carpool lane access is the CAV decal, which includes a white sticker for zero-emission vehicles (like pure battery electric vehicles) and a green sticker for transitional zero-emission vehicles (like plug-in hybrids). Your vehicle must be certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as eligible. You must apply for these decals through the DMV, and they must be properly displayed on the vehicle.
It is crucial to check your car's eligibility. Not all electric or hybrid vehicles qualify. The program has been phased out for new applicants, meaning if you purchased your vehicle after the application deadline, you are not eligible for a decal. Even with a decal, you must still obey all other carpool lane rules, such as those specific to certain highways or times of day.
The following table lists some examples of vehicles that were eligible for CAV decals, illustrating the types of models that qualified for the program.
| Eligible Vehicle Examples (Past Program) | Vehicle Type | Eligible Decal Color |
|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | Battery Electric (BEV) | White |
| Nissan Leaf | Battery Electric (BEV) | White |
| Chevrolet Bolt EV | Battery Electric (BEV) | White |
| Toyota Prius Prime | Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) | Green |
| Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid | Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) | Green |
| Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid | Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) | Green |
Always check the latest rules on the California DMV and CARB websites, as policies can change, especially as the 2025 expiration date approaches. The future of solo driver access for electric vehicles in carpool lanes remains uncertain.
