DMV Update: Clean Air Vehicle Decals Ended October 1, 2025
DMV 클린 에어 차량 스티커, 2025년 10월 1일부로 종료
Update (October 2026): The California Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) decal program has ended, and the DMV says the federal authority behind it was not extended. Decals are no longer valid for HOV (carpool) lane use. You must meet the posted occupancy requirement and pay required tolls, or risk a citation.
🚗 CA DMV Update: Clean Air Vehicle Decals Ended October 1, 2025
Whether you’re a Korean student in the U.S. or a parent who relies on your kids to translate DMV letters and bills, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by government updates. At Damoyuh, we share these changes in plain English and Korean so our community can stay informed without the stress.
What Changed
August 29, 2025 – DMV stopped accepting new or replacement CAV decal applications.
September 30, 2025 – Federal authority for the program ended at midnight.
October 1, 2025 – All Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) decals became invalid.
Why It Matters
No more single-driver access to HOV/carpool lanes.
No more reduced toll rates.
Driving solo in HOV lanes after Oct. 1 = ticket risk.
What This Means For You Now
✅ Only use HOV lanes if you meet occupancy rules.
✅ Pay full tolls when required.
✅ Visit the DMV FAQ page for details.
Screenshots from CA DMV website.
Closing Note:
Even when California tries to extend programs, federal law takes priority. That’s why this program ended. Damoyuh shares updates like this so our community can stay ahead and avoid unnecessary stress.
Disclaimer:
Verify with the relevant agency directly — this isn't legal advice.
Damoyuh is not a law firm and this blog does not provide legal advice. We share public information and community updates for informational purposes only. For legal guidance, consult a licensed attorney or official government agency.
FAQs
CAV Decal Program Information
Program Ended – Frequently Asked Questions
Info from CA DMV website. See direct link here.
Why did the Clean Air Vehicle Decal (CAVD) program end?
The federal government ended the CAVD program at midnight on September 30, 2025, pursuant to Section 166 of Title 23 of the United States Code. While the federal government gives the DMV the authority to create the CAVD program, the state must follow federal regulations, and those expired.
Why did the CAVD program end when CA law was changed to extend the program to January 2027?
California changed the law in hopes that the federal government would extend the CAVD Program. However, that federal authority was not extended, so the program ended at midnight on September 30, 2025.
Can I still drive in the carpool (HOV) lane with a single occupant?
No. Starting October 1, 2025, you MUST obey the posted vehicle occupancy requirement to travel in the carpool (HOV) lane or risk receiving a citation and fine.
Do I still receive reduced toll rates now that the CAVD Program has ended?
No. Starting October 1, 2025, full toll rates will apply, and you should contact your local toll authority for fee amounts. You can find a list of toll roads and contact information on the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) website at https://dot.ca.gov/programs/traffic-operations/express-lanes
When did the DMV stop accepting new CAV decal applications and applications for replacement CAV decals?
The DMV stopped accepting new and replacement CAV decal applications on August 29, 2025, at 5:00 PM.
Why did the DMV stop accepting applications for new and replacement CAV decals one month before the program ends?
The Department stopped accepting applications to prevent customers from receiving CAV decals that would expire within days of receipt.
Was my application processed if I submitted a CAVD application prior to August 29, 2025?
If a completed CAVD application and payment was received and reviewed before August 29, 2025, the application was processed and decals were mailed, however, those decals were only valid until October 1, 2025.
The DMV returned my CAVD application because it was incomplete prior to August 29, 2025. Was my application processed?
The application was only processed if the completed application and payment were received prior to August 29, 2025; otherwise, the application and payment were returned.
Do I have to remove the decal from my vehicle on October 1, 2025?
No, however the decal will not be valid for lawful travel in the HOV Lane.
Were customers issued a refund for their clean air decals if they paid the $27 fee and were unable to use it for a full 4 years?
No.
Which California agencies were involved in administering the CAVD program?
The California Air Resources Board determined which vehicles qualified for the program based on emissions requirements. The DMV was responsible for issuing the decals. Caltrans authorized the use of carpool (HOV) lanes. CHP oversaw enforcement. Toll authorities oversaw reduced rates for qualified Clean Air Vehicles.
