California’s Clean Air Vehicle Decal Program Has Ended — What Fontana Drivers Need to Know

California’s Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) decal program officially ended on September 30, 2025, removing solo HOV lane access for roughly 500,000 drivers statewide. If you’re commuting through Fontana, San Bernardino, Riverside, or anywhere in the Inland Empire, here’s what changed, what the rules are now, and how to adjust.

What Happened to the CAV Decal Program?

The CAV decal program was established in 1999 to encourage adoption of low-emission vehicles by granting them solo access to California’s High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes. For over two decades, drivers of qualifying electric, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles could bypass carpool lane occupancy requirements — a meaningful time-saver on congested Southern California freeways.

The program operated under federal authority granted through Section 166 of Title 23 of the U.S. Code. California passed legislation to extend the program through 2027, but the federal government did not approve the extension. Without that authorization, all CAV decals became invalid at midnight on September 30, 2025, regardless of when they were issued. The DMV had already stopped accepting new decal applications on August 29, 2025.

The California Highway Patrol initially provided a 60-day enforcement transition period through November 30, 2025. That window has closed — full enforcement of HOV occupancy rules is now active statewide.

Current HOV Lane Rules for California Drivers

As of October 1, 2025, all vehicles must meet posted occupancy requirements to use HOV lanes. Solo drivers in electric or hybrid vehicles no longer have any exemption. The standard requirement is at least two occupants, though some corridors require three during peak hours.

HOV lanes in Southern California — including those on the I-10, I-15, and SR-210 corridors near Fontana — operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Expired CAV decals do not provide any legal protection, even if they’re still physically on your vehicle.

Drivers should pay close attention to posted signage, as occupancy requirements and enforcement hours can vary by corridor.

Penalties for HOV Lane Violations

The consequences for unauthorized solo driving in HOV lanes are significant. The minimum fine for a first-time violation is $490, and additional court and county fees can push the total higher. Repeat offenses may result in escalated penalties.

The California Highway Patrol actively monitors HOV lanes through visual observation and increasingly through camera-based enforcement systems. Officers check passenger counts and the presence of valid decals — and expired CAV stickers no longer count.

Enforcement also extends to express lanes. Solo drivers who use toll lanes without paying through a FasTrak transponder face separate fines.

Express Lanes and Alternative Commute Options

With solo HOV access gone, Fontana-area drivers have several practical alternatives.

Express lanes (also called High-Occupancy Toll lanes) allow solo drivers to pay a variable toll for access. Tolls fluctuate based on congestion and time of day, and a FasTrak transponder is required. Note that EV owners must now pay the full toll rate — CAV-related discounts have ended along with the decal program.

Carpooling remains the most straightforward way to use HOV lanes legally. Employer-sponsored ride-sharing programs and community carpool networks can connect you with commuters on similar routes in Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino, and Riverside.

Public transit options like Metrolink and local bus services offer reliable alternatives for commuters traveling to major employment hubs from the Inland Empire. Flexible work arrangements, including telecommuting and adjusted schedules, can also reduce peak-hour travel.

What Other Clean Vehicle Incentives Still Exist?

While solo HOV access is gone, California still offers financial incentives for clean vehicle buyers. Federal tax credits remain available for qualifying EVs, and programs like Clean Cars 4 All provide assistance for lower-income Californians replacing older vehicles with cleaner options. Some regional utilities also offer rebates for EV purchases or home charging station installation.

Incentive programs change frequently, so verify current eligibility through official California Air Resources Board resources or by speaking with a knowledgeable sales team before purchasing.