The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has implemented a Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) decal program, often referred to as the Car Color Program, to allow qualifying low-emission vehicles access to carpool lanes, even with only a single occupant. This program uses different decal colors issued annually to manage carpool lane access and ensure the program’s effectiveness over time. Understanding the nuances of this car color program is crucial for California drivers looking to take advantage of carpool lane benefits.
Understanding the Car Color Program: CAV Decal Colors and Expiration
The car color program operates on a system of rotating decal colors, each with a specific validity period. Since January 1, 2019, the California DMV has introduced a new CAV decal color each year. These decals are not renewable and are designed for first-time applicants only who own eligible vehicles. The expiration of these decals is tied to the issuance year and color, ensuring a rolling expiration schedule.
Here’s a breakdown of the car color program and the expiration dates associated with each decal color:
| Decal Issuance Period | Expiration Date | Decal Color |
|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2025 onwards | September 30, 2025 | Teal |
| January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024 | September 30, 2025 | Burgundy |
| January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023 | September 30, 2025 | Green |
| January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022 | September 30, 2025 | Yellow |
| January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021 | January 1, 2025 | Blue |
| January 1, 2020 – December 31, 2020 | January 1, 2024 | Orange |
| January 1, 2019 – December 31, 2019 | January 1, 2023 | Purple |
It’s important to note that all CAV decals, regardless of their color or issuance date (except for those issued from Jan 1, 2025), will expire on September 30, 2025, as the CAV decal program is scheduled to end. For decals issued in any part of 2021, for instance, the access period extends to January 1, 2025, providing nearly four years of carpool lane access. However, decals are non-renewable, and owners must re-apply with a new qualifying vehicle to participate in a future program, if available.
Who Qualifies for the Car Color Program?
To participate in the car color program and receive a CAV decal, vehicles must meet specific emission standards set by California. Qualifying vehicles fall into these categories:
- Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV): These are vehicles powered exclusively by electricity or hydrogen fuel cells, producing zero tailpipe emissions.
- Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV): PHEVs that are certified to meet California’s Transitional Zero Emission Vehicle (TZEV) standards are eligible. These vehicles combine an electric motor with a gasoline engine and can be plugged in to recharge their batteries.
- Dedicated Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Vehicles: Vehicles running solely on CNG that meet both California Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) and Federal Inherently Low Emission Vehicle (ILEV) standards can qualify.
It’s worth noting that for aftermarket conversions or “upfits” to CNG or electric powertrains, additional documentation may be required during the DMV application process to verify eligibility. Applicants should consult the official eligibility list maintained by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for a comprehensive list of qualifying vehicles.
Car Color Program and the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (CVRP)
The car color program can intersect with other clean vehicle incentives, such as the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (CVRP). Specifically, for hydrogen fuel cell vehicle owners with higher annual incomes, there’s a choice to be made between the CAV decal and the CVRP rebate. This is due to the income limitations and requirements of the CVRP.
The interaction between the car color program and CVRP is income-dependent:
| Gross Annual Income | Battery or Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles | Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles
