If you’re an electric vehicle (EV) owner in California, you’re in luck! Not only can you save on rebates and taxes, but you’re also eligible to drive solo in the state’s high-occupancy vehicle (HOV or carpool) lanes.
That’s right—with the California carpool sticker, also known as the orange California carpool decal, EVs can use these lanes even when they’re carrying only a single occupant. And trust us, the benefits of carpooling are worth it.
Who Is Eligible For The EV Carpool Sticker?
The first thing you need to know is that not all EVs are eligible for the HOV lane. The car must be a battery electric vehicle (BEV), fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that meets certain emissions standards. Check out this list from the California Air Resources Board to see if your car qualifies.
If your EV does qualify, then congratulations—you can start enjoying the many benefits of carpooling! For starters, HOV lanes typically have fewer cars and thus less traffic than regular lanes, so you can get where you’re going faster. And since you’re spending less time stuck in traffic, that means you’ll also be spending less time sitting idly with the engine running, which saves on gas and cuts down on emissions. In other words, it’s a win-win for both you and the environment!
Carpooling also comes with some financial incentives. In addition to saving on gas, EV owners who use the HOV lane can also save on tolls. So if you often find yourself stuck in traffic on a congested highway, carpooling could help you avoid paying those costly tolls.
How To Apply For The Carpool Sticker
The process of applying for the carpool sticker is pretty simple. Simply follow these three steps:
- Fill out the Clean Vehicle Application
- Send To The DMV along with payment of $22
- Wait 2-4 weeks to receive your decal and enjoy the HOV lane
How Long Are The Decals Valid For?
It’s important to note that the decals are only valid until the end of 2023, which means you’ll want to apply now to take full advantage of this incredible opportunity. After that date, the decal will no longer be valid. However, there are plans in the works to potentially extend the program beyond 2023, so stay tuned for updates.
Conclusion
Electric vehicles are becoming more popular every day, and for a good reason. Not only are they better for the environment, but they can also save you money on gas and tolls. And if you live in California, owning an EV comes with an extra perk: the ability to drive solo in the HOV lane!
So if you’re thinking about making the switch to an EV, there’s no better time than now. Plus, with gas prices on the rise, there’s never been a better time to save money by carpooling. So what are you waiting for? These benefits are too good to pass up!
