decal

A program allowing motorists with a Clean Air Vehicle decal to drive solo in carpool lanes is ending after it was not extended by the federal government, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

When Bento first studied the effects of the decal program in 2014, proponents argued it would cause an overall reduction in freeway traffic.

More than a million motorists have applied for the decal since it became available more than two decades ago.

Electric car owners, who are permitted to drive alone in carpool lanes with a state-issued decal, are poised to lose privileges on Sept. 30 without federal authorization.

For the last two decades, more than a million motorists who have slapped “clean air vehicle” decals on their electric and hybrid cars have been free to cruise in carpool lanes with no passengers.