become a car dealer   we make it simple for you

New Information

Current California laws authorizing the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to provide Clean Air Vehicle Decals to qualifying low-emission vehicles are set to expire on January 1, 2011.

However, these laws are in conjunction with a federal law that will expire on September 30, 2009.

Unless the federal law is extended by Congress, DMV is required to terminate the decal program on September 30, 2009, to coincide with the federal law.

The DMV’s Internet website will be updated as new information becomes available. A link featuring anticipated questions and answers will also be posted.

In the event Congress does not extend the federal law, the DMV will issue a letter to all decal owners to advise them that their decals are cancelled.

Background

Clean Air Vehicle Decals allow certain low-emission vehicles to operate in the High-Occupancy Vehicle lanes without meeting minimum occupancy requirements.

Distribution

Notification that this memo is available online, at www.dmv.ca.gov under Publications was made via e-mail alert in July 2009.

Contact

Call the DMV Customer Communications Section, at (916) 657-6560 for further clarification of this memo. Upon request, this document can be produced in Braille or large print.

JEAN SHIOMOTO, Deputy Director Communication Programs Division

VIN2009-13 © 2009 State of California,
Department of Motor Vehicles. All rights reserved. Visit our Web Site—dmv.ca.gov

Questions & Answers

Clean Air Decal

Q: I heard that DMV’s Clean Air Decal (Sticker) program might be ending. Is this true?

A: The federal law authorizing this program expires on September 30, 2009, unless the United States Congress extends the date. It is likely the program will be extended, but the Federal Highway Administration recommended California begin developing plans to discontinue its High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) exemption program should it be required.

Because California’s clean air decal law (Vehicle code section 5205.5) was authorized under the federal law
(Title 23, U.S. code Section 166), California cannot continue this program without federal authorization.

Q: Are Clean Air Decal Vehicle owners being notified of the possible ending of the Clean Air Decal program?

A: Yes. The Department of Motor Vehicles is mailing vehicle owners a letter in early August to let them know that the Clean Air Decal program could possible be ending.

Q: How will I know if the federal law is extended?

A: You can check back to this website for updates. In addition, if the federal law is not extended, vehicle owners will be mailed a second letter informing them that the law is repealed.

Q: Who can I call for further information?
A: You may contact DMV at:
1 (800) 777-0133