For more than two decades, California’s Clean Air Vehicle Decal Program has allowed certain hybrid, electric and hydrogen-powered cars to use the carpool lane — even when they didn’t meet the passenger minimum that other cars are subject to.

On Wednesday, CAV comes to an end , and drivers who would have otherwise qualified for the program will no longer be able to use the HOV lane if driving without passengers, regardless of whether they have a valid clean-air sticker on their vehicle.

However, the California Highway Patrol has confirmed to KQED that drivers will have a 60-day grace period beginning Oct. 1, “during which drivers with a valid clean-air decal will not be cited for driving alone in the carpool lane.” After Nov. 30 — once 60 days have passed — driving solo in the carpool

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