LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- It's official: Drivers of low-emission vehicles can no longer use the carpool lanes on California freeways.

The new change went into effect Thursday following the end of the California Department of Motor Vehicles' Clean Air Vehicle Decal program.

The program was launched in 2001 as an incentive to get California drivers into hybrids and electric vehicles.

It might be confusing because the state recently announced it had extended the program through 2027. However, because the federal government refused to extend the program, that effectively ended the program.

No tickets will be issued yet, thanks to a 60-day grace period. After that, drivers could face a fine of up to $500.

In a statement sent to Eyewitness News earlier this month, the California Air Resour

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