Yellow Carpool Stickers To Expire July 1, 2011

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RIP, Yellow Carpool Sticker: 2004-2011

Well, it was fun while it lasted.  The State of California made hybrid ownership just that more appealing by issuing Yellow Clean Air Vehicle stickers effectively allowing owners to drive unaccompanied in the state’s carpool lanes back in 2004, shaving precious minutes from the gridlocked commutes of California.

There’s been a lot of news surrounding these little stickers, so we at
New Car Pricing Insider have written this guide to answer all your
questions, and more importantly, offer a list of vehicles that qualify
for the new white stickers.

Carpool Sticker Expiration Dates

The stickers are set to expire July 1, 2011, meaning yellow sticker
holders will no longer be able to use carpool lanes while driving alone.

85,000 stickers were issued between 2005 and 2007 for owners of popular
hybrids like the Toyota Prius and first-generation Honda Insight. Those
little yellow stickers proved so coveted that used hybrid cars bearing
one have fetched a hefty premium over the same car without.

Now that the program is on the way out, two new types of stickers are
being offered for cars on the bleeding edge of clean air technology.

White stickers for EVs, CNG and Hydrogen vehicles are still valid

Vehicles eligible for the DMV-issued White Clean Air Vehicle sticker
will still be able to use the state’s carpool lanes through January 1, 2015
without meeting the minimum passenger requirement. The white stickers
are currently being issued to an unlimited number of new cars using
full-electric, hydrogen fuel cell and clean natural gas powertrains.

Still want to drive in the carpool lane solo?  Here are the 2011 Vehicles Currently Eligible* For  White Stickers:

    -Honda Civic GX
    -Mercedes-Benz F-Cell
    -Nissan Leaf
    -Smart Fortwo Electric Drive
    -Tesla Roadster
    -Think City
    -Toyota FCHV
    -Vehicle Production Group MV-1

*Contrary to popular belief, the 2011 Chevy Volt is not eligible for
carpool stickers because, well, it emits more pollution than a Prius.

Other Cars That Are Elgible For New Stickers

In addition, cars modified with zero-emissions powertrains by recognized
firms such as Baytech and Natural Drive Partners are eligible for the
white stickers.  If you are the owner of an older model electric,
hydrogen or natural gas vehicle like the BMW Hydrogen 7 or the Mini E,
check with the state about eligibility for a white sticker.

The Plug-In Prius will be eligible for the new green sticker

A new program offering Green Clean Air Vehicle stickers to owners of
plug-in hybrids like the Toyota Plug-in Prius will begin on Jan. 1,
2012.  Only 40,000 green stickers will be given, so if you plan on
purchasing a plug-in hybrid make sure to jump on the opportunity right
away.

Carpool Sticker Summary

    -Yellow stickers: Solo drivers of the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic
and certain Honda Insight hybrids will lose minimum occupancy carpool
privileges July 1, 2011.
   
    – White stickers: Solo drivers in electric vehicles and those running
on compressed natural gas can use carpool lanes until Jan. 1, 2015.
There is no limit to the number of cars; 10,000 stickers have been
issued.
   
    – Green stickers: The Prius plug-in is the only new hybrid-electric
vehicle that now qualifies for carpool use. Applications will be
accepted January 1. More vehicles will likely be approved later.
   
On the Web: Go to www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/carpool/carpool.htm for more
information on types of vehicles that qualify for clean air stickers.