Petition to the California Legislature, Caltrans, the California Air Resources Board, and the California DMV

California’s traffic congestion crisis is worsening every day—especially in major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Silicon Valley. Drivers are spending endless hours in gridlocked traffic, resulting in:

• Increased stress and declining mental well-being
• Reduced productivity and economic loss
• Higher emissions due to prolonged idling
• Greater environmental harm during a critical climate era

For years, California effectively addressed these challenges by allowing hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) access to carpool (HOV) lanes, even with a single occupant. This policy successfully incentivized cleaner transportation, reduced emissions, and encouraged sustainable consumer behavior.

A Sudden Policy Change With Harmful Consequences

Recent changes in legislation abruptly revoked HOV lane access for eligible clean-air vehicles, despite decades of data supporting the program’s benefits. The result?

• Empty or underutilized carpool lanes
• Severe bumper-to-bumper congestion in general lanes
• Longer commute times for millions
• Discouragement of green-vehicle adoption
• Broken trust for those who invested in eco-friendly vehicles, partly due to this state-backed incentive

Hybrid and EV owners—many of whom purchased these vehicles at a significant premium—now feel penalized for making environmentally responsible choices.

This change contradicts California’s stated climate goals at a time when we should be accelerating, not abandoning, incentives for clean transportation.

The Evidence Is Clear: The Previous Program Worked
Multiple studies demonstrate the effectiveness of granting carpool access to clean-air vehicles:

• California Air Resources Board (CARB) found that hybrid/EV carpool access reduced emissions by up to 30% and cut traffic congestion by approximately 15% during peak hours.
• A study by the Urban Land Institute reported that HOV access incentives directly contributed to a 25% increase in hybrid and EV ownership, as Californians sought more efficient and sustainable commuting options.
• Real-world observation now confirms what the data predicted: carpool lanes are increasingly empty, even during rush hour, while regular-use lanes are more congested than ever.

Reinstating clean-air vehicle access is not only an environmental win but a traffic-flow optimization strategy that benefits all Californians.

We Urge State Leaders to Take Immediate Action
We, the undersigned, call on:

• The California Legislature
• Caltrans
• The California Air Resources Board
• The California Department of Motor Vehicles

to reinstate carpool lane (HOV) access for eligible hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles, and to implement a clear, predictable, long-term policy that supports California’s sustainability and mobility goals.

Reinstating this program will:

• Reduce traffic congestion
• Encourage environmentally responsible vehicle choices
• Decrease carbon emissions
• Restore fairness for current clean-vehicle owners

Improve the quality of life for millions of commuters
 
Sign This Petition for a Greener, Less Congested California
California has always led the nation in environmental innovation.
Let’s continue that legacy by restoring a program that clearly worked.

Please sign and share this petition to show your support for clean air, better traffic flow, and smarter transportation policy.