() The days of California drivers with eligible clean-air vehicles using the HOV lane are numbered.

The state’s Clean Air Vehicle decals are set to expire Sep. 30, meaning drivers will be unable to use the HOV lanes regardless of the number of people in their car.

People who violate the new law will face a minimum $490 fine. However, the fine may be higher for repeat offenders or in the instance where a local county assesses additional administrative fees.

“The California Highway Patrol’s goal is always to educate the motoring public when there’s a change in the law,” the state agency said.

“State law provides a 60-day transition 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 that, driving solo in the carpool lane could result in a citation.”

The California Highway Patrol is responsible for enforcing HOV lanes to keep HOV violation rates below 10%. Once monitor counts detect violation rates above 10%, district personnel will notify local area CHP of the need for heightened enforcement in a particular HOV corridor.

California first authorized HOV lane access for clean-air vehicles 25 years ago and last reauthorized the law in 2017.