Drivers with clean air vehicles are not only reducing their carbon footprint, but they also get the added benefit of saving money on Bay Area tolls. Eligible clean air vehicles (CAVs) qualify for discounted travel on Bay Area bridges and express lanes.
About the CAV Program
The California Department of Motor Vehicles began the current Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) decal program on January 1, 2019 for qualifying vehicles. The DMV certifies vehicles’ eligibility, issues CAV identification (ID) decal cards, and establishes a new CAV decal color each year. Registered owners must apply through the DMV.
The decals expire on January 1st of the fourth year after they’re issued. For example, if a decal was issued anytime in 2021, it expires on January 1, 2025. The decals are only issued once per vehicle, and cannot be renewed.
Note: The CAV decal program will end, and any remaining valid decals will expire on September 30, 2025. For more information on CAV decals, visit The California Air Resources Board (ARB) website. You can also call the ARB’s toll-free number, 800-242-4450 to get information.
FasTrak CAV Toll Tag
FasTrak issues FasTrak CAV toll tags only to eligible clean air vehicles with a DMV-issued CAV ID decal card. The FasTrak CAV toll tag communicates to roadside toll equipment that the driver is in a clean air vehicle and eligible for applicable toll discounts.
Drivers with valid and properly-displayed CAV decals and a FasTrak account in good standing can use the FasTrak CAV toll tag to:
- Pay bridge tolls
- Get discounted rates in Bay Area Express Lanes
Eligibility for discounts will automatically expire when the CAV decal expires. Your FasTrak CAV toll tag will then work as a FasTrak Flex toll tag.
CAV Discounts in Bay Area Express Lanes
Eligible clean air vehicles with valid FasTrak CAV toll tags can use Bay Area Express Lanes toll free or with a 50% discount during designated hours. Toll prices vary and adjust based on real-time traffic.
101 San Mateo, 101/SR-85 Santa Clara, I-880 and SR-237 Express Lanes
Solo drivers in eligible CAVs traveling in the express lanes on 101 San Mateo, 101/SR-85 Santa Clara, I-880 and SR-237 will get 50% off tolls when using the FasTrak CAV toll tag. Just set the switch on the toll tag to position 1.
I-580 and I-680 Express Lanes
Solo drivers in eligible CAVs will receive a 50% discount when using a FasTrak CAV toll tag. Just set the switch on the toll tag to position 1.
CAVs with two or more occupants can travel toll free as a carpool with either a FasTrak CAV or FasTrak Flex toll tag. Set the switch on the face of the tag to match the number of people in the vehicle.
| Express Lane | FasTrak Flex | FasTrak CAV (Clean Air Vehicle) |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hours: 5 am-8 pm Monday – Friday |
Solo Driver | 2 People | 3+ People | Solo Driver | 2 People | 3+ People |
| I-580 | Full Toll | FREE | FREE | Half-Price Toll | FREE | FREE |
| SR-237 | Full Toll | Half-Price Toll | FREE | Half-Price Toll | Half-Price Toll | FREE |
| I-680 Sunol | Full Toll | FREE | FREE | Half-Price Toll | FREE | FREE |
| I-680 Contra Costa | Full Toll | FREE | FREE | Half-Price Toll | FREE | FREE |
| I-880 | Full Toll | Half-Price Toll | FREE | Half-Price Toll | Half-Price Toll | FREE |
| 101 San Mateo | Full Toll | Half-Price Toll | FREE | Half-Price Toll | Half-Price Toll | FREE |
| 101/SR-85 Santa Clara | Full Toll | Half-Price Toll | FREE | Half-Price Toll | Half-Price Toll | FREE |
CAV Benefits on State-Owned Toll Bridges
Eligible clean air vehicles can use dedicated HOV/carpool lanes on all seven state-owned Bay Area bridges during designated carpool hours, no matter how many people are in the vehicle. Solo drivers with a valid FasTrak CAV toll tag qualify for the discounted carpool toll rate of $4.
To be eligible to receive the discounted carpool toll rate at the state-owned toll bridges, solo drivers must:
- Display a valid clean air decal
- Have a FasTrak account in good standing
- Travel through a designated carpool lane
Note: CAVs cannot use the HOV/carpool lane on the Golden Gate Bridge with less than three occupants.
When carpooling, CAVs also qualify for the discounted toll rate of $4 on all state-owned toll bridges and $7.25 on the Golden Gate Bridge. Learn more about carpool occupancy requirements for each bridge on FasTrak’s Bay Area Bridges page.
Ordering a FasTrak CAV Toll Tag
FasTrak recommends ordering your CAV toll tags online. New FasTrak customers can open an account through this CAV application.
Existing FasTrak account holders can log in to their accounts through this link to be directed to the CAV toll tag application.
A FasTrak CAV toll tag can only be used in the vehicle to which it is registered and cannot be switched between vehicles. If you have more than one eligible CAV you must order a FasTrak CAV toll tag for each vehicle.
To complete an online application, both new and existing customers will need:
- A copy of your DMV-issued CAV ID decal card to upload.
- The license plate number of the CAV.
- An effective start date for the FasTrak CAV toll tag.
Applicants may also need to add funds to cover the toll tag security deposit. If you do not have a credit card linked to your account and your account balance is not sufficient to cover the toll tag security deposit, payment will be requested before your application can be processed.
A FasTrak CAV toll tag can also be picked up at the FasTrak Walk-In Center. You must bring in a copy of your DMV-issued CAV ID decal card. Cash, check, money order or credit cards are accepted at this location.
You can also apply for the FasTrak CAV toll tag by mail.
If you are an existing FasTrak customer, you’ll need to print the Toll Tag Request form. If you are a new FasTrak customer, you’ll need to print the FasTrak Application Form.
Include a copy of your DMV-issued CAV ID decal card. You can pay by check or money order, or include your credit card information.
Mail application to:
Bay Area FasTrakCAV Certification
PO Box 26926
San Francisco, CA 94126
After your application has been processed, your FasTrak CAV toll tag will be mailed to you in seven to ten business days.
For information on returning an old toll tag, visit the Toll Tag Guide.