Will Gen1 plug-ins still get carpool lane access in California after Jan 1, 2019?

if an eligible vehicle was not applied with a sticker before OR applied in 2017/2018, you will get new stickers. If not, you are out of luck.

 

Good Question!

The Prius Prime if purchased March 2018 gets a red HOV sticker, the new sticker will be valid until January 1, 2019.

We Plug-in Owners have until the end of this Year, sadly.

 

I purchased a lease-return 2015 1st gen prius plug-in in which the previous owner never applied for stickers. If I apply now, I'd get the red stickers which are currently valid until 1/1/19 but will likely be extended to 1/1/2022 (through the reapplication process, (1) those who applied for stickers in 2017 or 2018 and which have the green or white stickers will likely get red stickers, whereas (2) those who already have a red sticker will prob just receive a revised registration card indicating a expiration date of 1/1/2022 rather than 1/1/19). I'm planning on applying after 1/1/19, by then they may be issuing yet another color sticker that will be valid through 1/1/2023. Till then, I'm going to ride it out through the end of the year in my green-stickered 2012.