Traffic on the Long Island Expressway is expected to get worse as the Clean Pass Program is set to expire Sept. 30.

The federal program allows electric vehicles to travel in the HOV lane, regardless of how many people are in the car. It also encourages the use of environmentally friendly, fuel-efficient vehicles to promote lower fuel consumption, better air quality and energy independence.

"I've been hearing from various drivers that it cuts as much as a half hour off their commute time," says Robert Sinclair Jr., spokesperson for AAA Northeast. "I anticipate that it's going to make traffic worse. It could be a situation where people might decide to try and carpool."

Because the program was not federally re-authorized, all vehicles must meet the HOV occupancy requirements of having two or more people in the car, starting Oct. 1.

For those who have clean pass stickers, this could have an impactful change.

"Taking that away will be very inconvenient for the everyday commute," says Jasper Asper, a Holbrook resident.

Drivers are now preparing for more vehicles to be traveling in regular traffic lanes, and for even more traffic on holidays.

"It's very inconvenient for those who actually use the HOV lanes," Asper says.