High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) and High Occupancy Toll (HOT) Lane Exemption (2024)

FAQs

What are high occupancy vehicles HOV lanes marked with? ›

Some freeways have special lanes and on-ramps for carpools. These are also known as HOV Lanes (High Occupancy Vehicles) in some states. The pavement of the carpool lanes is marked with the diamond symbol.

In Northern California, HOV lanes are only operational on Monday thru Friday during posted peak congestion hours, for example: between 6 a.m. - 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. All other vehicles may use the lanes during off-peak hours. This is referred to as "part-time" operation.

Depending on demand, use of HOV lanes can be limited to vehicles with two or more people, but can require three or more people in areas where congestion and transit frequencies are high. HOV lane restrictions are sometimes limited to peak commuting hours or periods of higher traffic volumes.

Any vehicle traveling with at least two people qualifies as a high occupancy vehicle, or HOV. These vehicles, along with permitted clean air vehicles and motorcycles with any number of passengers, can use the Express Lanes when the overhead signs say “HOV ONLY” – for free without a transponder.”

Also called carpool lanes and diamond lanes, HOV lanes help to encourage ridesharing, reduce traffic volume, and improve air quality. The HOV lane is typically an inside lane on the left, marked with periodic overhead signage and diamond symbols painted on the road surface.

Meaning of high-occupancy vehicle in English

a road vehicle that carries a lot of people such as a bus, or a car with a driver and one or more passengers: The lanes will be for the exclusive use of so-called high occupancy vehicles, carrying two or more people.

In California, HOV lanes are typically reserved for two passenger vehicles, that is, the driver and one other passenger. These lanes are often found on the left side of unrestricted lanes. They can easily be identified by the diamond symbols printed on their surfaces and by road signs.

Final answer: A lane marked with a white diamond symbol is known as a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane. These lanes are designated for vehicles with multiple passengers to reduce traffic congestion.

High occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes are available across thousands of miles in 20 states. Aiming to move people more efficiently, HOV lanes require that vehicles have a minimum number of occupants during peak traffic hours.

HOV violations

For a first violation the fine is $186, and all subsequent violations within a two-year period increase to $336. If a doll or dummy is placed in the car, an additional $200 will be added to the fine.

What does 2+ HOV mean? ›

A high-occupancy vehicle lane (also known as an HOV lane, carpool lane, diamond lane, 2+ lane, and transit lane or T2 or T3 lanes) is a restricted traffic lane reserved for the exclusive use of vehicles with a driver and at least one passenger, including carpools, vanpools, and transit buses.

The " HOV symbol" is a white lines formed in a diamond shape symbol. The "Enter and Exit Movements Prohibited" figure shows full-time concurrent lane(s) where enter/exit movements are prohibited. One preferential lane is shown as the leftmost lane of a total of four lanes on the roadway.

Why does “HOV ONLY” sometimes appear on the overhead message signs? “HOV ONLY” is displayed on the overhead signs when the Express Lanes are reaching full capacity. Solo drivers with FasTrak accounts should not enter the Express Lanes when “HOV ONLY” is displayed.

Answers to FAQs About High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Facilities. What is an HOV lane? An HOV lane, sometimes called a carpool lane, is a special lane reserved for the use of carpools, vanpools and buses.

In California, if you go through FasTrak lane without a pass, you will receive a toll violation notice. Toll violation will include the regular toll rate plus a penalty as: First notice: $25 penalty. Second notice: $70.

Part-time High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes:

Signs will be posted along the HOV lane telling you when the lane is restricted to carpools only. These part-time HOV lanes are most common in northern California.

The road surface in a HOV lane is marked with a diamond symbol and the words Carpool Lane. Do not cross over double solid lines to enter or exit an HOV lane.