What do hov lanes mean

Drivers who do not qualify as a carpool have the choice to pay a toll for a faster trip when they need it. Toll rates adjust every few minutes based on real-time traffic conditions to keep traffic in these lanes moving.

A Good To Go! Carpools with enough passengers can use the express toll lanes for free with a Good To Go! Flex Pass. The carpool occupancy requirement depends on the time of day. Shewmake S. Can carpooling clear the road and clean the air?

Journal of Planning Literature ;27 4 — EPAR; Home Mission Health. High-Occupancy Vehicle Lanes High-occupancy vehicle HOV lanes are one or more lanes of a roadway that have restrictions on use to encourage ridesharing and can reduce vehicle miles traveled VMT.

Address chronic disease e. Also, when carpoolers are provided with a reliable and congestion-free road, they are incentivized to rideshare. These lanes can be used by people sharing a ride, same area residents, and other drivers who meet the lane rules. Those lane rules, however, may differ from one city to another. Before a driver heads into the lane, it is essential to first acquaint themselves with the traffic rules and regulations governing the use of the lane in a given city.

Failing to obey the rules may result in hefty fines and delays. The following vehicles are generally allowed to use carpool lanes in America:. The lane restrictions may be imposed during peak traffic times. They may also apply at all times, depending on the jurisdiction. Besides, other jurisdictions may also allow different types of vehicles to use the lanes. These vehicles include low emission vehicles, green vehicles, law enforcement vehicles, and cars paying a toll. In many cities, motorcycles are also allowed to use these lanes even when the rider is carrying no passenger.

The thinking behind this is that it is safer for a two-wheel vehicle to keep moving than have them travel in a typical start and stop conditions.

In some cities, it is common for a solo driver to pick up a passenger or two before using the lane. HOV lane operating hours vary from one state to the other. In some states, these lanes are only accessible during rush hours when cities are experiencing the most traffic congestion.