Who Can Use the Carpool Lanes in California?

Understanding HOV Lane Rules

HOV lanes, or high-occupancy vehicle lanes, are common on California freeways. Designed to reduce traffic congestion and encourage carpooling, they are subject to specific rules and restrictions. Failure to respect HOV lane rules can result in a fine and other penalties under California Vehicle Code Section 21655.5. 

TL;DR: California HOV Lane Quick Facts

• Minimum occupants: 2+ people (some require 3+ during peak hours)
• Operating hours: Usually 5-10 AM and 3-7 PM weekdays
• First-time violation fine: Minimum $490
• Clean air vehicles: Can use with solo driver if displaying DMV decal
• Motorcycles: Always allowed regardless of occupants
• Location: Left-most lane marked with diamond symbols

To learn more about how HOV lanes work in California, continue reading.  

What Is an HOV Lane?

HOV lanes, also known as carpool or diamond lanes, are designated lanes generally found on the left side of the highway. They are marked with white diamond symbols and signs. Motorcycles, mass transit, and vehicles with two or more occupants can use the HOV lanes.

In Northern California, HOV lanes operate during peak rush hours, typically between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. In Southern California, HOV lanes are in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Since Southern California experiences more heavy traffic congestion throughout the day, HOV lanes are in full-time operation. These lanes are separated by a buffer zone. 

Who Can Use the HOV Lanes?  

• Two or more occupants: Vehicles with more than one occupant may ride in an HOV lane. 
• Clean air vehicles: Certain plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles are exempt from the occupancy requirement. To be allowed in the HOV lane, these vehicles must have the proper decals issued by the DMV. 
• Motorcycles: Motorcyclists can use the HOV lanes without a decal unless otherwise noted. However, they cannot ride on or over solid double lines. 
• Emergency vehicles: In certain circumstances, emergency response vehicles may use HOV lanes with single occupants. 
• Trucks and cars with trailers: Large trucks or vehicles towing a trailer cannot use an HOV lane, regardless of occupants. 

Who Cannot Use HOV Lanes?

The following vehicles and drivers are prohibited from using HOV lanes, even during non-restricted hours:

• Single-occupant vehicles (unless qualifying clean air vehicle with DMV decal)
• Commercial trucks over 6,000 lbs (unless specifically permitted)
• Vehicles towing trailers (recreational or commercial)
• Learner’s permit drivers (even with required passengers)
• Rideshare drivers without passengers (empty Uber/Lyft vehicles)
• Vehicles using mannequins or dolls as fake passengers

Pets, unborn children, and inflatable dolls do not count toward occupancy requirements. All passengers must be living human beings.

Types of HOV Lanes

• Full-time HOV lanes: These lanes are in effect 24/7 to promote continuous ridesharing and reduce traffic at all times. They are typically found in Southern California. 
• Part-time HOV lanes: These lanes are restricted to high-occupancy vehicles only during peak commute hours. Outside of these hours, they are open to all passenger vehicles. They are most common in Northern California. 
• High-occupancy toll lanes: Also known as express lanes, HOT lanes allow single-occupant vehicles to use the HOV lane by paying a toll. This system aims to manage traffic congestion by offering a faster travel option for a fee. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can single-occupant electric vehicles use carpool lanes?

Yes, unless prohibited by local signs. Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles with blue, yellow, or green decals issued by the DMV are exempt from the HOV lane restrictions. 

What are the rules for crossing HOV lane stripes? 

Under California law, drivers may only enter or exit carpool lanes when there is a single dashed line. Drivers are not allowed to cross solid double lines, whether they are white or yellow. Doing so can result in a violation under California Vehicle Code 21655.8. It also increases the risk of an accident, as other drivers do not anticipate the lane change. 

What are the fines for violating HOV restrictions?

According to the California Department of Transportation, an HOV lane violation ticket carries a minimum fine of $490. However, fines can vary from county to county, so a violation might cost more in Los Angeles than in San Francisco. Fines will be higher for repeated violations. 

What is the difference between FasTrak and HOV lanes?

HOV lanes are meant for multiple passengers. Anyone can use the FasTrak, regardless of the number of occupants, if they have a transponder or pay a fee. Some HOV lanes work as FasTrak lanes, where you can use the lane if you are a solo rider, as long as you have a transponder. 

Can I use a carpool lane to avoid an accident?

You can cross into the carpool lane to avoid an accident, but you should exit immediately. Otherwise, you risk receiving a violation. HOV lane restrictions are not lifted unless the main lanes are fully blocked.

What happens if I’m in a carpool lane accident?

Accidents can happen when drivers fail to use caution when merging onto or exiting HOV lanes. If you are involved in an accident caused by a driver who crossed the double HOV lines, you may have a legal claim against them. 

However, remember that California follows a pure comparative fault rule regarding liability. If you were speeding at the time of the collision, you may also hold some portion of fault. It is best to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer to understand your options. 

Carpool Lane Accident? DK Law Can Help

Even if you respect the HOV rules, others may not. Failure to obey traffic laws is a frequent cause of motor vehicle collisions in California. If you were in an accident in the HOV lane with a driver who illegally crossed a double line, you may wonder what your options are. 

At DK Law, our legal team specializes in representing clients who have been injured due to the negligence of others. We recognize the difficulties injured victims face and are here to simplify the process to help you recover financial compensation. To determine if you can receive compensation for your car accident case, call us at (800) 719-9779 or message us online for a free consultation.