What is an HOV lane? What does HOV lane mean?

An HOV lane is a high-occupancy vehicle lane that is a restricted traffic lane reserved for the exclusive use of vehicles with one or more passengers, such as carpools, vanpools, and transit buses.

These restrictions may be imposed only during peak travel times or at all times. There are various types of lanes based on the criteria used: temporary or permanent with concrete barriers; two-directional or reversible; and exclusive, concurrent, or contraflow lanes working during peak periods.

The standard minimum occupancy level is two or three occupants. Motorcycles, charter buses, emergency and law enforcement vehicles, low-emission and other green vehicles, and/or single-occupancy vehicles paying a toll are all exempt in many jurisdictions.

HOV lanes are typically implemented to increase average vehicle occupancy and traveller numbers to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, though their effectiveness is debatable.