Rules for Carpool Lanes in California
- Carpool lanes ease up highway congestion and save gasoline.carpool sign image by robert mobley from Fotolia.com
Carpool lanes, also known as high occupancy vehicle or "HOV" lanes, have certainly met with their share of controversy. But ever since they were implemented, they have served a definite purpose to ease congestion on California highways. Knowing who qualifies for carpool privileges can help some commuters make their driving chore more comfortable and convenient. - California requires that people entering car pool lanes must have at least two occupants in the vehicle that can be seen. Children qualify as car pool occupants in addition to the driver. Drivers of motorcycles have the privilege of entering and using the car pool lanes alone. The exceptions come with posted sign warnings like in the case of the El Monte Busway, which requires three passengers in the vehicle during peak traffic hours (6 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m.). Single occupants can enter car pool lanes on Route 14 during non-peak traffic hours. Regardless, California's passenger stipulations remain in effect 24 hours a day and do not change unless posted otherwise.
- Entering into carpool lanes can only be accomplished by driving across the broken double yellow lines or, in some cases, broken white lines. Carpool signs also indicate enter zones. The law provides tickets and fines for drivers who do not enter the carpool lanes via the signs and painted markers, or when drivers cross over solid double yellow lines.
- Carpool lanes help to reduce harmful exhaust emissions.major traffic jam 2 image by Aaron Kohr from Fotolia.com
Vehicles that emit zero emissions do not have to meet the minimum two-passenger occupancy rule for carpools. This means that single owners of fully electric vehicles can qualify for carpool operation, but they must have an approved sticker from the DMV to verify the vehicle's qualification. Electric cars that meet California's super ultra-low emission vehicle designation will receive a white decal sticker for identification purposes. This includes 2004 year models or older. - In 2010, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a measure including a list of hybrid vehicles that would qualify for inclusion in carpool lanes. The measure will allow up to 40,000 more California drivers to enter the carpool lanes solo. The bill, SB 535, will allow thousands of permits for hybrid models like the Chevy Volt as well as future hybrid models. Hybrid vehicles (2004 or older) that meet California's partial zero-emission vehicle standards and get at least 45 miles per gallon or more qualify for a yellow sticker of compliance.
