High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV)
High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV)
High occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes are designated by a white diamond in the center of the lane and solid white lane lines. They are also referred to as carpool lanes.
HOV lanes are used by vehicles with two or more occupants. The goal is to reduce congestion by encouraging drivers to have passengers. Federal law (23 USC 166) does provide for exceptions to the occupancy requirements. The HOV lanes may be used by single occupants during certain times of the day and by certain vehicles. Vehicles with alternative fuel special plates may operate in the HOV lanes at any time, regardless of the number of passengers.
Portions of the Federal Code, 23 USC 166, expire on September 30, 2025 including the authorization for Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFV) to drive in designated HOV lanes. If this expires, the use of HOV lanes by AFVs would require two or more occupants during the restricted times.
High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes Degradation Report
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Multi-modal Planning Division (MPD) is tasked with updating the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes degradation report on an annual basis. The report is provided to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) every June 1st and includes 6-months worth of data (October through March). Analysis is performed to identify areas of congestion on the network. Compliance is defined for segments as speeds of 45 mph or faster for 90% of the time over a 180-day period during the weekdays rush hours (excluding holidays) which start from 6 am to 9 am and from 3 pm to 7 pm. Segments that are out of compliance are further analyzed and countermeasures are identified to show continuous improvement in travel time reliability. The HOV lane degradation report details the analysis methods used and the updates in ADOT’s processes, and new initiatives to improve compliance on the roadway network.
HOV FAQs
What is an HOV lane?
It is a designated travel lane that has vehicle use restrictions during certain times.
Is HOV the same as a carpool lane?
Yes.
What does HOV stand for?
High Occupancy Vehicle
What vehicles can drive in an HOV lane during the restricted times?
Use of the HOV lane is restricted to the following vehicles in the following priority:
- Passenger vehicles with two or more occupants, including the driver.
- Public transit buses.
- Buses with two or more occupants, including the driver.
- Motorcycles.
- Alternative fuel vehicles.
- Specific Low Emission and Energy Efficient Vehicles (existing qualified vehicles only - no new vehicles eligible),
Can I drive my motorcycle in the HOV lane?
Yes, motorcycles are authorized to operate in the HOV lane.
What happens if I drive in an HOV lane with no other person in the vehicle?
Violating the restrictions for HOV lane usage may result in a driver receiving a traffic citation with a fine.
When are HOV lanes restricted to specific vehicles?
Weekday rush hours are when HOV lane restrictions apply: 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Can I move in and out of an HOV lane?
- In Arizona, there are no designated ingress and egress areas for HOV lanes, you can enter or exit safely as needed.
Are HOV lanes toll roads?
No, there are no toll roads within the state of Arizona.
Do hybrid vehicles qualify?
Customers with a hybrid vehicle that qualified under the previous program and is currently registered with an Energy Efficient plate will be allowed to continue to use their plate on that vehicle and drive in the HOV lane until they sell/transfer the vehicle.