Carpool Lane
I’m Ed Smith, a West Sacramento auto accident attorney. Interstate 80, north of Sacramento recently opened up 10 new miles of carpool lane. Many commuters are seeking answers to their safety questions about properly using the carpool lane. Caltrans’ official name for the carpool lane is High-Occupancy Vehicle Lane (HOV). Below, I will answer some of these commonly asked questions.
Highway Speed Limits
On most California freeways, the speed limit is 65 miles-per-hour. Drivers who use the fast lane tend to go upwards of 75 miles-per-hour, when traffic allows. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) does randomly conduct speed limit enforcement stings. So, those who think they can get away with going over the speed limit should error on the side of caution.
Carpool FAQs
What is the reason for carpool lanes?
The purpose for the lane is a strategy to encourage and promote carpooling, when commuters choose to carpool to take advantage of the HOV Lane; there is less congestion on the highways.
How is the HOV Lane marked?
The HOV Lane is located on the left side of the highway and is identified with signs along the highway and with white diamond symbols painted in the lane itself.
What is the HOV Lane Speed Limit?
No matter the time, drivers should not exceed the posted speed limit on the road or highway they are traveling on. The speed limit is typically posted.
Which lane is the “fast” lane, is it the carpool lane or the lane next to the carpool lane?
The carpool lane and the ‘fast’ lane are not the same lane. It is unsafe to treat the carpool lane as the “fast” lane. If you are traveling in the fast lane going faster than the posted speed limit that leaves you vulnerable to being involved in an auto accident.
When is the HOV Lane ‘open’ to everyone?
Generally speaking, in Northern California the carpool lanes are only used for carpooling during the business days of the week, Monday to Friday. The lanes are utilized during the hours where commute congestion is at it’s highest or 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. All other drivers may use these lanes outside of the off-peak commute hours. This practice is commonly known as ‘part-time’ operation.
Who can use the carpool lane during hours of operation?
- Buses
- Motorcycles
- Cars with two or more occupants.
Any person wearing a seatbelt is defined as a passenger/occupant.
Carpool Complaints
The carpool lanes are patrolled and enforced by CHP. The goal in Northern California is to keep HOV violations to less than 10%. If the violation rate goes above the 10% mark, personnel from Cal Trans will let local CHP know that there is a need for more enforcement at that particular span of HOV Lane. The minimum fine for a HOV violation is $490. If a driver is a habitual offender, the fine may become higher.
You may not commonly see CHP doing carpool checks during commute hours. This is because the CHP tends to spend their time clearing vehicle accidents or stalled vehicles to the shoulder. Keeping the highway and interstate lanes clear of accidents or stalled vehicles is a much higher priority for the CHP. The safety of other motorists always comes before a driver illegally driving in the carpool lane.
West Sacramento Auto Accident Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a West Sacramento auto accident attorney. If you or a loved one have been seriously injured due to the negligent actions of another party, please call my office at (916) 921-6400 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 for fast and free advice.
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Source of Carpool Lane:
http://www.dot.ca.gov/trafficops/tm/hov.html
Image Attribution – Wikimedia Commons
:RTC