High occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, also known as carpool or diamond lanes, are special-use highway lanes reserved for carpools, vanpools, buses, and motorcycles. In Washington State, these lanes, along with express toll lanes, form a crucial part of the central Puget Sound area's highway system. They are designed to maximize the movement of people and encourage commuters to use transit or travel together to save time, reduce traffic volumes, and alleviate congestion. The lanes connect major population and employment centers, and enough demand exists for peak period freeway space that the HOV lane would quickly become just another clogged lane if it were opened to all traffic all the time. WSDOT has various types of HOV and express toll lanes on Interstate 5, Interstate 90, Interstate 405, State Route 16, State Route 520, and State Route 167. HOV lanes are identified by the diamond symbol on signs along the highway and painted on the pavement. They are typically separated from the other lanes on the highway by a solid white line. To travel in an HOV lane, a vehicle must meet the occupancy requirements listed on the signs when HOV rules are in force.
The policy objectives for HOV and express toll lanes are rooted in managing transportation systems efficiently in urban areas where demand for highway travel is greater than roads can accommodate. Traffic breaks down when the number of vehicles on the road exceeds capacity. HOV and express toll lanes are strategies to maximize the movement of people on existing roadways by managing the number of vehicles in the lane to stay below capacity, providing more reliable speeds, and increasing the advantage of using transit and high occupancy vehicles. Users of these lanes cite many benefits, including saving time, reducing stress, and enjoying a more convenient way to travel. Traveling in an HOV or express toll lane is usually faster than the other lanes, even when the lane is crowded. People who carpool, vanpool, or ride transit can save money on their annual commute cost and may be able to live near more affordable housing. Every shared ride reduces the number of car trips on the overall transportation system and helps reduce the area’s contribution to greenhouse gasses, global warming, and environmental health issues. Additionally, transit service provides faster service and lower operating costs when using HOV and express toll lanes. WSDOT is continually looking into ways to maximize efficiency to help keep people moving on highways.
Eligibility and Policies for HOV and Express Toll Lanes
HOV lane policy is based on federal and state law, as well as direction from the Legislature, to establish how and when drivers can use the lanes. Express toll lanes are special types of HOV lanes which allow drivers to pay a toll to use the lanes when they don’t meet the carpool requirements. Under certain circumstances, some drivers can travel toll-free in the express toll lanes. To be eligible for a toll-exempt trip in the express toll lanes, the vehicle must have the correct number of occupants and be equipped with the appropriate Good To Go! pass. Trucks weighing over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW) cannot use HOV or express toll lanes.
The following table describes who can use the HOV lanes and who can use the express toll lanes without paying a toll:
| Vehicles that can use HOV lanes | Vehicles that can use express toll lanes toll-free |
|---|---|
| Any vehicle with the number of occupants indicated on signs (except trucks over 10,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight). | Any vehicle with the number of occupants indicated on signs (except trucks) if equipped with a Flex Pass set in the carpool position. |
| Motorcycles | Motorcycles equipped with a Motorcycle pass |
In Washington, these lanes connect major population and employment centers, forming a crucial part of the central Puget Sound area's highway system. The lanes are designed to maximize the movement of people and encourage commuters to use transit or travel together to save time, reduce traffic volumes, and congestion. WSDOT has various types of HOV and express toll lanes on Interstate 5, Interstate 90, Interstate 405, State Route 16, State Route 520, and State Route 167.
State Route 167 Express Toll Lane Updates
State Route 167 is undergoing upgrades to its express toll lane system. That pass has to be set to HOV mode to travel toll-free. Motorcycles will need to have a Motorcycle Pass to travel toll-free on SR 167. In the future, anyone traveling without a Motorcycle Pass or a Flex Pass set to HOV mode will be charged a toll, no matter how many people are in the car.
It is completely free to open a Good To Go! account. A Pay As You Go option allows you to open an account with just a credit card, and have tolls charged to the card after the trip. WSDOT plans to give out free Flex Passes and Motorcycle Passes later in the year to help make the transition easier. More information about how to get a free pass will be available in the summer, along with timing for when the rules will change for SR 167.
Testing is in progress as installation continues over the next few months. Lights flashing or words or numbers displayed on new signs are part of testing the new equipment. Even if those lights and numbers are seen on the new signs, no toll will be charged for driving by them until the system upgrades take place later in the year.
Travel disruptions are occurring as updated equipment is installed near Sumner. The work will continue north over the next few months and involves some overnight lane reductions and road and ramp closures.
Georgia HOV Lane Policies and Changes
In Georgia, the Department of Public Safety is authorized to enforce HOV lane restrictions designated by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), in addition to other law enforcement agencies. HOV Lanes first opened in Atlanta on December 14, 1994, with 18 lane miles on I-20 from Downtown to I-285. In 1996, 60 additional lane miles opened on I-75 and I-85. Another 23.6 lane miles opened on I-85 in Gwinnett County on October 31, 2001.
Per O.C.G.A. § 32-9-4, GDOT may designate travel lanes of the state highway system for the exclusive or preferential use of buses, motorcycles, passenger vehicles occupied by two persons or more, and vehicles bearing alternative fueled vehicle license plates issued under paragraph (5) of subsection (a) of O.C.G.A. § 40-2-38 or paragraph (7) of subsection (I) of § 40-2-86.1.
A significant change is occurring regarding alternative fueled vehicles (AFVs). Per the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the existing statutory exemption, which previously allowed non-conforming vehicle occupancy (i.e., single occupancy vehicles) in HOV lanes for plug-in all-electric vehicles and other qualifying AFVs bearing alternative fueled vehicle license plates issued by the state of Georgia, will officially expire on September 29, 2025. After that date, federal law will require AFV drivers to adhere to existing requirements for all other passenger vehicles regarding use of HOV lanes. As of September 30, 2025, like all other passenger vehicles, AFVs must be occupied by two or more persons to use HOV lanes.
Northern Virginia Express Lanes Anniversary and Giveaway
Transurban, operator of the 495 and 95 Express Lanes in Northern Virginia, celebrated the fifth anniversary of the 495 Express Lanes by launching a travel giveaway of $5,000 in free travel prizes and a special $10,000 community grant. The 495 Express Lanes have provided a broad range of benefits to the region over the past five years of operations, as well as faster and more predictable travel for buses, carpoolers, and drivers. Since year one, the 495 Express Lanes have attracted many area commuters, supporting a four-fold increase in carpool trips and a 75 percent increase in bus trips. Travelers on the 495 Express Lanes today enjoy on average 23 minutes of time savings during rush hour commute, and drivers on the regular 495 lanes benefit as well, with northbound morning rush hour traffic travel times improving by 8 percent.
To get HOV free travel, one must use an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode with the right number of people in the car. This applies to both the 495 and 95 Express Lanes. The celebration event took place on November 17, 2017, with the announcement from Jennifer Aument, group general manager of Transurban North America, highlighting the benefits for customers on the Beltway to make meetings on time, get home for dinner with family, and travel to work without anxiety from unexpected traffic jams.
Good To Go! Passes and Account Setup
For Washington State express toll lanes, the Good To Go! pass is essential for toll-free travel when meeting carpool requirements. The program offers a Pay As You Go option that allows opening an account with just a credit card, with tolls charged after the trip. This account setup is free. Flex Passes and Motorcycle Passes are planned to be distributed for free later in the year to facilitate the transition to the new rules on SR 167. These passes must be set to the appropriate mode (HOV for carpooling) to qualify for toll-free travel. Without the pass or with the pass not set correctly, tolls will be charged regardless of occupancy.
The testing phase for the SR 167 upgrades involves visible signs of equipment operation, such as flashing lights or displayed numbers, but no charges apply until the full system upgrade is complete. Travelers should be aware of ongoing construction, including overnight lane reductions and ramp closures, as the installation progresses north from Sumner.
Broader Implications and Benefits of HOV Systems
HOV and express toll lanes are part of a comprehensive approach to managing transportation systems efficiently. They help reduce the number of car trips, which in turn lowers greenhouse gas emissions and supports environmental health. By providing faster and more reliable travel options, these lanes encourage shared rides and transit use, leading to cost savings for commuters and better overall traffic flow. The policies are continually reviewed to maximize efficiency and keep people moving on highways.
In summary, HOV lane usage in Washington requires meeting specific occupancy levels, with express toll lanes offering a paid alternative for those not carpooling. Free travel in these lanes is possible with the correct passes and proper setup. Changes in Georgia will eliminate the single-occupancy exemption for AFVs starting in late 2025. Northern Virginia's express lanes have demonstrated significant benefits over five years, including time savings and increased carpooling.