Regulatory sign · MUTCD R3-11
HOV Lane
This lane is reserved for high-occupancy vehicles: cars with the minimum number of people shown on the sign, plus buses and often motorcycles. The diamond marks a preferential lane.
- Shape
- Vertical rectangle with a diamond symbol
- Color
- White background, black letters, border and diamond
What to do
Use the lane only if you have enough people in the vehicle during the hours posted, and enter or leave it only where the markings allow. Driving alone in the lane risks a ticket. If the number is not met, stay in the regular lanes.
Where you see it
On freeways and busy highways, usually the far left lane, with signs overhead or at the roadside and a white diamond painted on the pavement.
Test trap
The rule applies only at the posted times; outside them the lane may be open to everyone. A baby in a car seat counts as a passenger in most states, but you still must not cross the solid lines to get in or out.
Memory tip: Diamond = carpool: 2 or more people, or stay out.
Practice question
This sign means:
- The lane is for heavy trucks only
- The lane is for emergency vehicles only
- The lane is for vehicles going over 55 MPH
- The lane is for vehicles with enough people
Answer: D. The diamond and HOV mark a high-occupancy lane for carpools, buses and similar vehicles.
Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (2022), p. 58