High-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes are reserved for which type of vehicles?

High-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes are specifically designated for vehicles carrying multiple passengers, typically aimed at promoting carpooling and reducing traffic congestion. The primary purpose of HOV lanes is to encourage more people to travel together in a single vehicle rather than driving alone, which can help decrease the number of vehicles on the road and improve overall traffic flow.

By allowing only car pools and vehicles with more than one person, these lanes facilitate a more efficient use of road space and lessen the environmental impact of single-occupant vehicles. This regulation supports state and local efforts to manage traffic congestion and enhance commuting efficiency. Thus, vehicles with only one occupant or those that do not meet the occupancy requirements of the HOV lanes are not permitted to use them.