Using HOV Lanes
When travelling in the lower mainland I notice the HOV lanes require 2 or more persons in a vehicle. Does this apply when you are a pick up truck towing a 5th wheel trailer?
Vehicles containing more people than just the driver are a relative rarity on our highways. Some estimates place them at less than 10% of the total number of vehicles on the highway! In order to encourage the efficient movement of more people, High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes were created. There is an added benefit, filling up the vehicle means a "greener" journey as well.
In order to use an HOV lane, you must qualify as a high occupancy vehicle, which in BC is defined as a bus or any other type of vehicle under 5,500 kg GVW carrying the required number of persons as indicated by the sign controlling the HOV lane. If you and your vehicle fit the definition, you may find yourself travelling at speed in the HOV lane while others that do not qualify must crawl along in the other lanes.
Motorcycles are exempted from having to qualify according to the sign and may always use the HOV lane, as are electric vehicles that display an exemption decal.
You must enter and leave HOV lanes only when the line between lanes is a broken line. The solid line confines you to the lane otherwise.
There are exemptions for making turns to the right for non-HOV vehicles when the HOV lane is not part of a freeway. You may turn right into the HOV lane from a business premise or an intersection to access the highway containing the HOV lane. You may also occupy the HOV lane in order to turn right at the first intersection where the turn is permitted.
References:
- High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes - Section 152 MVA
- High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes - Division 42 MVAR
- Reserved Lanes - Chapter 4 Page 52, Learn to Drive Smart
Comments
Motorcycles in HOV lanes
I've been hearing that the blanket rule that, "Motorcycles are exempted from having to qualify according to the sign and may always use the HOV lane." is not always true. Have you heard similar? I'm told now that motorcycles can ONLY use the HOV lane if there is a posted sign that says "Motorcycles OK"
Motorcycles are Exempt by Law
Division 42 MVAR sets out an exemption for motorcycles in 42.02(3)(d). There is no sign required to be exempt, but if there is a sign there prohibiting it, then the motorcycle must not use an HOV lane.
You must enter and leave HOV lanes only when the line between la
You must enter and leave HOV lanes only when the line between lanes is a broken line. The solid line confines you to the lane otherwise, is easily the most misunderstood, ignored, and disregarded portion of the BC MVA. If everyone breaking this law for one day was ticketed, we might not need any other tax for the balance of the year.
Electric Vehicles
Hi, Does the Electric Vehicles are allowed to drive in HOV lanes here at BC? In Ontario and California the EV are allowed, even the Hybrid vehicles. Cheers
BC Exemptions
Qualifying vehicles that display identifying decals are now allowed to use HOV lanes. March 2016,