carpool lane

A carpool lane, often referred to as a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane, is a designated lane on a highway meant to encourage carpooling. It is reserved for vehicles with multiple occupants, such as two or more people. The primary goal is to reduce traffic congestion and lower emissions by promoting shared rides. These lanes usually have specific hours of operation, and violators can face fines. Carpool lanes are typically located on the left side of the highway or adjacent to the regular lanes, allowing for quicker travel for those who carpool.