Carpool lanes, aka high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes/diamond lanes, can be your new best friend during commute hours - breeze by slow traffic and cut commute time to/from work.
To drive in carpool lanes, you must be in a carpool, vanpool, public transit vehicle, or riding a motorcycle during specific commuting hours. Single-occupant hybrid vehicles are permitted in carpool lanes during designated commute hours.
Hours of operation and required number of people-per-car vary by HOV lanes. Check the list below for lane details. Follow the guidelines. A minimum HOV lane violation can start at $381.
During non-commute hours, carpool lanes revert to general traffic use.
View an interactive map of Carpool lanes or see text details
below.
Below are links about carpool lanes locations. Click to expand or collapse.
EAST BAY
NORTH BAY
SF / PENINSULA
SOUTH BAY