High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes

HOV and Hybrid Vehicle News

• Rules and FAQs
• Hybrid Vehicle Exemption Extended until June 30, 2010
• Change in HOV restriction on I-395 South begins Jan. 14
• HOV exemption for hybrid vehicles extended to June 30, 2008
• Two new HOV laws take effect July 1, 2006
• New HOV fines take effect July 1, 2006
• New law limits HOV use in I-95/395 corridor
• Response to Federal Highway Administration l etter on I-95/I-395 HOV Lanes (Feb. 25, 2005)
• HOV enforcement task force makes recommendations to safeguard HOV lanes
• Read about how enforcement changes can affect violators.
• Northern Virginia HOV fines and points increase July 1, 2004

Northern Virginia

When and where | Rules and FAQs | How to use | Park and Ride | Future lanes | Contact us

HOV Fines

• First offense $125
  
  
• Second offense $250 plus three points on your driving record
  
  
• Third offense $500 plus three points on your driving record
  
  
• Fourth offense $1,000 plus three points on your driving record

HOV Exemption for Hybrid Vehicles Extended to June 30, 2010

Hybrid vehicles with the required clean fuel plates will continue to be able to use the HOV lanes on Interstates 95, 395, 66 and the Dulles Toll Road until June 30, 2010, under an extension passed by the General Assembly and signed by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine.

In order for a hybrid vehicle to use Virginia’s HOV lanes during the morning and afternoon rush hours, the vehicle must have a clean special fuel plate issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

More information is available at www.dmv.virginia.gov

HOV lanes allow users to travel faster, while also freeing up congestion in regular lanes. There are a variety of ways for you to qualify for commuting in HOV Lanes. You can travel via:

• Car pool
• Vanpool
• Casual carpool (slug lines)
• Hybrid Vehicles

If you are interested in joining or starting a carpool or vanpool so that you can start using the HOV lanes, call Commuter Connections at (800) 745-RIDE. Commuter Connections, the commuter's resource for transportation alternatives, has a rideshare database and can help match you with riders who have similar commutes.

In Northern Virginia, HOV lanes are on I-66, I-95, I-395 and the Dulles Toll Road. Check the links below for detailed information. To calculate the time you would save by using HOV lanes, go to HOVCalculator.com.

Did you Know Northern Virginia HOV Lanes Save Time!

Any Questions?

Contact the Northern Virginia VDOT office at: NOVAinfo@VDOT.Virginia.gov

Commuter links

• Virginia rideshare agencies
• Northern Virginia Commuter Connections
• RideGuide for Northern Virginia
• E-ZPass automated toll collection
• Slug-Lines.com
• HOV Calculator
• Carpool by Zimride

Hampton Roads HOV Lanes

When and where | Rules and FAQs | How to use | Park and Ride | Maps

High occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes are designed to help move more people through congested areas. Whether you're heading to the beach or to the world's largest naval base, to the south side of Hampton Roads or to the peninsula, HOV lanes can help you bypass traffic.

HOV lanes allow motorists to travel faster, while at the same time helping prevent congestion in regular lanes. There are a variety of ways for you to qualify to commute in the HOV lanes. You can travel via:

• Car pool
• Vanpool
• Hybrid vehicles
  

If you are interested in joining or starting a car pool or vanpool so you can use the HOV lanes, call TRAFFIX at (800)700-RIDE. TRAFFIX, the regional commuter's resource for transportation alternatives, has a rideshare database, the Commuter Computer, which can help match you with riders who have similar commutes.

During Peak Traffic Hours in Hampton Roads:

• HOV lanes can carry nearly 12,000 people each weekday, taking as many as 12,000 vehicles out of the regular lanes.
• Ridesharers save up to $2,000 per year in gas, maintenance, insurance and other commuting costs.
• At full capacity, HOV-2 lanes can move the same volume of passengers as four regular freeway lanes.

Any Questions?

Contact the Hampton Roads VDOT at: hamptonroadsinfo@VDOT.Virginia.gov

HOV restrictions lifted in Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia on the following federal holidays:
Jan. 1 - New Year's Day
Feb. 16 – Presidents Day
May 25 – Memorial Day
July 3 – Independence Day (observed)
Sept. 7 – Labor Day
Oct. 12 – Columbus Day
Nov. 11 – Veterans Day
Nov. 26 – Thanksgiving
Dec. 25 – Christmas

Commuter links

• Virginia rideshare agencies
• E-ZPass automated toll collection