What are HOV lanes designed for?

HOV lanes, or High Occupancy Vehicle lanes, are specifically designed to improve traffic flow and encourage carpooling by allowing vehicles that carry two or more passengers to travel in these designated lanes. The primary goal is to reduce congestion on roadways by maximizing the number of people that can utilize the road space, rather than just the number of vehicles. By prioritizing vehicles that carry multiple passengers, these lanes provide an incentive for drivers to share rides, which can lead to fewer cars on the road overall and promote more efficient use of resources.

Vehicles eligible for HOV lanes typically include carpools, vanpools, and buses, thus fostering an environment where commuting can be done more sustainably. This approach not only enhances traffic efficiency but also contributes to a reduction in emissions, addressing environmental concerns associated with single-occupancy vehicle use. The other options do not align with the specific purpose of HOV lanes as they either limit usage to a specific type of vehicle or do not restrict based on occupancy, which is the defining characteristic of HOV lane eligibility.