What is a commuter lane?

A commuter lane, often referred to as a carpool lane or high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane, is a designated lane on a roadway intended for vehicles with multiple passengers to promote carpooling and reduce traffic congestion. These lanes typically allow only cars with two or more occupants, buses, and sometimes motorcycles, while single-occupancy vehicles may be restricted or face additional tolls. The goal of commuter lanes is to encourage shared transportation and improve overall traffic flow.