Carpool lanes In and out only where the line is broken
A carpool (HOV) lane is for vehicles with at least the number of people shown on the signs. Enter and leave it only at the designated places, or where the line beside it is a single broken line. Never cross double solid lines.
CVC 21655.5(b) · CVC 21655.8(a) · CA Driver's Handbook, "Carpool/High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes" and "Double Solid White Lines"
Can you cross double solid lines into a carpool lane in California?
No: move in or out only at a designated place or a single broken line (CVC 21655.8(a)). Never cross double solid lines.
Why this rule exists
Traffic in the carpool lane is often much faster than in the lane beside it. Fixed places to get in and out keep slow cars from pulling in front of fast ones without warning.
Step by step on the road
- Read the carpool signs at the on-ramp or along the road: how many people you need, and the hours when the rules apply.
- Know the lane: the road surface shows a diamond symbol and the words Carpool Lane.
- Look at the line beside the lane. Double solid lines: stay out. A single broken line or a designated entrance: you may move in.
- At the opening, check your mirror, signal and look over your shoulder, then move in.
- Leave the same way: only where the line is broken or at a designated exit.
Common mistakes
- Crossing the double solid lines to get in early, or to get out for an exit.
- Using the lane alone when the sign asks for 2 or more people during the HOV hours.
- Moving in slowly in front of the faster traffic in the carpool lane.
On the DMV drive test
DL 955 scores freeway driving only on supplemental drive tests; there you merge without going over the solid boundary lines. A lane change is scored for traffic check, signal, speed, spacing and steering control, and not checking your mirrors or over your shoulder when you change lanes is a critical driving error.
Based on the DMV’s Driving Test Criteria (DL 955) and its score sheet (DL 32). How the drive test works ›Questions people ask
How many people do you need for the carpool lane in California?
It depends on the lane. Signs at the on-ramp or along the road show the minimum number of people, and the hours when the rule applies.
Can motorcycles use the carpool lane in California?
Yes, unless a sign says otherwise (CVC 21655.5(b)).
What does the diamond in a lane mean?
It marks a carpool (HOV) lane. The road surface shows a diamond symbol and the words Carpool Lane.
Test yourself
Kees' three questions on this rule, the “Did you know?” facts and his tip come with the drive, in Voorrah! Pro.
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