Welcome to the Georgia Department of Transportation's LUV-the-HOV website.  We want you to save time, save money and reduce stress by using the HOV lanes.

Just the FAQs

Looking for a quick commute? A pollution solution? HOV is the answer. Here are the FAQs:

Q. What is an HOV lane?

A. HOV stands for High Occupancy Vehicle. These lanes were built to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution by giving a faster travel time for those who carpool, vanpool or ride buses. The lanes are identified by the white diamonds on signs above and painted on the lanes, and the white double lines separating them from the other lanes of traffic.  HOV lanes are reserved for vehicles carrying two or more persons. Exceptions are clean emissions vehicles such as:

• Compressed natural gas vehicles
• Electric cars
• Motorcycles

Q. I haven't noticed any HOV lanes near where I work or live. Where are they now and where are additional lanes planned?

A. There are already HOV lanes in metro Atlanta on I-75, I-85, I-285 and I-20. The Georgia Department of Transportation is planning on expanding HOV service to additional high congestion areas in the north Gwinnett I-85/I-985/Ga. 316 corridor and both east and west of Atlanta on I-20. There are also plans to add HOV lanes to I-75 and I-575 north of Atlanta, to Georgia 400 and to I-675 south of the city.

Q. It seems like there's been an explosion in the number of cars on the road. What's going on?

A. Every year, Atlanta-area traffic grows by 20 to 40 percent over the previous year. And, according to figures from the Georgia DOT, at least 88 percent of metro commuters are alone in their cars. Think of how much time could be saved and how much pollution could be reduced if just a fraction of those people would rideshare.

Q. If our roads are that crowded, how is taking a lane and setting it aside for a small segment of the population going to help the rest of us?

A. First, no existing lanes were converted to HOV lanes. All HOV lanes were built strictly for that purpose.  And the idea is that -- in especially high-volume areas where roads can't be built fast enough to accommodate the one-driver/one-car ideal-- we can find alternatives that take thousands of cars off the road and speed up the commute for everyone.  Those who put a little time into arranging to share the commute get an extra bonus -- a quicker ride.

Q. How much time can I really save by using the HOV lane?

A. The farther you drive -- and the longer you can stay in the HOV lane -- obviously, the faster your trip. Commuters who live in the northern suburbs and work downtown estimate that the HOV lanes trim 15 to 20 minutes from a trip to or from work. Figure in that you save even more time if you're not the one driving and you can read, relax or get a little extra work done. And, if you're leaving your car home during the day, instead of using it to commute, you could save thousands of dollars in gas, parking and wear and tear on your car.

Q. So now that we're building all these HOV lanes, how many people are really using them?

A. Most days, the busiest HOV lanes near the Downtown Connector carry between 7,000 to 11,000 vehicles, while I-75 -- which sees the least traffic -- is handling 2,000 to 5,000.

Q. If my child is riding with me, does he/she count as a second passenger and qualify me to use the HOV lanes?

A. Yes.

Q. But having a child in the car doesn't get another car off the road.

A. True, but the fact of the matter is that the current designation of the lanes is HOV-2, and the number of passengers doesn't specify age.

Q. If a mother is 8 months pregnant, does the unborn infant count?

A. No. The infant would not count as a passenger until after birth.

Q. Who will know if I ride in the HOV lane alone?

A. The HOV lanes are monitored by the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety.  They are authorized to stop violators and issue tickets.

Q. If I get pulled over for driving alone in an HOV lane, what's the fine?

A. Tickets are averaging $75-$150, depending upon your previous fines for violating HOV rules.

Links

Traffic congestion is an issue that affects all of us. 

Here are some other organizations involved in solving Atlanta's traffic and air quality problems.

Updated March 17, 2003. 14:42