Not supposed to be in the HOV lane? California rules vary — and violations carry hefty costs

You are stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic along a congested California highway during an afternoon commute home. Cars are continuously passing you by on your left in the High Occupancy Vehicle lane and eventually, you switch lanes to join them.

The problem: You don’t have any passengers in the car and if you get caught and ticketed, the price won’t be cheap.

In 2021, California Highway Patrol issued more than 48,000 citations statewide for HOV lane violations, said department spokesman officer Mark Leavitt.

The Bee consulted Leavitt and Brandy Tuzon Boyd with the Sacramento County Superior Court to understand how HOV lanes are enforced and costs and fees associated with tickets.

What’s the purpose of HOV lanes?

High Occupancy Vehicle lanes, commonly known as HOV lanes, are designed to encourage carpooling. In return, they alleviate overcrowded California highways and improve air quality, according to the California Department of Transportation.

The lanes are typically on the inside left lane with white, diamond-shaped symbols on the road.

When are HOV lanes enforced in California?

In Northern California, HOV lanes are enforced by California Highway Patrol between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, according to the California Department of Transportation.

There must be two or more people in the vehicle (car or bus), Leavitt said. Drivers are allowed in the lanes with no repercussions during weekends and holidays. Motorcycles are also allowed in HOV lanes.

The rules in Southern California are different.

HOV lanes are enforced 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Unlike the carpool lanes in Northern California, these lanes are separated by a “buffer zone.”

How much is a HOV violation in California?

It depends on where you’re stopped.

An HOV lane citation is a minimum of $490 in California, according to the California Department of Transportation. But the fines vary by county. For example, in Sacramento County, the ticket cost $496.

The total fine includes a base fee of $100, Tuzon Boyd said in an emailed statement. Plus, state and county penalties including court security and emergency air medical transportation act fees.

Costs could be higher for repeat offenders and counties can tack on additional fees.

Remember: The ticket must be paid to the city or county where the violation occurred, Leavitt said.

Can I drive in an HOV lane during an emergency?

In short, no.

The final decision is left up to the officer on whether you drive off with a warning or citation, Leavitt said.

Does an HOV violation impact your driver’s license?

An HOV violation is an infraction, Leavitt said, but it still impacts your driving record.

While a point won’t be assessed to your driving record, Tuzon Boyd said, the ticket will and your insurance payments may be affected.

What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com.

Clarification: An HOV lane violation ticket can affect your insurance premium.