The solid lines will limit the continuous vehicular movement between the HOV lane
and general purpose lanes. This is primarily a safety measure to limit the accidents
caused from continuous merging into and out of the HOV lanes. Continuous merging
also leads to congestion in the HOV lanes and the general purpose lanes while less
merging leads to a smoother flow in all lanes and less overall congestion. Motorists
may only enter and exit the HOV lane when the lines are broken. The Georgia DOT
hopes that this will encourage the legal use of HOV lanes and discourage use of
the HOV lane as a passing lane for single occupancy vehicles.
HOV lanes operate at their peak level when they are used for longer distances. Broken
lines will begin at an adequate distance from the exits to allow motorist enough
time to safely cross over the general purpose lanes and exit the interstate.