• Vehicles with two or more occupants
• Certified Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFV), such as electrically-powered cars and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles
• Motorcycles
• Emergency vehicles
• Buses

Approximately 90 lane-miles of HOV lanes operate on I-75, I-85 and I-20 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the following areas:

• I-75 inside I-285 (Cobb, Fulton, and Clayton Counties)
• I-75/I-85 (Downtown Connector)
• I-85 between Brookwood Interchange and I-285- DeKalb County
• I-20 east of I-75/I-85 (Downtown Connector) - Fulton, DeKalb Counties

Understanding Lane Striping

• Solid Double Lines mean traffic cannot change lanes.
• Broken Lines allows traffic to shift between lanes.

FAQs

• What does this mean to me as I use the HOV lane?

  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.

• Is this Law?

  Yes, entering or exiting the HOV lane over a solid double line is illegal and violators will be ticketed.

• Will this Work?

  The Federal Highway Administration recommends limiting the illegal use of the HOV lanes through the use of solid double lines based on its success in other states. California has enjoyed great success with this HOV management system. Enforcement is the key to the success of any traffic laws.

• What About old HOV lanes, will they be changed to utilize solid double lines?

  DOT Engineers have decided to restripe other HOV lanes with the double lines. This will allow the lanes to flow smoothly and ensure safety and less congestion when motorists exit and enter the lanes.