strugglebus
Well-known member
Are Class A’s allowed in HOV lanes in any states along the East coast? I’ve only used them in cars and never really took notice of the other vehicles in them.
HOV lanes
- Thread starter strugglebus
- Start date
The friendliest place on the web for anyone with an RV or an interest in RVing!
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
Oldgator73
Well-known member
I’ve only seen the big trucks not allowed.
Skookum
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 19, 2018
- Posts
- 3,664
I don't know about the East Coast, but here (WA state on Interstate Highways) there are signs posted that prohibit vehicles 10,000 lbs and over, or any vehicle towing a trailer, from using the HOV, HOT, and Express Toll lanes.
The regulations appear to vary from state to state, so I'd recommend looking up the rules on the state DOT websites where you intend to travel.
The regulations appear to vary from state to state, so I'd recommend looking up the rules on the state DOT websites where you intend to travel.
Oldgator73
Well-known member
On the 495 around DC it’s only an HOV from 0530-0930.
Laura & Charles
Well-known member
I agree when there’s only two lanes or in rural areas. But when there’s three or more lanes and in an urban area with lots of exits and on ramps in close proximity, I always take the lane that’s second left from the rightmost. With lots of traffic entering and exiting, I’m more a hazard to those trying to exit or merge on around my big pokey rig if I’m in the far right lane.
Oldgator73
Well-known member
Driving on the 495 around DC today and a huge dump truck in the left Lane driving under the speed limit.
gwinger
Well-known member
Back to the original question about HOV lanes. Different states and local jurisdictions have different restrictions for HOV lanes. Normally there are signs stating the allowed, or dis-allowed, vehicles.
It has nothing to do with normal interstate rules. Technically, you are not allowed to travel in the left lane of any interstate unless to pass or are approaching a left exit, and you still have to obey speed limits. The only exception here in PA is if you are coming up to an emergency vehicle or stopped vehicle on the right berm. Actually here you must yield to the vehicle or reduce speed.
It has nothing to do with normal interstate rules. Technically, you are not allowed to travel in the left lane of any interstate unless to pass or are approaching a left exit, and you still have to obey speed limits. The only exception here in PA is if you are coming up to an emergency vehicle or stopped vehicle on the right berm. Actually here you must yield to the vehicle or reduce speed.
Rene T
Site Team
Anyone ever hear the law “Keep right except to pass”. The left lane is the passing lane and the other lanes are the driving lanes. That’s the law in all states as far as I know.
A Traveler
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 25, 2014
- Posts
- 660
You cannot make a blanket statement like that! If I’m driving in traffic on a multi-lane, limited access highway, I am not going to be in the right lane! If I’m over there, I have to deal with all the entering and exiting traffic and the nuts who dive for their exit lane at the last minute because they too busy texting to pay attention to their driving.
I will be in whatever lane looks best, and I’ll be moving at the same speed as the other traffic…even if that’s 70+ mph. Some of the biggest problems on the road today are people driving their RV’s at 50 mph in the right lane when everyone else is running at 65.
Arch Hoagland
Well-known member
I have seen Greyhound buses in HOV lanes and they weren't going slow...trust me!
Kirk
Well-known member
I did a lot of internet searching trying to find some source that would list HOV lane rules by state but only leaned that not all states set the standard and in some areas the rule is set by a local agency and it may vary from city to city in some states. Many states do have internet pages about them but I was not able to find any attempt to list the rules for all areas in one location. You probably need to check each state, at least.
Skookum
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 19, 2018
- Posts
- 3,664
Buses are typically specifically allowed in HOV lanes while heavy trucks are typically prohibited. Rv’s fall somewhere in the middle but are usually excluded by weight or towing. Maybe this is one of the upsides of owning a Prevost
(I don't own one, but I'm guessing it sure is nice!)
Last edited:
Oldgator73
Well-known member
The 495 around DC has an HOV that is an HOV only during morning rush hour. Highway 50 towards Annapolis has a 24 hour HOV, no big trucks but motorcycles are okay. It seems every HOV is different.
DonTom
Well-known member
Rene T
Site Team
That’s only the three west coast states on I-5. If you Google “which states have a keep right except to pass laws”, you’ll find ALL 50 states do.
Gary RV_Wizard
Site Team
The answer is that each HOV lane is potentially different, so check road signs or have the co-pilot look up local rules while you drive. Since HOV is mostly oriented toward commuter traffic, it's probably best to assume a motorhome would NOT be welcome unless you have official evidence otherwise.
Note that most HOV lanes are designated for only certain hours. Outside of that time, they are like any other lane on that highway.
Note that most HOV lanes are designated for only certain hours. Outside of that time, they are like any other lane on that highway.
DonTom
Well-known member
In many states it only applies under certain conditions, such as when there is a sign. With the sign, I don't think there are any exceptions. BTW, only black on white or white on black signs are law. A yellow sign is a suggestion. However, all states, AFAIK, have the "Basic Speed Law" which can mean a yellow speed limit sign COULD apply when going faster, when considered unsafe. Could be different for a motorcycle than a truck, etc. with the same yellow sign.
In CA and NV you may stay in the left lane all day long passing nobody as long as you're going the speed limit and no other conditions apply.
See here. It explains the exact law for every state.
-Don- Reno, NV
DonTom
Well-known member
Yep. A big fat Class A or Class C RV is allowed in any HOV lane in CA, during the HOV times, but there is a big exception. If you're towing, then no can do. Besides, CA has a 55 MPH towing speed limit EVERYHERE in the state, even if the speed limit is otherwise 70 MPH. HOV lanes generally move faster. But I have also seen them too at a dead stop.
See here.
-Don- Reno, NV
Last edited:
strugglebus
Well-known member
Appreciate all the replies. I figured I might not be able to use the HOV lanes. If I go, I tow.
