HOV 2+ Only Sign
High Occupancy Vehicle lane - requires 2 or more persons per vehicle
In short: An HOV 2+ Only sign means the marked lane is reserved for vehicles carrying at least two people while the restriction is active. Check nearby signs for posted days and hours because access rules can change outside those times.
What to do
Only use this lane if you have 2+ people in vehicle.
Tips
Carpool lanes help reduce traffic congestion. Check for time restrictions.
Test yourself
You see this sign while driving. What do you have to do?
Show the answer
Only use this lane if you have 2+ people in vehicle.
Common mistake
Single occupant drivers using HOV lanes illegally
How to recognize this sign
Also called a carpool-lane sign, diamond-lane sign, or high-occupancy vehicle sign.
Do not confuse it: Do not confuse HOV 2+ with an HOV-lane-ahead sign. HOV 2+ states the occupancy rule; an ahead sign warns that the restricted lane begins farther down the road.
About regulatory signs
Regulatory signs are usually white rectangles with black or red markings, and they carry the force of law — speed limits, turn restrictions, right-of-way. Ignoring one is a traffic violation. The written test regularly checks whether you know exactly what a regulatory sign requires you to do.
Practice the rule this sign carries
What does a double set of solid white lines between a highway's regular lanes and an HOV/carpool lane typically mean?
- A. You may cross freely at any point
- B. Crossing is prohibited except at specifically marked entry/exit points
- C. It applies only to motorcycles
- D. It marks a passing zone
Show answer
B. Crossing is prohibited except at specifically marked entry/exit points — Double solid white lines along an HOV lane indicate that crossing is restricted to designated entry and exit points, helping keep the carpool lane flowing without unpredictable merges.
Universal rule · checked against MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 3 — Markings — Pavement and Curb Markings · verified 2026-08-01
Frequently asked questions
What does the HOV 2+ Only Sign mean?
High Occupancy Vehicle lane - requires 2 or more persons per vehicle
What should you do at a HOV 2+ Only Sign?
Only use this lane if you have 2+ people in vehicle.
Reference standard: Federal Highway Administration Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices ↗. State and local agencies may add rules or operating times, so follow the complete posted sign where you drive. How DMV Prep sources content.
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