Violating the rules of carpool lanes can bring a hefty $341 fine, so it's wise to know the standard policies:

• Carpool lanes in Southern California require two or more people per vehicle (with a few exceptions, listed below).
• Only enter and exit a carpool lane at areas designated with signs and a broken double yellow or white line. It's against the law to cross the double yellow lines of a carpool lane-you can be ticketed.
• Yes, children count as carpool partners.
• Motorcyclists can ride alone in carpool lanes.
• Zero-emission vehicles don't need to meet minimum passenger requirements; however, proper identification in the form of a sticker from the DMV is required. Legislation is pending that would allow a certain number of hybrid vehicles solo access to carpool lanes as well.
• Always check posted signs. Southland carpool lanes require at least two people in a car, except the El Monte Busway, which requires three during peak hours (6-9 a.m. and 4-7 p.m.).
• Passenger requirements are in effect for Southern California's carpool lanes 24 hours a day. The exception: Route 14, which is open to solo drivers in off-peak hours.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carpool Lanes

Why are they sometimes called HOV lanes?

HOV stands for "high occupancy vehicle"-that is, more than one person occupies the vehicles traveling in these lanes. You'll recognize HOV lanes (more commonly referred to as carpool lanes) by the diamonds painted on the road...a reason they're also at times referred to as "diamond lanes."

Why can't solo drivers use them if they're not full?

Carpool lanes may look like they're not pulling their weight, but on average one carpool lane moves as many people as two regular lanes. The incentive to use a carpool lane is that you'll travel faster. These lanes need to be free and clear to motivate people to share the ride and reduce traffic on all lanes.

Do people really save time?

Absolutely. On average, commuters who use carpool lanes in Southern California save 36 minutes a day-or a whopping third of their total commute time. The more miles your commute, the more time you save.

Why do I see people driving alone in carpool lanes?

You're not the only one seeing solo drivers in carpool lanes-they're also quickly spotted by CHP and fined. According to Caltrans and CHP reports, the actual violation rate on most carpool lanes is a mere 1.5%.

How can I find a carpool lane?

Easy! Southern California has more than 700 lanes miles of carpool lanes with plans to expand the network more in the coming years. A carpool lane-which is always built as an addition to a freeway, never as a conversion of an existing lane-is the left-most lane, divided from the regular lanes by double yellow lines (except at entry and exit points). Find a carpool lane on your commute on our Southern California Carpool Lane Map.

Can carpoolers use toll lanes for free?

The toll lanes on the 91 Freeway in Orange County let carpools with three or more ride free (except when traveling eastbound Monday through Friday 4-6 p.m. when tolls apply at a 50% discount). You must have a "transponder"-a small radio-powered debit device that affixes to your windshield-and ride in the designated lane. For details, go to www.91expresslanes.com