What are the rules for the HOV lane in Virginia?


What are the rules for the HOV lane in Virginia? During HOV-restricted periods, HOV-2 lanes require a minimum of two people per passenger vehicle and HOV-3 lanes have a minimum of three. Some vehicles have exemptions. During all other times, HOV lanes are open to all passenger vehicles, except when the reversible lanes are closed.


Can anyone use the express lane in Virginia?

I-495 and I-95 Express Lanes Tolling is always in effect. All drivers need an E-ZPass to use the Express lanes, and carpools with three or more people (HOV-3) need an E-ZPass Flex to use the lanes for free. Motorcycles also use the lanes for free, with or without E-ZPass.


What time do express lanes switch Virginia 95?

Generally, the lanes are open northbound starting early in the mornings on weekdays until 11 a.m. before closing during the middle part of the day for a few hours to set up for the switch. Starting at 1 p.m., the lanes switch to southbound until midnight.


Who owns the HOV lanes in Virginia?

The Express Lanes are a result of a public-private partnership between VDOT and Transurban. VDOT owns and oversees the Lanes while Transurban is responsible for the financing and operations.


What time do express lanes switch Virginia weekends?

Saturday: Open southbound – 12am to 2pm. Closed for reversal – 2pm to 4pm. Open northbound – 4pm to 12am.


Can I go through E-ZPass without my transponder in VA?

All Express Lanes in Virginia require an E-ZPass. If you travel on Express Lanes without an E-ZPass you will receive a toll invoice or violation notice unless you go to that particular facility's website and make a missed toll payment within a certain number of days of the transaction before the invoice is issued.


How do express lanes work in Virginia?

If you travel on I-66 Inside the Beltway during Express Lane hours, you need to have an E-ZPass funded and properly mounted in your vehicle. If you are an HOV driver, you'll need an E-ZPass Flex switched to HOV mode to use the lanes for free. Visit www.ezpassva.com to get your E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex.