High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes are specially marked lanes designated for vehicles with two or more people. HOV lanes are designed to encourage ridesharing and to reduce the number of vehicles on the interstates during rush hours while at the same time moving more people through congested areas. Another goal of HOV lanes is to improve air quality by encouraging commuters to share a ride to work. RTA offers a variety of rideshare opportunities (carpools, vanpools and buses) that allow commuters to take advantage of the HOV lanes in their area.

HOV lanes are currently designated in the following areas:

• I-65 North (7–9 a.m.) and South (4–6 p.m.) between Harding Place and Murfreesboro Road (Route 96) in Franklin
• I-24 North (7–9 a.m.) and South (4–6 p.m.) between the 440 Interchange and Murfreesboro Road (Route 96) in Murfreesboro
• I-40 East (7–9 a.m.) and West (4–6 p.m.) between Hermitage and Mt. Juliet

Who can use the HOV lane?

During high traffic hours to Nashville (7–9 a.m.) and from Nashville (4–6 p.m.), the HOV lane is reserved for the exclusive use of:

• Vehicles with two or more people
• Buses
• Motocycles
• Emergency Vehicles

Who cannot use the HOV lane?

During hours of operation, the HOV lane may not be used by:

• Vehicles with three or more axles
• People driving alone
• Single drivers passing vehicles in adjacent lanes

Who is considered a passenger?

For HOV purposes, a passenger is any human being in addition to the driver. A spouse or child qualifies just like any other passenger.

How do I use the HOV lane?

The use the HOV lane, you must first have at least one passenger. To enter the HOV lane, merge onto the highway as you would normally and safely merge to the far inside lane. If you plan to exit the highway before the HOV lane ends, you must merge over to the exit lane.

Can I ever drive in the HOV lane alone?

Yes. The HOV lane serves as a general purpose lane on weekends and during non-peak traffic times on weekdays. Drivers riding alone may use the HOV lane anytime other than 7–9 a.m. to Nashville and 4–6 p.m. from Nashville on weekdays.

Who benefits from the HOV lane?

Everyone benefits from the HOV lanes. The HOV lane user benefits the most by enjoying a less congested lane which can result in a shorter commute time. Other travelers benefit from reduced traffic in the regular lanes due to more commuters sharing rides. Over time, the HOV lanes will mean a reduction of air pollution as well.

What if a single driver uses the HOV lane during peak times?

There is a $50 fine for any driver violating the HOV lane requirements.

For more information on the commuter programs offered by the RTA which will allow you to benefit as a HOV user, call 615-862-8833 or email us at rta@nashville.gov.