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Official United States HOV Lane Schedule & Occupancy Road Sign

Federal MUTCD Specifications

Standard Code
R3-11a
Sign Category
Regulatory
Shape
Vertical Rectangle
Color Scheme
White with Diamond, Hours, and Occupancy Rules

Regulatory Road Sign (R3-11a)

HOV Lane Schedule & Occupancy Sign Meaning & Driving Rules

Combines passenger occupancy limits and rush-hour schedules on a single regulatory panel.

Required Driver Action & Right-of-Way Protocol

Verify both the current time and passenger count before entering.

Detailed Overview & Purpose

The HOV Schedule sign (R3-11a) provides full legal notice of carpool rules on multi-lane expressways.

Key Standard & Origin: Managed lanes reduce commuter greenhouse gas emissions by incentivizing transit and carpooling.

Where You'll Find This Sign

Metropolitan commuter corridors.

Common Driver Mistakes to Avoid

Entering the lane 5 minutes before the restriction begins and remaining trapped inside when enforcement starts.

How This Sign Appears on the DMV Knowledge & Road Test

Featured in managed lanes and freeway operations test modules.

Legal Penalties and Moving Violations

Standard HOV fine applies ($250–$500).

DMV Knowledge Check

When you encounter the official HOV Lane Schedule & Occupancy (R3-11a) on a roadway, what is your legal duty?

Prepare for Your State Permit Exam

Take full 2026 practice tests covering mandatory road signs, traffic laws, and state-specific driving rules.

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