High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes

In addition to other law enforcement agencies, the Georgia Department of Public Safety is authorized to enforce HOV lane restrictions designated by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT).

HOV Lanes first opened in Atlanta on December 14, 1994, 18 lane miles on I-20 from Downtown to I-285.

In 1996, 60 additional lane miles opened on I-75 and I-85. Another 23.6 lane miles opened on I-85 in Gwinnett County on October 31, 2001.

Per O.C.G.A. § 32-9-4, GDOT may designate travel lanes of the state highway system for the exclusive or preferential use of: 

  • Buses;
  • Motorcycles;
  • Passenger vehicles occupied by two persons or more;
  • Vehicles bearing alternative fueled vehicle license plates issued under paragraph (5) of subsection (a) of O.C.G.A. § 40-2-38 or paragraph (7) of subsection (I) of § 40-2-86.1. Per the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the existing statutory exemption - which previously allowed non-conforming vehicle occupancy (i.e. Single Occupancy Vehicles) in HOV lanes for plug-in all-electric vehicles and other qualifying AFVs bearing alternative fueled vehicle license plates issued by the state of Georgia - will officially expire on September 29, 2025. After that date, federal law will require AFV drivers to adhere to existing requirements for all other passenger vehicles regarding use of HOV lanes.  As of September 30, 2025, like all other passenger vehicles, AFVs must be occupied by two or more persons to use HOV lanes. The change applies to all HOV lanes in the state of Georgia. More information about AFV usage of HOV lanes can be found at https://www.dot.ga.gov/GDOT/Pages/AFV.aspx.
  • Other vehicles as designated by GDOT. 

The Georgia Department of Public Safety is working in partnership with the Georgia Department of Transportation to ensure that after September 29, AFV drivers have an opportunity to prepare for the federal policy change by granting a 30-day grace period prior to enforcement in the HOV lanes.  

Persons who violate the HOV lane law are guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable under Code Section § 40-6-54.

Fines and penalties for HOV violations:

  • First Offense: $75.00 maximum (plus court fees)
  • Second Offense: $100.00 maximum (plus court fees)
  • Third Offense: $150.00 maximum (plus court fees)
  • Fourth Offense: $150.00 maximum (plus court fees), and one point on the driver's record.

Left-side entrance and exit ramps to or from the HOV Lanes are also included in the restrictions.

 

HOT Lane and Alternative Fuel Vehicle Resources:

More information about AFV usage of HOV lanes can be found at the GDOT Alternative Fuel Vehicles page.

For additional details on the HOT Lanes AFV expiration, please visit PeachPass.com/AFV-Certification or call the Peach Pass Customer Service Center at I-855-PCH-PASS (724-7277).