High Occupancy Vehicle Lane
Since 1993, Tennessee has used high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes as a tool to promote ridesharing to reduce congestion on urban interstates. The central concept for HOV lanes is to move more people rather than more cars. Each vehicle that travels in an HOV lane must carry the minimum number of people posted on the entrance signs. In Tennessee, that means at least two people. Exceptions include motorcycles.
Public awareness and enforcement are key in maintaining the effectiveness of HOV lanes. We will be restriping the lanes with wider, broken lines so the HOV lanes are more visually obvious to motorists. This provides a mental barrier for a single occupant when deciding to drive into or stay out of HOV lanes. Tennessee law provides a fine not to exceed $50, plus court costs, for violation of HOV lane requirements.
Graphic of lane markings for Tennessee HOV Lanes
NEW LANE MARKINGS FOR TENNESSEE HOV LANES
HOV Operational Hours
Monday - Friday
7 a.m. to 9 a.m. inbound
4 p.m. to 6 p.m. outbound
HOV Benefits
- HOV lanes move more people in fewer vehicles, reducing the demand for new highways.
- HOV lanes increase the efficiency of existing highways.
- HOV lanes reduce the use of personal resources such as time and fuel.
- HOV lanes benefit drivers of single-occupant vehicles by taking car-poolers out of general use lanes.
Tennessee HOV Lane Locations (mm = mile marker)
| Memphis: | I-40 E, 15 mm to 22 mm |
| I-40 W, 22 mm to 16 mm | |
| I-55 N, 0.0 mm to 5 mm | |
| I-55 S, 5 mm to 0.0 mm | |
| Nashville: | I-40, eastside of Nashville, both directions, 216 mm to 232 mm |
| I-24, eastside of Nashville, both directions, 56 mm to 81 mm | |
| I-65 north side of Nashville, both directions, 90 mm to 95 mm | |
| I-65 south side of Nashville, both directions, 60 mm to 79 mm |
Tennessee Smart Pass
The Federal rule authorizing the Smart Pass program has ended therefore the smart pass program no longer is in effect.