CARPOOL questions for Californian

dealgrabber2002

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 9, 2007
Messages
1,908
Location
California, Los Angeles
On the 10E freeway where it meet the 710. It stated that from 3-7pm, must have 3 people in the car to use it carpool lane... My question is, what if you drive a car that ONLY fits 2 (ex. Toyota MR-2.. Mazda Miata.. etc) can you still use carpool within that time frame?

-E
 

InTheDark

Enlightened
Joined
Sep 13, 2001
Messages
570
Location
USA
No. Doesn't mean you can't try, but that excuse isn't going to get you out of a very expensive ticket.
 

270winchester

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Aug 9, 2004
Messages
3,983
Location
down the road from Pleasure Point.
On the 10E freeway where it meet the 710. It stated that from 3-7pm, must have 3 people in the car to use it carpool lane... My question is, what if you drive a car that ONLY fits 2 (ex. Toyota MR-2.. Mazda Miata.. etc) can you still use carpool within that time frame?

-E

usually the signs would say if 2-seaters are exempted. in the Bay Area, wherever the carpool lane is for 3+ people, there is always an exemption clause for 2-seat vehicles. If the sign doesn't say so then don't do it.
 

Brighteyez

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Apr 5, 2005
Messages
3,963
Location
San Jose, CA

gadget_lover

Flashaholic
Joined
Oct 7, 2003
Messages
7,148
Location
Near Silicon Valley (too near)
For those that don't follow the link, the rule is that it's OK if your vehicle is at capacity. A two seater with both seats is OK in a 3 person HOV lane.

I hope the truckers don't tumble to the fact that a delivery van with one seat meets the test, as does a cement truck.

Daniel
 

Brighteyez

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Apr 5, 2005
Messages
3,963
Location
San Jose, CA
<J/K> but the argument for that might be that a motorcycle can use an HOV-2 or HOV-3 lane with a single occupant even the motorcycle seat can accommodate a rider and a passenger :)

I hope the truckers don't tumble to the fact that a delivery van with one seat meets the test, as does a cement truck.

Daniel
 

Mednanu

Enlightened
Joined
Feb 16, 2003
Messages
333
Location
Earth...
I hope the truckers don't tumble to the fact that a delivery van with one seat meets the test, as does a cement truck.

That depends who specifically you are referencing when you say 'truckers'. I've forgotten the specific restrictions on Class B or 'bobtail' trucks, as I haven't driven one for some time now, but generally anything above 48,000 lbs ( ie - a Cement truck ) or a Class A commercial vehicle ( ie - a tractor + a semi-trailer ) are restricted solely to the right hand lane on three-lane highways, except for passing, which they are then allowed to use the #2 lane, 2nd from the right. If it is on a 4 lane highway, they are restricted to the right two lanes. There are a few exceptions to the rule when 4+ lanes are involved, but Class A commercial or something as heavy as a cement mixer are never allowed travel in the left hand lane ( the carpool lane ) under any conditions, unless directed to do so by a LEO.
 
Last edited:

BB

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Jun 17, 2003
Messages
2,129
Location
SF Bay Area
I always wondered if a used ex-school bus could use the lane with only the driver (get one of those small van type buses and commute in that--probably would not get much worst mileage than the person driving an SUV with baby strapped in for day care at/near work)...

-Bill
 

ttran97

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Dec 12, 2002
Messages
1,212
Location
California
I know exactly that section of the freeway that you're talking about, dealgrabber. I wondered the same thing myself when I was living in LA, since I drive a 2-seater. My question was answered when I saw a cop pull over a car similar to mine that only had 2 occupants during those darn hours!

And yes, I'm from the SF Bay Area originally, so I've seen those signs exempting 2-seater cars as well. It's always so strange going between NorCal and SoCal...like it's two different states sometimes!
 
Top