Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

Full-size image of Figure 2B-7

Figure 2B-7. Examples of Preferential Only Lane Signs

This figure shows 17 examples of preferential only lane signs.

The following notes are shown at the bottom of the page:

  • "The diamond symbol may be used instead of the word message HOV.
  • The minimum vehicle occupancy requirement may vary for each facility (such as 2+, 3+, 4+).
  • The occupancy requirement may be added to the first line of the R3-12a, R3-15, and R3-15a signs.
  • Some of the legends shown on these signs are for example purposes only. The specific legend for a particular application should be based upon local conditions, ordinances, and State statutes."

The heading "GROUND-MOUNTED PREFERENTIAL ONLY LANE SIGNS" is shown above the following 10 signs.

R3-10 is shown as a vertical rectangular white sign with a black border and legend. The top third of the sign is shown as a black panel with a white diamond outline symbol centered horizontally. This panel is shown above the words "HOV 2+ ONLY 2 OR MORE PERSONS PER VEHICLE" on four lines.

R3-10a is shown as a vertical rectangular white sign with a black border and the words "BUS LANE AHEAD" in black on three lines.

R3-10b is shown as a vertical rectangular white sign with a black border and legend. The top third of the sign is shown as a black panel with a white diamond outline symbol centered horizontally. This panel is above the words "INHERENTLY LOW EMISSION VEHICLES ALLOWED" on five lines.

R3-11 is shown as a vertical rectangular white sign with a black border and legend. The top third of the sign is shown as a black panel with a white diamond outline symbol centered horizontally. This panel is shown above the words "HOV 2+ ONLY" in large letters on two lines above the words "6 AM - 9 AM MON - FRI" on the next two lines.

R3-11a is shown as the same as R3-11 except the diamond symbol is shown left aligned and the words "LEFT LANE" in white are shown to the right of the diamond.

R3-11b is shown as a vertical white rectangular sign with a black border and legend. The top third of the sign is shown as a black panel with the words "RIGHT LANE" in white on two lines. This panel is shown above the words "BUSES ONLY" in large letters on two lines above the words "6 AM - 9 AM MON - FRI" on the next two lines.

R3-11c is shown as a vertical rectangular white sign with a black border and legend. The top third of the sign is shown as a black panel with a white diamond outline symbol centered horizontally. This panel is above the words "HOV 2+ ONLY" in large letters on two lines above the words "24 HOURS."

R3-12 is shown as a vertical rectangular white sign with a black border and legend. The words "HOV 2+ LANE" are shown on two lines on the top third of the sign above a black panel with a white diamond outline symbol centered horizontally, which is above the word "AHEAD" on the bottom line of the sign.

R3-12a is shown as a vertical rectangular white sign with a black border and legend. The words "HOV LANE" are shown on two lines on the top third of the sign above a black panel with a white diamond outline symbol centered horizontally, which is above the word "ENDS" on the bottom line of the sign.

R3-12b is shown as the same as R3-12 with the addition of the words "½ MILE" on a separate bottom line.

The heading "OVERHEAD PREFERENTIAL ONLY LANE SIGNS" is shown above the following seven signs.

R3-13 is shown as a horizontal rectangular white sign with a black border and legend. A white diamond outline symbol on a black panel in the upper left quadrant of the sign is shown to the left of the words "HOV 2+ ONLY" in large letters above the words "2 OR MORE PERSONS PER VEHICLE" on two lines.

R3-13a is shown as the same as R3-13 with the addition of the words "6 AM - 9 AM MON - FRI" on a separate bottom line.

R3-14 is shown as a horizontal rectangular white sign with a black border and legend. A white diamond outline symbol on a black panel in the upper left quadrant of the sign is shown to the left of the words "HOV 2+ ONLY" in large letters on two lines above the words "6 AM - 9 AM MON - FRI," which are above a downward-pointing black arrow on the bottom line.

R3-14a is shown as the same as R3-14 except the words "MON - FRI" are on a separate line below the words "6:30 AM - 9:30 AM."

R3-14b is shown as a horizontal rectangular white sign with a black border and legend. The words "BUS & TAXI ONLY" are shown in large letters on two lines. On the bottom line of the sign, the words "6 AM - 9 AM" and "MON - FRI" are shown on either side of a downward-pointing black arrow.

R3-15 is shown as a horizontal rectangular sign with a black border and legend. A white diamond outline symbol on a black panel on the left third of the sign is shown to the left of the words "HOV LANE AHEAD" on three lines.

R3-15a is shown as a horizontal rectangular sign with a black border and legend. A white diamond outline symbol on a black panel on the left third of the sign is shown to the left of the words "HOV LANE ENDS" on three lines.

Back to Chapter 2B