Is FasTrak the same as carpool?

For starters, carpool lanes and HOV lanes are the same thing: restricted traffic lanes for vehicles with a driver and one or more occupants. FasTrak in California is an electronic tolling account for drivers (typically commuters) to pay tolls automatically from a pre-established account that can be prepaid.

How does FasTrak know if you are a carpool?

The antennas track the vehicle and transmit its path to a computer that contains individual vehicle accounts. After a vehicle exits the ExpressLanes, the antennas tell the computer that the vehicle is gone, and the account is charged, if necessary. (Trips for eligible carpools, vanpools and motorcycles are free.)

Can I drive in the HOV lane with FasTrak?

Carpools (2+ people), vanpools, motorcycles, and other toll-exempt vehicles may travel toll free with a FasTrak Flex or FasTrak CAV toll tag.

Who can use the express lane in California?

Express lanes are free to carpools, motorcycles, vanpools and other eligible vehicles during the designated hours of operation provided the correct toll tag setting is used. Learn more about toll tag settings. Outside the hours of operation, the express lanes are free and open to regular traffic.

Do babies count for carpool lane in California?

Good news, mom, from California Highway Patrol Officer Bradley Sadek: Yes, a child does qualify as a passenger in the HOV Lane. Commonly referred to as a “Carpool Lane,” legally they are designated as “High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes” (HOV). The number of occupants required is indicated by signs that accompany the lane.

Should I get FasTrak flex or standard?

You need a FasTrak Flex toll tag if you are a carpool, vanpool, motorcycle or other toll-exempt vehicle that will use the I-880, I-580, I-680 Contra Costa or SR-237 express lanes. Otherwise, your Standard toll tag will work on all express lanes as well as all other FasTrak facilities.

What does HOV stand for?

High-occupancy vehicle lane
High-occupancy vehicle lane/Full name
High-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes are one or more lanes of a roadway that have restrictions on use to encourage ridesharing and can reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT).

Do you have to pay for carpool lane in California?

Most HOT lanes allow carpools to use the lane for free (local signs will specify this and indicate if carpools must carry a FasTrak transponder). HOT lanes may not be used by vehicles restricted to a 55 MPH speed limit.

Is HOV same as carpool?

What Is an HOV Lane? High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, also known as carpool or diamond lanes, is a traffic management strategy to promote and encourage ridesharing; thereby alleviating congestion and maximizing the people-carrying capacity of California highways.

Are the I-10 and I-110 ExpressLanes toll free in California?

ON THE I-110 FREEWAY: Vehicles with two or more occupants per vehicle can use the Metro ExpressLanes toll-free at all hours. The I-10 and I-110 Metro ExpressLanes are enforced by the California Highway Patrol and Occupancy Detection System.

When do I pay tolls on the I-110 freeway?

Vehicles with two occupants pay a toll during peak hours (5am-9am; 4pm-7pm) but will have toll-free access during off-peak hours. ON THE I-110 FREEWAY: Vehicles with two or more occupants per vehicle can use the Metro ExpressLanes toll-free at all hours.

Do carpools get free tolls on California express lanes?

On some of California’s express lanes, qualifying carpools and other select vehicles are eligible for free or discounted toll rates.

How does FasTrak work on the I-10 and I-110 Metro ExpressLanes?

A Metro ExpressLanes FasTrak account allows you to declare the number of people in the vehicle enabling HOV/carpools discounts and toll-free trips on the I-10 and I-110 Metro ExpressLanes. Prior to starting your trip, indicate the number of persons in your vehicle by moving the switch on the FasTrak Flex to the appropriate setting (1, 2, 3+).