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Carpool lane (Sambruksfelt)
The number indicates the minimum number of persons in a motor vehicle who may use the sambruksfelt.
When you see the sign
Check the number in the road marking and count everyone in the motor vehicle, including the driver. Use the HOV lane only if the number of occupants is at least the number shown, and follow any signs restricting the lane to specific times or vehicles.
Rules
- The number indicates the minimum number of people who must be in the motor vehicle for it to use the HOV lane.
- The driver is included when counting the number of people in the motor vehicle.
- A lane marked «2+» requires at least two people, while «3+» requires at least three people.
- Other vehicles may not use the lane simply because traffic in the regular lanes is moving slowly.
- Any traffic signs, supplementary plates and lane markings at the lane must also be followed in addition to the HOV marking.
Tips
- Count the occupants before entering the lane so that you avoid a late and unsafe lane change.
- Look for supplementary plates stating when the arrangement applies or which vehicles it applies to.
- Plan your entry and exit early, and do not cross a solid line to enter or leave the lane.
- Do not confuse the HOV lane with a bus lane; look for the number in the road marking.
Common misconceptions
- Thinking that «2+» means two passengers in addition to the driver. The driver is one of the two people.
- Assuming that HOV lanes can always be used by electric cars or other specified vehicles regardless of the number of occupants. Such access must follow from the applicable regulations and signs.
- Thinking that the marking is merely advisory. The minimum-occupancy requirement must be met.
Test yourself
Easy
What does the number in this road marking indicate?
- AThe maximum number of motor vehicles that may use the lane.
- BThe minimum number of passengers who must be travelling with the driver.
- CThe minimum number of people who must be in the motor vehicle.
- DThe recommended number of people to reduce the traffic queue.
Medium
You are driving a passenger car with one passenger and are approaching the lane shown in the picture, marked “2+”. Traffic in the ordinary lanes is moving slowly. What do you do?
- AYou must remain in the ordinary lane because passenger cars may not use the lane.
- BYou may use the lane if other signs and road markings permit it.
- CYou may use the lane only if you have two passengers in the car.
- DYou may use the lane only when the ordinary lanes are stationary.
Hard
You are driving with one passenger beside a lane marked “2+”. A solid white line separates your lane from this lane. What do you do?
- AYou cross the solid line if traffic in your lane is moving slowly.
- BYou remain in your lane because the lane requires two passengers in addition to the driver.
- CYou cross the solid line because the car meets the required number of people.
- DYou remain in your lane until you can change lanes without crossing the solid line.
Theory test tip
A common trap on the theory test is that a car with a driver and one passenger is shown in a lane marked «2+». The car meets the requirement because the number refers to the total number of people, not just the passengers.
Did you know
HOV lanes are used to get more people into each vehicle and thereby make better use of road capacity. The arrangement corresponds to what is often internationally called an HOV lane, meaning «High-Occupancy Vehicle lane».
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an HOV lane marked «2+» when I have one passenger?
Yes. The driver and the one passenger make a total of two people, so the minimum requirement is met.
Can I drive alone in the HOV lane if the other lanes are congested?
No, not when the marking requires more people than are in the vehicle. Congestion or low speed in the other lanes does not provide an exception.
Is an HOV lane the same as a bus lane?
No. HOV lanes are regulated according to the number of people in the motor vehicle, while bus lanes are reserved for vehicle groups specified by the signs and traffic regulations.
Can I cross a solid line to enter the HOV lane?
No. You must follow the lane markings around the lane, and a solid line must not be driven on or crossed.
Practise for the theory test
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