Questions: Who can use the BUS-HOV lane?

On the BUS-HOV lane can only move vehicles occupied by at least two people. But there are exceptions. Who really knows he can travel. Questions: Who can use the BUS-HOV lane?

Not all vehicles can circulate called BUS-HOV lanes, dedicated to HOV. Only certain vehicles (usually public transport) or those which are occupied by several people. For some weeks, the legal services of European Automobile Associates (AEA) are receiving numerous inquiries about using the HOV lane BUS-taxis occupied only by the driver, as well as motorcycles and vehicles considered “green”. It seems that there is much confusion about it, so it is necessary to clarify some points that define clearly who can legally use the BUS-HOV lane.

It should be added that the initial concept BUS-VAO have recently added the acronym ECO, to define vehicles that can also run on these paths depending on their level of pollutant emissions.

What is an HOV?

A VAO stands for High Occupancy Vehicle, ie, those cars exclusively for transporting passengers, with a maximum authorized mass not exceeding 3,500 kilograms and are occupied by at least two people (driver + passenger).

Where there is a BUS-VAO in Spain?

Moment few BUS-HOV lanes exist in Spain. Currently, the DGT located HOV lanes on the main carriageway of the A-6 (kms. 6 to 20), in Madrid, and the left lanes of both directions of the GR-3211 road (km. 0.115 to 1.410 , in ascending order, and 0.105 to 1.530, meaning decreasing) in Granada.

At least two people by the BUS-VAO

To cycle through the BUS-HOV lanes it requires one Minimum two occupants including the driver, and can only access these special lanes motorcycles, cars, adaptable mixed vehicles, buses with a maximum authorized mass exceeding 3,500 kilograms and articulated buses. And no more.

Prohibited vehicles to drive through the BUS-HOV lane

They can not enter a BUS-VAO trucks, motorcycles, animal-drawn vehicles, vans or commercial vehicles or passenger cars with trailers, but inside several people traveling.

Exceptions may be moved within the BUS-VAO with only one occupant

The ministerial order regulating what kind of vehicles can circulate through the BUS-HOV lane provides that They may do so, if only go one occupant, those vehicles for people with disabilities they look the V-15 signal (which refers to physically handicapped drivers), and 2-wheel motorcycle, which may also circulate through the BUS-VAO do not bear passenger.

ECO vehicles also by the BUS-VAO

They can also circulate only the driver by BUS-HOV lanes green vehicles. That is, classified in the Register of Vehicles of the DGT as zero emissions, which are classified in the technical inspection card and battery electric vehicles (BEV), electric vehicle extended range (REEV), hybrid electric vehicle plug ( PHEV) with a minimum autonomy of 40 km, identified by the corresponding identifier adhesive.

BUS-VAO by special vehicles

They can also travel on these lanes, with only one occupant, police vehicles, fire fighting, civil protection and rescue and health care in emergency service and equipment maintenance of facilities and infrastructure of the road.

Fines of 200 euros if you break the rules BUS-HOV lane

Offenders to use BUS-HOV lanes conductors are exposed to a fine of 200 euros, and not worth to them argue, as has happened in some cases, they are accompanied by … “Mannequin”,or his “Man’s Best Friend”, because until now the dogs are not considered people.