Travel I-75
Project Highlights - HOV Edition
What is an HOV Lane?
A High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes requires 2 or more occupants inside the vehicle.
Where are the HOV lanes located?
The HOV lanes were added as an additional inside lane in each direction on I-75 between 12 Mile Road and South Boulevard (approximately 14 miles) in Oakland, County.
How do HOV lanes work on I-75?
- HOV lanes are in use only during peak-hour operations: 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday.
- Vehicles with two or more people may use the HOV lanes during hours of operation.
- HOV lanes allow all users during off-peak operations.
- Motorcycles, buses, and emergency response vehicles can use the lane at any time.
- HOV lanes were built from 12 Mile Road to South Boulevard and an additional travel lane was built from M-102 (8 Mile Road) to 12 Mile Road.
How do I navigate the HOV lanes?
To enter or exit the HOV lanes, check for oncoming traffic, signal, and enter (or exit) the HOV lanes at traffic speed.
Who monitors the HOV lanes?
State and local police monitor for safe movement in and out of the HOV lanes, and to ensure drivers have the correct number of occupants. Civil infractions are handed out to violators.
Why did we add HOV lanes to I-75?
HOV lanes were an environmentally conscious choice to expand capacity on I-75, which:
- Increased capacity for travel demand
- Enhanced personal mobility
- Advanced movement of freight/goods, supporting economic development
- Improved safety, efficiency and reliability
What were the benefits of HOV lanes on I-75?
HOV lanes added capacity in the I-75 median, with one new lane in each direction.
- Most “environmentally friendly” to alleviate congestion
- Promoted carpooling for increased air quality
Where are carpool lots located?
Three lots are open within the project limits: one at Adams Road and two at 12 Mile Road. Motorists are encouraged to utilize these lots or other existing MDOT lots to carpool to your destinations.
Carpoolers using I-75 between 12 Mile Road and South Boulevard Monday through Friday, between 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. or 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., can also utilize the High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes during this time!
A map of MDOT carpool lots is available to find one near you! https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/travel/commuters/carpool-lots
How do we know if HOV lanes on I-75 are successful?*
- Usage
- Operation at 45mph or greater (approximately 90% of time)
- Other lanes are less congested during operations
* requires time for motorists to acclimate, realize advantages and form carpools
Learn more about HOV and how to use the lanes including:
- Locations of carpool lots
- Electric Vehicle occupant requirements
- How to exit and exit the lanes
- What to do if you are signaled to pull over in the HOV lane
Frequently Asked Questions
The HOV Lanes opened in both directions on October 24, 2023.
The left lane in each direction, between 12 Mile Road and South Boulevard, now operates as an HOV lane Mondays through Fridays, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Motorists with 2 or more occupants, or those driving on a motorcycle, can utilize this additional lane during these designated times. Outside of those hours, all motorists are welcome to use this lane without the risk of a violation.
Those in the HOV lanes should observe posted speed limits.
Per Michigan Vehicle Code 257.4b "Bus" means a motor vehicle designed for carrying 16 or more passengers, including the driver. Bus does not include a school bus.
State and local police monitor for safe movement in and out of the HOV lanes, and to ensure drivers have the correct number of occupants. Civil infractions are handed out to violators.
Clear pavement markings and signs specify where the HOV lanes begin and end. The HOV lanes are open access, meaning vehicles may enter and exit at any point.
To enter or exit the HOV lanes, check for oncoming traffic in the lane, signal, and enter (or exit) the HOV lane at traffic speed.
Yes, three lots are open: one at Adams Road and two at 12 Mile Road. Motorists are encouraged to utilize these lots or other existing MDOT lots to carpool to your destinations.
Carpoolers using I-75 between 12 Mile Road and South Boulevard Monday through Friday, between 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. or 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., are also able to utilize the High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes during this time!
We published a few helpful videos on YouTube that can be viewed using the links below: