Navigating Designated & HOV Lanes : A Guide to Rule 142

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Highway Code Rule 142

📖 Rule 142 Full Regulations & Explanation

Rule 142 ↗
High-occupancy vehicle lanes and other designated vehicle lanes. Lanes may be restricted for use by particular types of vehicle; these restrictions may apply some or all of the time. The operating times and vehicle types will be indicated on the accompanying traffic signs. You MUST NOT drive in such lanes during their times of operation unless signs indicate that your vehicle is permitted (see ‘Traffic signs’).

Vehicles permitted to use designated lanes may or may not include cycles, buses, taxis, licensed private hire vehicles, motorcycles, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and high-occupancy vehicles (HOVs).

Where HOV lanes are in operation, they MUST ONLY be used by

vehicles containing at least the minimum number of people indicated on the traffic signs
any other vehicles, such as buses and motorcycles, as indicated on signs prior to the start of the lane, irrespective of the number of occupants.
Laws RTRA sects 5 & 8, & RTA 1988 sect 36

Text shown in the rule image

Navigating Designated & HOV Lanes : A Guide to Rule 142

Common Permitted Vehicles

GENERAL LANE RESTRICTIONS

Signs Dictate Operation

Operating times and permitted vehicle types are strictly indicated on accompanying traffic signs located prior to or at the start of the lane .

Depending on the specific lane , permitted vehicles may include cycles , buses , taxis , licensed private hire vehicles , motorcycles , and HGVs .

PERMITTED VEHICLE TYPES

HOV LANE REQUIREMENTS

Mandatory Compliance ( MUST NOT )

You must not drive in restricted lanes during their hours of operation unless signs explicitly indicate your vehicle is permitted .

Minimum Occupancy Rule

HOV ianes must only be used by vehicles containing at least the minimum number of people specified on the traffic signs .

Legal Enforcement

These rules are legally mandated under the Road Traffic Regulation Act ( sects 5 & 8 ) and the Road Traffic Act 1988 ( sect 36 ) .

HOV ( High - Occupancy Vehicles )

High - occupancy vehicles are specifically designated to carry a minimum number of people to reduce traffic congestion .

Automatic Exemptions

Buses and motorcycles may be permitted to use HOV lanes irrespective of the number of occupants , provided signs prior to the lane indicate their access .