Many states across the country allow motorcycle riders to travel in some high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) and express lanes for free. Maryland is among this group.

Also known as carpool lanes, HOV lanes typically include one or more lanes with restricted access. Generally, they are only to be used by carpoolers or vehicles with two, three, or more occupants. Their purpose is to promote carpooling and public transportation and decrease the number of vehicle miles traveled.

Federal law permits motorcyclists to ride in HOV lanes at no cost in order to keep these two-wheeled motor vehicles moving. Free access removes motorcyclists from dangerous stop-and-go traffic and reduces traffic in general-purpose lanes.

Similar to HOV lanes, express lanes are intended to increase roadway capacity and reduce congestion by spreading traffic across two extra lanes. They usually run parallel to and within the same right of way as the highway. The main difference is that all drivers typically must pay a toll to use these lanes.

HOV and Express Lanes in Maryland

When it comes to gridlocked highways, Maryland ranks as one of the worst states in the nation. If motorcyclists want to avoid sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic — one of the most perilous road conditions for riders — they should consider using the HOV and express lanes.

Maryland has two HOV lanes that motorcycle riders can use toll-free:

I-270 HOV-2

I-270 offers two HOV lanes, one southbound and the other northbound. They run from the Beltway, or I-495, and continue to Montgomery County. As the HOV-2 indicates, these lanes, marked with diamonds, are restricted to vehicles carrying two or more occupants. 

These restrictions apply to the southbound lane on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. The northbound lane is restricted on weekdays from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. These hours are also posted on signs along the highway. During no-restriction times, the lanes can be used by all vehicles.

Route 50 HOV-2

Route 50 has two HOV-2 lanes running in each direction from Route 301, or Crain Highway, to the Beltway, or I-95/I-495. They cover a 7.5-mile stretch and are always restricted due to safety concerns.

I-95 Express Toll Lanes

Motorcyclists can ride in the I-95 Express Toll Lanes (ETL) any day of the week and any time of the day without using an E-ZPass. The I-95 ETL includes four lanes, two in each direction. They run for eight miles between I-895 and just north of MD 43, or White Marsh Boulevard, in Northeast Baltimore.

Intercounty Connector (ICC)/MD 200

While motorcycle riders can’t travel on the 18.8-mile Intercounty Connector (ICC), or MD 200, for free, they do receive a 50% discount. These fees are collected with an E-ZPass rather than toll booths.

How Safe Are HOV and Express Lanes?

Although HOV and express lanes may alleviate traffic in general-purpose lanes and reduce stop-and-go-related motor vehicle accidents, are they safe? Research suggests they are not. In fact, HOV lanes may increase the risk of injury-causing crashes by 41-56%, according to Safe Roads USA, citing a study conducted by the Texas Transportation Institute.

HOV lanes make drivers vulnerable to different types of scenarios that lead to traffic accidents, according to Safe Roads USA. A few examples include merging too slowly into the fast HOV traffic flow, steeply decreasing driving speed to exit an HOV, and using HOVs as passing lanes.

Escape the Traffic Jams

Maryland ranks second among states for commuters who spend an hour or more traveling one way to work and fourth for traffic delays. For motorcyclists, HOVs and express lanes provide a route to escape traffic jams. But, traveling on these faster lanes requires proactive driving skills to prevent accidents with other road users.

Contact the Baltimore Motorcycle Accident Law Firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help

For more information contact the Baltimore motorcycle accident law firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.

WGK Personal Injury Lawyers
14 W Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
(410) 837-2144

WGK Personal Injury Lawyers – Dundalk Office
7329 Holabird Ave Suite 3, Dundalk, MD 21222
By appointment only
(410) 970-3080