What indicates High Occupancy Vehicle lanes?

High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes are specifically designated lanes on a roadway meant to encourage carpooling and reduce traffic congestion by allowing vehicles with multiple passengers to use them. The standard indicator for HOV lanes is a white diamond symbol painted on the pavement. This diamond shape serves as a clear and recognizable mark that informs drivers that the lane is reserved for vehicles carrying a minimum number of people, typically two or more.

Using this designation helps in promoting the use of public or shared transportation, ultimately aiming to enhance traffic flow and minimize environmental impact by decreasing the number of vehicles on the road. The absence of other symbols like red triangles, yellow circles, or green arrows in this context reinforces the specialized function that the white diamond shape serves specifically for HOV lanes.