High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes are special traffic lanes designated for vehicles with multiple passengers, typically two or more. These lanes aim to reduce traffic congestion and encourage carpooling, making travel more efficient for those who share rides. HOV lanes are often found on highways and can help improve air quality by decreasing the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the road. To use HOV lanes, drivers must meet specific occupancy requirements, which are usually enforced during peak travel times. Some regions also allow certain vehicles, like buses and motorcycles, to use these lanes regardless of the number of passengers. HOV lanes are marked with signs indicating their rules and hours of operation.