[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Drivers who use multiple different Southern California freeways may notice significant differences in how carpool lanes are treated. While most freeway carpool lanes are available for any carpool or qualified electric vehicle, some parts of the 10, 110, and 91 require a transponder. While most freeway carpool lanes have dedicated entrances and exits, some, like the 22 and parts of the inland 60 do not. And while some carpool lanes have quadruple yellow lines separating them from other traffic, some only have double white lines.
Contrary to popular belief, it does not matter what color the solid lines separating carpool lanes from regular traffic are, nor how many solid lines there are. For carpool lanes, two or more solid white lines and two or more solid yellow lines mean the same thing: DO NOT CROSS. Entering or exiting the carpool lane anywhere but the designated section is considered a moving violation and will result in a point against your driver's license. The minimum fine is $490 and can even result in increased insurance premiums.
Entrances and exits to the carpool lane are typically denoted by a broken white line. The entrances are usually marked overhead by this sign:[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="5465" img_size="full" alignment="center" el_class="desktop"][vc_single_image image="5466" img_size="full" alignment="center" el_class="mobile"][vc_column_text]Entering and exiting the carpool lane outside of designated broken white lines is extremely dangerous, especially if the flow of traffic is dramatically different. Under most circumstances, if a driver crosses a double solid line to enter or exit the carpool lane and is involved in the crash, that driver will be found at fault, even if the driver is rear-ended.
The Law Offices of Scott Warmuth encourages drivers using the car pool lanes to enter and exit across dashed white lines at designated entrances and exits. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident through no fault of your own, contact our law offices today at 888-517-9888 for a free legal consultation. We can help you seek medical treatment and financial recovery for damaged property and lost wages.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
