HOV Lanes
Although it seems obvious to most of us, there are those who doubt the eligibility of motorcycles to use High Occupancy Vehicle, or "diamond", lanes. In fact, and logically, motorcycles are indeed eligible (by Federal mandate, in cases of Federally-funded highways). Here is the official word from the CA Vehicle Code:
21655.5. (a) The Department of Transportation and local authorities, with respect to highways under their respective jurisdictions, may authorize or permit exclusive or preferential use of highway lanes for high-occupancy vehicles. [...]
(b) [...] A motorcycle, a mass transit vehicle, a blood transport vehicle that is clearly and identifiably marked as such on all sides of the vehicle, or a paratransit vehicle that is clearly and identifiably marked on all sides of the vehicle with the name of the paratransit provider may be operated upon those exclusive or preferential use lanes unless specifically prohibited by a traffic control device.
