SB 1312: Allowing HOV Lanes—2020

Sen. Patti Anne Lodge (R-Huston) and Rep. Rob Mason (D-Boise) introduced a bill that would get rid of the current restriction on High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes in Idaho.

In 2009, the Idaho Legislature passed a measure that restricted the use of HOV lanes to counties with a resort city and fewer than 25,000 people. This limited the authority for HOV lanes to only six counties (Blaine, Custer, Idaho, Lemhi, Teton, and Valley).

HOV lanes are used by transportation planners to address traffic congestion by allowing commuters, with more than one person in their vehicle, to use an “express” lane. By improving the efficiency and flow of traffic, we can clear our air, reduce fuel costs and join the long list of states that have effectively adopted HOV lanes.

SB 1312 wouldn’t mandate HOV lanes, but would provide the Director of the Idaho Transportation Department with the authority to designate HOV lanes if deemed beneficial.