HOV lane thru D.C. via I-95

[luvthatduke]

Wondering if myself, DH & DS (toddler in carseat)
count as the required number of passengers
to legally drive this lane?
I thought the magic minimum number was 3,
but didn't know if my little guy counted
- well, he does to us

TIA for any help!

 

[Drcell01]

If you are traveling thru DC on the weekend then it doesn't matter how many are in the car to use the HOV lane.

 

[PlutoPony]

Yes he does count in the HOV calculation so you should be fine. Be aware of when HOV kicks in and what direction it goes - obviously toward the city in the am and away from in the pm.

 

[agnes!]

Getting onto the I-95 HOV lanes around DC can be tricky. The last entrance going *South* is just past the Springfield Interchange. Drivers cannot access southbound HOV once they pass Springfield. The HOV entrance(going south) is on the left soon after I-495/95/395 intersect.
If you are travelling North, the entrances are a bit easier, but as 'PlutoPony' posted, be aware of which direction HOV is going when you travel through the DC area.
As Drcell01 said, the HOV rules are not in force during the weekend - they are also not in force after certain 'rush hours'. There might be something on the VDOT(Virginia Department of Transportation) website about the direction of travel, when HOV rules are in force(I think that after 6 or 6:30 pm on weekdays, any vehicle can access the HOV lanes) & access points depending on travel direction.

hope this helps,
agnes!

 

[luvthatduke]

Hey, thanks so much everyone!

We're driving south on a Friday late evening,
and coming back on a Sunday mid-day (in DC area).
I'll be sure to keep your good advice in mind!