What shape marks High Occupancy Vehicle lanes on highways?

High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes are designated by a diamond shape on highways. This diamond marking is a standard visual cue that indicates these lanes are reserved for vehicles with multiple occupants, usually to encourage carpooling and reduce traffic congestion. The distinctive diamond shape is easily recognizable and helps drivers quickly identify HOV lanes, ensuring that the rules governing their use are respected.

The use of a diamond shape serves to clearly differentiate HOV lanes from regular traffic lanes, enhancing both safety and efficiency on the road. It is important for drivers to be aware of these markings to comply with traffic regulations and make informed decisions about lane usage. Employing other shapes like circles, squares, or triangles would not provide the same level of immediate recognition or standardization for HOV lane designation.