ONTARIO OPENING HOV LANES TO MORE DRIVERS ON PROVINCIAL HIGHWAYS
Off-peak access would reduce gridlock and keep drivers moving
March 17, 2026
Ministry of TransportationTORONTO — The Ontario government is proposing a regulatory amendment to the
Highway Traffic Act that would allow single-occupant vehicles to use High
Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes during off-peak hours, making better use of
existing highway infrastructure to help reduce gridlock and keep drivers moving
on provincial highways. Ministry of Transportation modelling shows the change
would improve travel times for all users, with average speeds increasing in both
HOV and general-purpose lanes across major highways during off-peak hours. If
implemented, this change would take place before the end of 2026, following a
period of public consultation.
“Gridlock is costing our economy billions of dollars every year and robbing
Ontario drivers of valuable time and quality of life,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria,
Minister of Transportation. “By allowing single-occupant vehicles to use HOV
lanes during off-peak hours, we would help keep drivers moving across the
province, so they can spend less time in traffic and more time with their
families and friends.”
HOV lanes are currently restricted to vehicles with two or more occupants, as
well as buses, licensed taxis, green-plate vehicles, airport limousines,
motorcycles and emergency vehicles. The government is exploring regulatory
changes to allow single-occupant vehicles to drive on all existing, planned and
future HOV lanes during designated off-peak hours. Existing HOV lane rules would
apply outside of off-peak hours, which will be identified through analysis of
current traffic data and consultations. These times will not include the busiest
weekday morning or evening commute periods. Once finalized later this year, the
new off-peak hours will be set out in regulation.
“Expanding the use of HOV lanes would give more drivers the freedom to choose
which lanes they use outside of rush hour,” said Hardeep Singh Grewal,
Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Transportation. “By rethinking our
approach to HOV lanes, we’re standing up for drivers and ensuring we get the
most out of Ontario’s transportation network.”
Ontario currently has 237 kilometres of HOV lanes, with plans underway to add
another 146 kilometres to the network. Expanding the use of HOV lanes would
ensure drivers have more choice to reach their destination during off-peak
hours.
QUICK FACTS
* Single-occupant vehicles remain the dominant mode of transportation on
Ontario’s highways, representing 72 per cent of vehicles on provincial
highways in 2022.
* The proposed use of HOV lanes during off-peak periods will be informed by
consultations with stakeholders and traffic data.
* Commercial motor vehicles longer than 6.5 metres would continue to be
restricted from using HOV lanes under the proposed changes.
* Single-occupant vehicles with High-Occupancy Toll permits can pay to access
HOV lanes on sections of the Queen Elizabeth Way, Highway 403 and Highway
410.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
* High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes
