Bridge Carpool Rules Changing Jan. 1, 2026

A person in a white sweater consults a mobile phone while writing on a notepad.

New carpool rules will go into effect on six of the state-owned bridges:

  • Antioch
  • Benicia-Martinez
  • Carquinez
  • Dumbarton
  • Richmond-San Rafael
  • San Mateo-Hayward
.

Carpool rules at the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge remain the same.

Three or More People Required (HOV 3+) for Toll Discount

All bridges will uniformly require three-person occupancy for the discounted toll during weekday commute periods including the Dumbarton and San Mateo-Hayward bridges, which currently allow discounted tolls for two-person occupancy (HOV 2+) vehicles.

FasTrak Flex set to “3+” Required to Receive Discounted Toll

To receive the HOV toll discount, vehicles must have a FasTrak Flex toll tag set in the “3+” position in the vehicle.

Two-Occupant Vehicles OK, No Toll Discount

Vehicles with two occupants will be able to use the carpool lanes on the approaches to the Antioch, Benicia-Martinez, Carquinez, Dumbarton, Richmond-San Rafael and San Mateo-Hayward bridges, but will not receive the discounted toll.

Use of the carpool lanes on the San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge will still require a minimum of three occupants.