HOV

HOV stands for High Occupancy Vehicle, which means there are three or more people in the vehicle.

NC Quick Pass account holders can set HOV status and travel for free in the I-77 Express Lanes when they:

• Have a NC Quick Pass account in good standing.
• Have a transponder properly installed in the vehicle.
• Set HOV status before traveling in the express lanes with the NC Quick Pass Flex or with the NC Quick Pass app or website along with any NC Quick Pass transponder.
• Have three or more people in the car.

There are two ways drivers can set HOV status before traveling in the I-77 Express Lanes: 

• NC Quick Pass Flex transponder: Slide the transponder’s switch all the way to the right to display “HOV ON” before entering the express lanes to set HOV status immediately. The transponder will beep once to confirm the status is set. Drivers must also have three or more people in the car. 

• Any NC Quick Pass transponder: Along with any NC Quick Pass transponder correctly installed, drivers can set HOV status by logging in online or through the NC Quick Pass app at least 15 minutes before traveling in the I-77 Express Lanes. Drivers must also have three or more people in the car. 

Don’t have a NC Quick Pass transponder? Open a NC Quick Pass account. 

HOV status must be set before entering the I-77 Express Lanes.  

• Set HOV status immediately: Drivers can set HOV status immediately with a flip of a switch on the NC Quick Pass Flex transponder.  
• Set HOV status 15 minutes before travel: Drivers also have the option to set HOV status 15 minutes before travel using the NC Quick Pass app or website along with any NC Quick Pass transponder. 

Any driver with a class 1 (two-axle) vehicles with three or more people in the vehicle qualifies for free travel in the I-77 Express Lanes and can set HOV status with a transponder or with the app. 

First responder vehicles:  All first responders with an account and properly installed NC Quick Pass First Responder sticker are eligible for free travel in the I-77 Express Lanes while responding to emergencies for law enforcement, fire, rescue and medical services. 

Transit vehicles: Transit vehicles with a NC Quick Pass Transit account and properly installed NC Quick Pass transponder qualify for free travel in the I-77 Express Lanes. 

Motorcycles: Motorcycles automatically qualify for free travel in the I-77 Express Lanes; a transponder is not required. 

Hybrid and electric vehicles: Hybrid or electric vehicles do not qualify for free travel in the I-77 Express Lanes unless there are three or more people in the vehicle and the account holder has set their HOV status on the transponder or with the app. 

No. You can travel for free in the I-77 Express Lanes with any account with your HOV status active and three or more people in the vehicle.

Yes, anyone with one of our transponders can use the NC Quick Pass app and website to set HOV status and travel in I-77 Express Lanes for free, if the following requirements are met:

• The user must have an NC Quick Pass account in good standing (i.e., no outstanding balance or invoices).
• The vehicle must have an active, properly installed transponder.
• The vehicle must have three or more occupants.
• The user must set HOV status at least 15 minutes before traveling in the express lanes if using the app or website.

1. Log in to your account.
2. On the Summary page select the green Set HOV Status button.
3. Under the HOV Dashboard select the transponder you plan to travel with using the Set HOV button.
4. Enter the time frame of your trip and select Submit.