MUTCD R3-10: Vehicle Occupancy Definition Signs
The R3-10 sign is covered in Section 2G.04 of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 11th Edition. Below are the provisions from that section that describe when the sign is used and how it is placed.
What it means and when it is used
- Standard · Required (shall)The R3-10, R3-13, and R3-13a Vehicle Occupancy Definition signs (see Figure 2G-1 ) shall be used where agencies determine that it is appropriate to provide a sign that defines the minimum occupancy of vehicles that are allowed to use an HOV lane.
- Guidance · Recommended (should)The Inherently Low Emission Vehicle (ILEV) (R3-10a) sign (see Figure 2G-1 ) should be used when it is permissible for a properly labeled and certified ILEV, regardless of the number of occupants, to use an HOV lane. When used, the ILEV signs should be post-mounted in advance of and at intervals along the HOV lane based upon engineering judgment and the placement of other Preferential Lane regulatory signs. The R3-10a…
Placement and mounting
- Standard · Required (shall)For barrier-separated, buffer-separated, or contiguous preferential lanes where access between the preferential and general-purpose lanes is restricted to designated locations on freeways and expressways, an overhead Vehicle Occupancy Definition (R3-13 or R3-13a) sign shall be installed at least ½ mile in advance of the beginning of or initial entry point to an HOV lane. These signs shall only be displayed in advance…
- Standard · Required (shall)For buffer-separated or contiguous HOV lanes where access is restricted to designated locations on freeways and expressways, the sequence of a post-mounted Preferential Lane Operation (R3-11a) sign (see Section 2G.05) followed by a post-mounted Vehicle Occupancy Definition (R3-10) sign shall be located at intervals not greater than ½ mile along the length of designated gaps where vehicles are allowed to legally…
- Option · Permitted (may)For buffer-separated or contiguous HOV lanes where access is restricted to designated locations on freeways and expressways, the sequence of a post-mounted Preferential Lane Operation (R3-11a) sign (see Section 2G.05) followed by a post-mounted Vehicle Occupancy Definition (R3-10) sign may be located at intervals of approximately ½ mile along the length of the HOV lane.Page 412 MUTCD 11th Edition Decembe r 2023 Sect.…
Where to read the rest
- Full text: MUTCD Section 2G.04: Vehicle Occupancy Definition Signs
- Mounting height, lateral offset and retroreflectivity for any sign: MUTCD sign placement guide
Related signs in Section 2G.04
Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 11th Edition (Federal Highway Administration, December 2023, public domain). Excerpts are shortened and shown out of context; read the full section before specifying a sign. Your state may still be operating under the 2009 edition or a state supplement. Official manual: mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov.