Diamond lane - wikipedia Diamond lane This article does not cite any sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. ( October 2007 ) A rider in a bicycle diamond lane. In the United States and Canada, a diamond lane is a special lane on a street or highway that is reserved for specific types of traffic. These lanes are usually marked with white diamonds or lozenge, hence their name. Diamond lanes are generally the right-most or left-most lane on the road. They are usually implemented to provide ways through traffic congestion, for safety reasons, and to encourage environmentally friendly transportation. A diamond lane may be intended for a specific type of traffic, or for several types. The intended use of a diamond lane is marked by traffic signs. In most areas, violating the rules of a diamond lane is punishable by a fine. Some common examples are : High - occupancy vehicle lane ( HOV ), also known as a carpool lane. These are typically freeway lanes intended for multiple occupant or `` green vehicles '' ( such as hybrid or electric cars ). Bike lane, sometimes referred to as segregated cycle facilities. Separating bicycle traffic from pedestrian or motor vehicle traffic is typically safer and improves traffic flow. Bus lane, an uncongested lane for buses to travel, load, or unload in. Emergency vehicle lane, to help emergency vehicles get to their destination as fast as possible while avoiding traffic congestion. Taxicab lanes, most often found at airports or other transit hubs for passenger loading and unloading. Horse and buggy lanes in areas with significant Amish populations Standards The U.S. Department of Transportation 's Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices states that diamonds indicates a lane reserved for high - occupancy vehicles. `` United States Pavement Markings ''. See also Reversible lane High - occupancy toll Local lane Bike lane debate Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Diamond_lane&oldid=757560572 '' Categories : Road traffic management Hidden categories : Articles lacking sources from October 2007 All articles lacking sources Talk About Wikipedia Add links This page was last edited on 31 December 2016, at 10 : 42. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution - ShareAlike License ; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia ® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization. About Wikipedia

Question: what does the white diamond road marking mean
Answer: a special lane on a street or highway that is reserved for specific types of traffic