We have HOV lanes in Greater Vancouver. The sole requirement to occupy those lanes is to have 2 or more in the car.

I'm a conservative driver, staying around the limit. I made a decision: life is too **** dangerous in the HOV lane. I stick to the right lane, often behind some big truck ("hey what can I do, I'm with him"). Exits are easy, and I don't get hassled much.

About 6 months back there was a tragedy in our HOV lane: a stalled minivan with kids on board was rear ended, twice, by solitary occupants bombing down that lane. Two boys around 10 years old died in that accident.

It was discussed for a few weeks, the concept of HOV lanes was hashed over in the media, and then it died down: back to normal.

 

Never get hastled in the HOV lane during rush hour in Northern CA, but I usually set my cruise control at 72. If a faster driver comes up from behind, I will move over if possible for them (as you are supposed to). I guess there are different mentalities between the south and north?

But not even once have I gotten negative attention in this car, in fact I think its a very "lay low" car, but maybe it is just relative to my other car