HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle)
Free HOV (high occupancy vehicle) travel is available for drivers who plan on using the I-77 Express Lanes after setting their HOV status with three or more people in the car. If a driver travels in the express lanes without setting HOV status, they will receive an invoice in the mail with the posted toll rate or pay the toll with their prepaid account.
Ways to set HOV status
There are two ways drivers can set HOV status before traveling in the I-77 Express Lanes:
NC Quick Pass Flex
- $16.49
- Works in 19 states
- Set HOV status immediately
- Need to have three of more people in the car
Setting HOV status
- Slide the transponder’s switch all the way to the right to display “HOV ON” before entering the express lanes.
- The transponder will beep once to confirm the status is set.
NC Quick Pass App
- Set HOV status with the free, NC Quick Pass app available on the Apple App Store and through Google Play
- Works with all NC Quick Pass transponders
- Need to set HOV status 15 minutes before travel
- Need to have three of more people in the car
Setting HOV status
- Any NC Quick Pass transponder must be installed in the car
- Select the Set HOV Status button in the NC Quick Pass app to schedule your trip
HOV only account
This account can only be used for HOV travel in the I-77 Express Lanes. HOV only account holders must have three or more people in the car and set HOV status with the NC Quick Pass app 15 minutes before travel. This account cannot be used anywhere to pay tolls and is restricted to one vehicle per account.
Compatible out-of-state transponders
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.
Extended vehicles
Extended vehicles do not qualify for free travel in the I-77 Express Lanes. Two-axle vehicles, with or without a one-axle trailer, and greater than 22 feet in length are considered extended vehicles.