Ontario Opening HOV Lanes to More Drivers on Provincial Highways

March 17, 2026

Our government is taking action to open HOV lanes to more drivers during off-peak hours, making better use of existing highway infrastructure and helping keep Ontario moving.

Ministry of Transportation modelling shows this change would improve travel times for all users, with average speeds increasing in both HOV and general-purpose lanes on major highways.

With gridlock costing Ontario’s economy billions of dollars every year, this proposal would give drivers more flexibility outside of rush hour, while helping people and goods move more efficiently across the province.

This is another step in our government’s plan to protect Ontario by fighting gridlock and helping drivers spend less time in traffic and more time with their families and friends.