This disclosure relates to techniques for reducing a cost of coding prediction information in video coding. Video blocks in a generalized P/B (GPB) frame are encoded using up to two motion vectors calculated from reference pictures in two separate reference picture lists that are identical. When one of the reference picture lists is preferred over the other reference picture list, the preferred reference picture list may be used for unidirectional prediction, by default. When a GPB frame is enabled such that the first and second reference picture lists are identical, either of the first and second reference picture lists may be used for unidirectional prediction. The techniques include coding one or more syntax elements indicating that a video block is coded using one of the unidirectional prediction mode with respect to a reference picture in a reference picture list and the bidirectional prediction mode using less than two bits.