HOV Lane Violators to Face Increasing Fines

The Seattle area commute is fraught with slowdowns and gridlock most hours of the day in one direction or the other. The High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, which require more than one person in the vehicle to legally drive in that lane, are less crowded and save commuting time.

In an effort to beat the traffic jams, more and more frustrated single drivers have resorted to driving in the HOV lanes illegally, attempting a variety of things to appear like they have more than one occupant in their vehicle. The Washington State Patrol has found mannequins, Halloween masks on bags, sleeping bags with hats perched on top, and articles of clothing stuffed to look like passengers in vehicles they’ve pulled over.

HOV lanes are meant to provide faster travel times by encouraging drivers to carpool or vanpool. Most HOV lanes require at least two people in a vehicle. But with all the cheaters, HOV lane violations are one of the most frequent complaints the State Patrol receives.

New Emphasis on Violators

Currently, both houses of the Washington State Legislature are proposing bills to crack down on HOV violators with stiffer fines. Sen. Marko Liias, D-Lynnwood, has proposed SB 5695, which puts fines for first-time offenders at $186. A second offense and the driver faces a $336 fine. Each additional infraction within a two-year period is a $686 fine. Rep. Jake Fey, D-Tacoma, has introduced HB 1710. His bill also proposes higher fines for first-time offenders and increasing fines by hundreds of dollars for repeat offenders.

Drivers who try to fool the patrol using dummies, mannequins or other items that create a fake passenger would face an additional $200 penalty.

When stopped and caught with only the driver in the vehicle, some drivers have come up with crazy explanations. One guy driving a hearse claimed that the body in the casket should be counted as a passenger.

Pets are not considered passengers, either. So your favorite pooch may go everywhere you go, but don’t drive in the HOV lane with just Fido in the car. It’ll cost you a lot of dog food.

If you notice a driver alone in a car in the HOV lane, have a passenger call 1-877-764-HERO to report the violator. If possible, report the license plate number of the vehicle.

Sources: Washington State Legislature, The Stranger, The Seattle Times

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