The Seattle area commute is fraught with slowdowns and gridlock most hours of the day. The High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, which require more than one person in the vehicle, are enticing to single drivers. Since they are less crowded it can save considerable commuting time.
People try all sorts of things to make it look like they are not alone in the car.
In an effort to beat the traffic jams, more and more frustrated single drivers have resorted to driving in the HOV lanes illegally. They try to avoid being caught by trying things to look like they have more than one occupant. 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 and 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. For example, one guy driving a hearse claimed that the body in the casket should be counted as a passenger.
Pets are not considered passengers, either. Therefore while you love to have your favorite pooch go everywhere you do, 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
