TRACY TAYLOR

How Washington State Patrol is cracking down on HOV violators

May 7, 2019, 5:19 PM | Updated: Aug 29, 2019, 11:40 am

Now that state lawmakers have officially passed a bill cracking down on HOV violators, how exactly will Washington State Troopers carry out that mandate? KIRO Radio Traffic Reporter Tracy Taylor rode along with Trooper Rick Johnson to find out.

RELATED: State HOV cheaters now face harsher fines

“It’s hard to enforce our way into more cooperation with HOV — we’re not there to stack tickets or charge people a bunch of money, but obviously the Legislature feels like it’s a necessity,” Trooper Johnson told Taylor.

The final version of the bill cracking down on HOV cheaters was amended with lighter fines than it contained in its original form, which would have jacked the penalty up to $686 on a third offense.

In the end, lawmakers decided to up the fine for first offenders to $186, and hitting drivers on second and subsequent offenses with a $336 fine.

Any violators in HOV lanes using dummies, dolls, or any other form of fake people will also be hit with an additional $200 fine.

“A lot of people deem it as the cost of doing business — I think we’ll begin to eliminate some of these repetitive cheaters, but of course we’re still going to get HOV violators,” said Johnson.

Tracy Taylor

montlake bridge...

MyNorthwest Staff

Montlake Bridge will close for 26 days starting Aug. 9

Tracy Taylor details the 26-day shutdown of the Montlake Bridge and what it will mean for commuters to the University of Washington and the Montlake area.

3 years ago

Revive I-5, construction...

MyNorthwest Staff

Plan ahead for congested roads, busy long holiday weekend

The long holiday weekend is here and more people are expected to hit the roads ahead of the Fourth of July. Know when to avoid the major routes.

3 years ago

i-5...

MyNorthwest Staff

Expect road closures through downtown Seattle, Fife this weekend

There are multiple projects that will shut down parts of Southbound I-5 in Seattle and Fife this weekend.

3 years ago

traffic, traffic garden...

KIRO Newsradio staff

Streetwise: Thurston County school teaches students about road safety

KIRO Traffic's Tracy Taylor talks to a Thurston County School that is teaching kids about road safety and traffic.

3 years ago

Follow @http://twitter.com/Mynorthwest...

MyNorthwest Staff

Tracy’s tips for Memorial Day weekend, summer travel on the roads

Tracy has tips on best road trip destinations, gas prices, and road projects to look out for this summer in Western Washington.

3 years ago

distracted driving...

MyNorthwest Staff

Beware of the dangers of distracted driving

KIRO Radio's Tracy Taylor wants you to be aware of the dangers during Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

3 years ago

How Washington State Patrol is cracking down on HOV violators