Fines are increasing starting Sunday for drivers caught violating high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) laws.
Drivers caught without another passenger in the car while in an HOV lane will be fined $186. Subsequent violations within two years of the first violation result in a $336 fine.
>> HOV cheater hot spots: Where you're most likely to get caught
>> PHOTOS: Drivers caught with dolls, dummies in HOV lane
If the driver is caught with a doll or dummy meant to appear as though there is another passenger in the car, an additional $200 fine will be levied.
New signs will be posted along several state highways to remind drivers of the new fine amounts.
The Washington State Department of Transportation and State Patrol said carpool lane violations are one of the top complaints they receive.
State troopers said that last year, they pulled over 11,330 drivers for HOV lane violations. Of those, 428 were repeat offenders.
More news from KIRO 7
- Monroe police get creative to discourage panhandling
- Police: Man arrested more than 70 times throws coffee in 2-year-old’s face
- Unsecured load destroys Arlington’s mom’s brand new SUV
- Archdiocese of Seattle IT analyst charged with possessing child porn
- Do you have an investigative story tip? Send us an email at investigate@kiro7.com
Cox Media Group
:quality(70)/d1hfln2sfez66z.cloudfront.net/03-07-2024/t_a04eea43993e4d4a91177d329640b460_name_Tran_6p_Everett_Woman_homicide_LL_pkg_frame_22938.jpeg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/NYVRWY47SFB65FDAQYA23H7SPQ.jpeg)
:quality(70)/d1hfln2sfez66z.cloudfront.net/03-19-2024/t_1ebc3aaf80db4d5ab8d13e4288cc85b7_name_file_960x540_1200_v3_1_.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/3BS7G5MQWFBX3BFDTNRKEQQVWY.jpg)
:quality(70)/d1hfln2sfez66z.cloudfront.net/04-19-2024/t_6f0c3ac13cc94eefbafbbc3abaf03818_name_file_960x540_1200_v3_1_.jpg)