WSDOT, State Patrol to conduct a five-day HOV emphasis Sept. 10-14.

For the Reporter

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is partnering with the Washington State Patrol (WSP) to conduct a five-day HOV emphasis Sept. 10-14.

The emphasis will involve 14 WSP motorcycle troopers and will include north Pierce County, all of King County and south Snohomish County

HOV violations are one of the most frequent complaints the WSP receives, and troopers are looking for these violators on a daily basis. The historical data below is from King County alone.

• 2016 – Total contacts for HOV violations: 11,121 Repeat offenders: 403

• 2017 – Total contacts for HOV violations: 11,330 Repeat offenders: 428

• 2018 to date: Total contacts for HOV violations: 9,195 Repeat offenders: 226

WSDOT’s central Puget Sound high occupancy vehicle lanes are designed to provide faster and more reliable options for travelers who rideshare through carpool, vanpool or public transit. The HOV system also enhances the efficient operation of the entire freeway network by moving more people in fewer vehicles.

WSDOT reminds travelers that HOV violators disrupt the overall function of the HOV system on roadways, thereby increasing the cost of transit that operate within HOV lanes. WSDOT also will display messages about the emphasis patrol on the Variable Message System highway signs.