HOV Enforcement Planned Thursday On NoVA Express Lanes

FAIRFAX, VA — Virginia State Police are conducting an enforcement of high occupancy vehicle (HOV) laws on Northern Virginia highways Thursday, Oct. 24. The increased police presence will happen from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Interstate 495/95 Express Lanes and 66 inside the Beltway. State troopers will be looking for drivers not following the HOV laws.

Drivers can avoid paying tolls on these roads by carpooling with an E-Z Pass Flex set to HOV mode. However, driving with E-Z Pass Flex set to HOV with less than the required number of people is considered "HOV cheating." On I-495 and I-95 Express Lanes, three or more people must be in a vehicle. On I-66 inside the Beltway, two or more people are required.

Misusing an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode could result in a fine up to $1,000 and traffic violation points on a driving record.

"HOV cheating on these facilities is illegal and it can negatively impact the travel of motorists who follow the rules," said VDOT Tolling Division administrator David Caudill in a statement. "That’s why we continuously work with partners and Virginia State Police to deter cheaters by developing new and efficient methods for stronger enforcement."

Tolls are in effect on all lanes of Interstate 66 inside the Beltway on weekdays from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 a.m. eastbound and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. westbound. I-66 is free outside these hours and for buses, motorcycles and emergency response vehicles. Interstate 495 and 95 Express Lanes, which are separate from regular lanes, are tolled around the clock.

New technology seeks to aid state troopers in catching "HOV cheaters." A mobile beacon deployed on the 495 and 95 Express Lanes can alert state police when an E-ZPass Flex in HOV mode is used. This technology will be added to I-66 inside the Beltway.

Transurban, the private operator of the I-95 and I-495 Express Lanes, is opening I-395 Express Lanes in November. The tolling will be in effect 24/7 between the end of I-95 and the 14th Street Bridge in DC. Tolling will replace the current HOV rules in effect weekdays from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Like I-95 Express Lanes, the I-395 Express Lanes will be reversible.