Washington's New HOV Dummy Law Has Very Steep Penalty

SEATTLE, WA — Of the many rage-inducing behaviors you encounter out on the roads, HOV-lane cheaters are among the most infuriating. But there's a subclass of those cheaters who take the infraction one step further by putting a fake passenger in the car to make it look like they're not cheating.

This weekend, those types will face a much harsher punishment if they get caught.

Starting July 28, the initial base fine for driving illegally in an HOV lane jumps to $186. For repeat offenders with an HOV violation within the last two years, the fine jumps to $336. And for HOV lane dummies who drive with fake passengers the fine jumps to $536.

The current fines may not be deterring enough cheaters. WSP handed out over 1,600 HOV tickets during an emphasis in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties last September. Seventeen of those tickets went to repeat offenders.

Want to report an HOV lane violation? Call 1-877-764-HERO or visit the online portal.

Many cheaters tempt a ticket because HOV lanes look less busy than normal lanes. But according to WSDOT, the lanes are actually carrying more people than general lanes. A full bus, for example, can carry as many people as 40 single-occupancy cars.

The law change was introduced earlier this year by state Sens. Marko Liias, D-Edmonds, Curtis King, R-Yakima, Hans Zeiger, R-Puyallup, Rebecca Saldaña, D-Seattle, and Patty Kuderer, D-Bellevue. Gov. Jay Inslee signed the bill in May.

In the bill, the lawmakers wrote that the increased fines are an attempt to hit back at cheaters who "incite indignation and anger among fellow transportation systems users."