What is the HERO program?
The HERO program is a cooperative effort between the WSDOT and the Washington State Patrol. The program encourages drivers to call 1-877-764-HERO (1-877-764-4376) or use our online reporting form when they see a driver using the HOV lanes without the required number of passengers. We then contact the reported violator with educational information.
What should you do if you've been erroneously reported as a violator?
If you feel that you've been erroneously reported as an HOV lane violator, please contact 1-877-764-HERO (1-877-764-4376), or fill out the dispute a violation form online.
Who enforces high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane laws?
The Washington State Patrol is responsible for enforcing driving laws on freeways including HOV lane restrictions. State troopers conduct routine patrols to catch HOV lane violators. They use their discretion to determine whether to issue a ticket or a written warning to lane violators.
What is the penalty for violating HOV lane laws?
The current fine for driving in the HOV lane illegally is $124. Additional local court costs may be added to this fine.
How can drivers help encourage respect for HOV lane laws?
The HERO education program, established in 1984, helps ensure the rules of HOV lane use are observed. The program offers law-abiding motorists in the Puget Sound region a safe and appropriate means to report HOV lane violators.
Does the HERO education program work?
Citizens are doing their part to help identify HOV lane violators. In 2007 we received more than 43,000 citizen reports of HOV violations. Most of these reported violators return to doing their part to follow the HOV lane rules after receiving educational material, less than five percent of them were reported a second time, and fewer than two percent were reported three or more times.
How many citations are issued to HOV lane violators?
In the Puget Sound region approximately 2183 warnings and 11,586 tickets for high occupancy vehicle lane violations were issued in 2007.
How many people violate HOV lane laws?
The national average for freeway HOV violations is between 10 and 15 percent. Puget Sound region violation rates in general are quite low, ranging from one percent (Northgate, Kirkland, South Center) to seven percent (South Everett) and averaging less than five percent overall. Several spot locations experience higher violation rates during peak congestion or when law enforcement is not present.
The above violation rates are for the mainline. Higher violation rates tend to exist on freeway on-ramps.
For more information about the HERO program, email HEROHOV@wsdot.wa.gov.