What is the HERO program?
Does the HERO education program work?
What should I do if I've been erroneously reported as a violator? 
How many people violate HOV and HOT lane laws? 
Who enforces HOV and HOT lane laws?
What is the penalty for violating HOV or HOT lane laws?
How many citations are issued to HOV and HOT lane violators?
How can I get more information?

   
What is the HERO program?

The HERO education program offers law-abiding motorists in the central Puget Sound area a safe and appropriate means to report HOV and HOT lane violators. The program was established in 1984 to help ensure the rules of HOV lane use were observed, and was expanded to include HOT lanes in 2008.  

Drivers are encouraged to call 1-877-764-HERO (1-877-764-4376) or use the online reporting form when they see a driver using the HOV or HOT lanes without the required number of passengers. WSDOT will then contact the reported violator with educational information.

The HERO program is a cooperative effort between WSDOT and the Washington State Patrol.   

Does the HERO education program work?

Citizens are doing their part to help identify HOV and HOT lane violators. In 2008 we received more than 26,000 citizen reports of violations.

Most violators stop violating after they receive HERO educational material.  Less than five percent are reported a second time, and fewer than two percent are reported three or more times.    

What should I do if I've been erroneously reported as a violator?

If you feel that you've been reported as an HOV or HOT lane violator when you were using the lane legally, please contact 1-877-764-HERO (1-877-764-4376) or fill out the online violation dispute form.   

How many people violate HOV and HOT lane laws?

The national average for freeway HOV violations is between 10 and 15 percent. Violation rates in the central Puget Sound area are generally quite low, ranging from one percent (Northgate, Kirkland, Southcenter) 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 freeway mainline. Higher violation rates tend to exist on freeway on-ramps.   

Who enforces HOV and HOT lane laws?

The Washington State Patrol is responsible for enforcing driving laws on freeways, including HOV and HOT lanes. State troopers conduct routine patrols to catch violators. They use their discretion to determine whether to issue a ticket or a written warning.

Drivers are issued HOV or HOT lane violation tickets only when the violation is observed by a Washington State Trooper. Tickets are not issued based on HERO reports. The HERO program is for educational purposes only.    

What is the penalty for violating HOV or HOT lane laws?

The current fine for illegally driving in an HOV or HOT lane is $124. Additional local court costs may be added to this fine.   

How many citations are issued to HOV and HOT lane violators?

Approximately 1935 warnings and 9767 tickets for HOV and HOT lane violations were issued in 2008.   

How can I get more information?

For more information about the HERO program, contact us at HEROHOV@wsdot.wa.gov.