The HERO program helps WSDOT educate HOV and HOT lane violators on the purpose, rules, and benefits of these freeway lanes. We started the program in 1984 as a way to encourage drivers to self-enforce HOV lane rules.  It is now a nationally recognized program which has served as a role model for similar programs in other states.

How the HERO program works

Drivers can report HOV or HOT lane violators online
or by calling at 1-877-764-HERO. We will then mail
educational materials about HOV and HOT lane usage
to the registered owner of the vehicle that was seen violating.

First-time violators are sent an educational brochure. Second-time violators are sent a letter from WSDOT. Third-time violators are sent a letter from the Washington State Patrol.

Drivers who feel they have been mistakenly reported can fill out an online dispute violation form or call 1-877-764-HERO.

How the HERO program works with HOT lanes on SR 167

Solo drivers with a valid Good To Go! account and a properly mounted transponder are allowed to use the HOT lanes on SR 167 between Renton and Auburn. Vehicles with two or more people (including the driver) as well as buses, emergency vehicles, and motorcycles do not pay a toll and are not required to have a transponder, regardless of how many people they are carrying. 

A concerned driver can call in a potential violator through the HERO program if they see a car using the SR 167 HOT lanes without a transponder or other riders. Learn the rules of the road when using the SR 167 HOT Lanes.

What the numbers look like

Violation Reports and Outreach, 2007 - 2008

Total number of license plate numbers reported to HERO	69,296
Total number of brochures mailed to drivers	45,534
Total number of letters mailed to drivers	2032
Average number of monthly phone calls to HERO	2277
Average number of monthly online reports to HERO	1516

Above numbers are from Jan. 1, 2007 through Dec. 31, 2008 

Violation Rates

National average	Between 10 and 15 percent
WA average	Between 1 and 7 percent (2006 data)
Repeat offenders	Less than 5 percent (2006 data)

Targeted Enforcement Based on Your Reports

The HERO program helps us make the most of limited law enforcement resources. When large numbers of cheaters are reported at specific locations, we share the information with the Washington State Patrol to help them target enforcement emphasis. These are the current hot spots where we have received a high number of violation reports:

Current Hot Spots

Highway	Location	Direction
I-5	NE 175th Street (ramps)	North and southbound
I-5	Reversible Express Lanes	North and southbound
I-405	Downtown Bellevue	North and southbound
I-405	Totem Lake	North and southbound
I-405	Between SR 167 and I-90	North and southbound
SR 509	1st Avenue Bridge	North and southbound
SR 520	At 84th and 92nd Avenues NE	East and westbound
SR 520	Montlake Blvd. E	East and westbound

Citations Issued by Washington State Patrol

HOV Violation Citations	2007	2008
Warnings	2183	1935
Tickets	11,536	9767

How can I get more information?

For more information about the HERO program, see the HERO Common Questions page or contact us at HEROHOV@wsdot.wa.gov.

Updated September 2009.