Report a HOV Violation
Dispute a Violation Report
The HERO program helps us educate HOV and HOT lane violators on the purpose rules and benefits of these lanes in the central Puget Sound region. We started this program in 1984 as a way to encourage drivers to self enforce HOV lane rules.
How the Program Works
Drivers can report a HOV lane violator by e-mail or phone. We then send educational materials about HOV lane usage to the registered owner of the vehicle reported violating the lane. 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.
How the Program Works with HOT Lanes on SR 167
Solo drivers with a valid Good To Go! account and a transponder attached to their windshield can legally use the HOT lanes on SR 167 between Renton and Auburn. A concerned driver can call in a violation through the HERO program if they see a solo driver using the SR 167 HOT lanes illegally with out a Good to Go! transponder. Learn the rules of the road when using the SR 167 HOT Lanes.
What the Numbers Look Like
Violation Reports and Outreach
| Total number of licenses reported to HERO |
86,278 |
| Total number of brochures Mailed to drivers |
41,974 |
| Total number of letters mailed to drivers |
1,858 |
| Average number of monthly calls to HERO |
2,788 |
| Average number of monthly e-mails to HERO |
932 |
Above numbers are from Jan. 1, 2006 through Dec. 31, 2007
Violation Rates
| National average |
Between 10 and 15 percent |
| Puget Sound Region |
Between 1 and 7 percent |
| Repeat offenders |
Less than 5 percent |
Target Enforcement Based on Your Reports
The HERO program helps us make the most of limited law enforcement resources. If a large number of cheaters are reported at a specific location, we share the information with the Washington State Patrol so they can target their enforcement. We are currently working with the Washington State Patrol to track hot spots. These hot spots are areas that we receive a high number of violation reports for.
Current Hot Spots
| Highway |
Location |
Direction |
| I-5 |
175th ramp |
North and southbound |
| I-5 |
Express Lanes |
North and southbound |
| I-405 |
at Bellevue |
North and southbound |
| I-405 |
at Totem Lake |
North and southbound |
| I-405 |
between SR 167 and I-90 |
North and southbound |
| SR 509 |
at 1st Ave. Bridge |
North and southbound |
| SR 520 |
84th and 92nd Streets |
East and westbound |
| SR 520 |
Montlake |
East and westbound |
Citations Issued by Washington State Patrol
| HOV Violation Citation |
2006 |
2007 |
| Warnings |
2,338 |
2,183 |
| Tickets |
10,278 |
11,536 |
For more information about the HERO program, email HEROHOV@wsdot.wa.gov.