Tell Us: Are Carpool Lane Violators on Interstate 405 A Problem?

Carpool lane violators on Interstate 405 are a problem, says one Patch community member.

He writes that the Washington State Patrol should better monitor Interstate 405 and State Route 520 for high-occupancy vehicle lane violators:

Every morning when taking the exit from 405 to Redmond to 520 there are numerous violators who drive in the carpool lane with only one person in the car, as they try to beat the traffic rush. If the WSP had a patrol car there to catch these violators the state would benenfit greatly from the additional source of income, which I think it could use to provide needed services. I will look forward to seeing the WSP on the job soon.

What do you think? Do you agree that HOV lane violations are a problem? 

According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, the state's hotspots for HOV lane violations include: Interstate 405 in downtown Bellevue, Totem Lake SR and between State Route 167 and Interstate 90; and State Route 520 at 84th and 92nd Avenues NE.

In Washington, motorists can report violations themselves through the Washington State Department of Transportation's HERO program, either online through the or by calling at 1-877-764-HERO. The state send an educational brochure to first-time violators. Second-time HOV lane violators are sent a letter from WSDOT. Third-time HOV lane violators are sent a letter from the Washington State Patrol, according to the state's HERO page.

In 2010, Washington issued 7,570 tickets and 2,850 warnings to carpool lane violators statewide, according to the state.

Patch community, we ask you: Have you ever turned a carpool lane violator in? Do you ever find yourself in the HOV lane when you don't have another passenger in the car? Tell us why in the comments.