Don't Cheat in the HOV... Especially Today! It's HOV Awareness Day

WTOP Radio reports that for the first time ever, police officers from Maryland and Virginia are teaming up for HOV Awareness Day, today, Wednesday, May 5. Officers will be looking for HOV cheaters on Interstates 66, 95, 395 and 270, as well as the Dulles Toll Road and Route 50.

"Those caught cheating run the risk of a heavy punishment. In Maryland, violations earn drivers a $90 fine and one point on their driving records. In Virginia, repeat offenders can face fines as high as $1,000 and three points on their records.

"Virginia police will also be enforcing the state's new "Move Over" law, which requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when passing emergency personnel stopped on the road. People caught violating the law can face fines as high as $2,500 and face up to 12 months in jail." 

During both morning and evening rush hours, police will use moving and stationary detection methods to catch HOV violations.

The Washington Metropolitan area continues to be a national leader in the use of high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes to encourage carpooling. HOV lanes greatly shorten commute times for carpoolers, but they also shorten commute times for everyone else on the road, by reducing the volume of traffic. Learn more about HOV facilities and times on the Commuter Page.

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