HOV (High-Occupancy Vehicle) Violation in Washington State

In Washington State, RCW 46.61.165 makes a violation of restricted HOV lanes a traffic infraction. Also known as carpool violations, unlike in some other states, in Washington such a violation is treated as a moving violation, just like a speeding, stop sign, improper lane change, or other type of moving violation.

HOV lanes are typically reserved for cars and trucks that have two or more and sometimes three or more occupants. Common areas of enforcement are on Highway 520, I-5, I-90, and I-405 in King County.

Penalties

In addition to financial penalties, HOV tickets, like other moving violations, affect a driver’s privilege to drive as well as insurance premiums.

How Can An Attorney Help?

HOV tickets can create real headaches if they land on a driving record, but an experienced traffic attorney can help. There are many ways an attorney can fight a traffic ticket such as one given for an HOV violation. Discussing your case with an attorney versed in Washington traffic tickets, at the earliest possible time, is critical to empowering you with information about available options so that you understand what can be done as well as the benefits and risks of those options. Because HOV infractions are moving violations, the risk of doing nothing is usually a worse option than obtaining the competent representation of an attorney to help fight the ticket.