HOV Crackdown Friday On I-66 Inside Beltway: Police

FAIRFAX, VA—Virginia State Police plan to conduct "a focused High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) enforcement on Interstate 66 inside the Beltway tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 30 during morning and afternoon rush hour periods," according to the Virginia Department of Transportation. All drivers must have E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex (for HOV-2+) to travel during rush hours. From VDOT:

The focused HOV enforcement comes just before the first-year anniversary of express lanes operations on Dec.4. HOV hours are Monday through Friday, from 5:30 to 9:30 a.m. eastbound and 3 to 7 p.m. westbound.

Any person in violation of the HOV rules is guilty of a traffic infraction. Violations committed within this area on I-66 are punishable by fines including $125 for a first offense, $250 for a second offense within a period of five years from a first offense, $500 for a third offense within a period of five years from a first offense, and $1,000 for a fourth or subsequent offense within a period of five years from a first offense.

All vehicles with two or more people (HOV-2+) can continue to use the road during rush hours for free, but need an E-ZPass Flex switched to HOV-mode. Drivers choosing to pay a toll and drive by themselves in the express lanes need an E-ZPass.

Image via Virginia Department of Transportation