As anyone who drives in Western Washington knows … traffic can be a real bear. It can often involve hours of sitting and lots of stop and go movement. Of course, this is the primary reason we have high-occupancy (HOV) lanes; HOV lanes are meant to provide a faster travel option by encouraging carpooling, vanpooling and/ or public transit. To use an HOV lane generally there must be at least two or three people in the vehicle. This requirement is often thwarted by disgruntled drivers tired of sitting in traffic.
Lest it be said, it is an infraction to use the HOV lane without the proper number of people in your car. Starting Monday, and going through Friday, the Washington State Patrol (WSP), in conjunction with WSDOT, will be cracking down on HOV lane violators. WSP is deploying 14 motorcycle troopers in and around King County, South Snohomish County and North Pierce County, WSDOT is displaying messages on the state’s highway message boards.
An HOV violation is a cool $136 monetary fine. So … word to the wise, those drivers who get stuck in traffic and don’t meet the HOV lane requirements, grin and bear it. It isn’t worth getting a ticket.
Whenever cited for a hit and run (or any crime for that matter), it is a smart idea to immediately hire a qualified Seattle Criminal Defense Attorney. The Seattle Criminal Defense Attorneys that make up the criminal defense team of SQ Attorneys are highly qualified and reputable Seattle Criminal Defense Lawyers that are dedicated to providing top notch, aggressive representation for those arrested or charged for crime all across Western Washington and the Greater Puget Sound region. The team creates success by working with law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney’s office to ensure that all facts and circumstances related to the allegations are considered in creating the fairest, most equitable and just resolution possible in light of all the surrounding circumstances of the given case. So, whether you are cited with an infraction or arrested and/or charged with misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or a felony, protect yourself … call SQ Attorneys at (206) 441-0900.