HOV Crackdown Results Disappoint Trooper In Fairfax

FAIRFAX, VA—Although Friday's Virginia State Police crackdown on HOV violators on Interstate 66 inside the Beltway could be considered a success, with 13 drivers caught during the morning rush hour and 19 during the evening commute, at least one person was left a bit miffed.

That would be VSP 1st Sgt. Steven Mittendorff, who noted that frequent complaints from law-abiding drivers is what led to the ramped-up enforcement. "Even with the advance publicity, 32 drivers still chose to violate HOV rules," he said in a VSP release.

"This effort was not about writing tickets or revenue. This is about drivers complying with the rules and keeping traffic moving safely and efficiently throughout Northern Virginia."

Aside from the HOV violators from 5:30-9:30 a.m., police also cited four drivers for speeding, one for reckless driving and four for expired inspection stickers. From 3-7 p.m., officers nabbed five drivers for expired inspection stickers and four for driver's license violations.

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 State Police