WSP Targets Carpool Lane Violators, Writes 1,600 Tickets

SEATTLE, WA – The fact is that people don't like traffic. And if there's a way to cut on their commute, many people are going to give it a go.

Even if it's against the law.

The Washington State Patrol knows this week carried out a crackdown on people driving alone in the HOV – or carpool – lanes. Get all the latest information on what's happening in your community by signing up for Patch's newsletters and breaking news alerts.

From Sept. 10-14, troopers on motorcycle in King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties targeted the areas that generate the most complaints.

The results?

They stopped 1,756 drivers and issued 1,671 tickets. They gave warnings to 85 people.

What they found is that people went to great lengths to get into the HOV lane, including dressing up a toy skeleton as a passenger.

Some people didn't learn their lesson.

WSP says that 17 people were ticketed twice. One person was ticketed three times.

Photo via Washington State Patrol.