The Number of Carpool Lane Cheats in California Is Skyrocketing

Drivers face $490 fines as lane 'cheat' numbers rise - worsening commutes

DRIVERS have been warned they risk fines of $490 if they violate a law around carpool lanes in a major US state. High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes are meant to reduce traffic and encourage carpooling, but they’re facing significant problems. GettyFines of up to $490 await those caught misusing carpool lanes in a major US state[/caption] GettyViolation rates have doubled since 2022, with nearly half of HOV lane users on some freeways driving sol…

The number of carpool lane cheats in California is skyrocketing

If you’ve ever sat in traffic on a California freeway and watched drivers flying by in one of the many HOV carpool lanes, it may have left you scratching your head. Do carpool lanes actually work—and at what cost to other drivers in regular travel lanes? As it turns out, California HOV lanes need to meet specific federal standards: Cars in HOV lanes must be able to maintain a speed of at least 45 MPH during weekday travel periods at least 90 per…