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Sam Penrod ReportingUtah Highway Patrol troopers began a crackdown today on the rules involving the HOV express lane on I-15
Troopers are looking for drivers without passengers using the lane, as well for drivers crossing over those double white lines.
The new rules of the express lane have been in place for months and troopers have been doing more educating than enforcing.
And troopers say they are seeing a majority of drivers complying. But for those who aren't, they will probably go home with a ticket.
Trooper Matt Miller, Utah Highway Patrol: "My name is Trooper Miller with the highway patrol. The reason I stopped you is when you entered the HOV lane, you crossed over the double white lines to do that."
Trooper Matt Miller is patrolling the HOV express lane, looking for drivers who violate the rules of the HOV lane, especially cutting in and out of the lane over the double white lines.
Trooper Miller: "We've got the signs here that says do not cross the double white lines and so they know that, it's there, they are not suppose to do it, but they do it anyway."
And it's not hard for Trooper Miller to find violators.
Troopers get about the same excuse when it comes to the double white lines but it doesn't work anymore.
Trooper Miller: "People who do have multiple passengers, they think that because they have got more than one person in the car, that because of that they are free to move in and out at will."
"The issue is not whether you did know, but could know and should know and the answer to both of those is yes."
The highway patrol believes cars moving in an out of the HOV lane are dangerous, especially with cars trying to get into the lane when the other lanes are at a crawl. UDOT believes the HOV lane is helping to reduce gridlock, especially during the commute hours. And troopers say more cars could be using the lane.
Trooper Miller: "We would like to see the lane utilized more, the people that are able to be in the lane, to get them over in it more, because there is still space available in it."
"Alright, drive safely sir."
The fine for crossing the double white line is $82. And the UHP says it plans another enforcement blitz this week, specifically targeting violators of the HOV lane.
