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SALT LAKE CITY — Drivers along I-15 will have to closely monitor how they use the recently completed express lanes on the state’s busiest freeway.
With the Point project from Lehi to Draper now complete, the Utah Department of Transportation and the Utah Highway Patrol on Thursday announced the launch of an enforcement blitz aimed at educating drivers on correct use of the express lanes that now span 72 miles from Layton to Spanish Fork — the longest continuous stretch in the nation.
UDOT officials said the express lanes move twice as many people as the general-purpose lanes and provide greater benefit to drivers in all lanes when used properly.
However, 20 percent of freeway drivers violate the rules regarding use of the express lanes daily, and UHP troopers stop more than 300 drivers each month for those violations, said UDOT spokesman John Gleason.
“The lanes are getting clogged with people who don’t belong there,” Gleason said. “Our goal is to keep traffic moving, and the express lanes — when used correctly — have proven to do that.”
Vehicles with more than one passenger, those with C decals for meeting clean-fuel and emissions standards, and motorcycles are authorized to use the express lanes at no cost, he said. Buses and emergency vehicles also are eligible to drive in the express lanes.
Single occupants can purchase a pass and pay a small fee to use the express lanes. UDOT controls express lane use by charging pass owners a variable rate based on travel speed and congestion levels on I-15, Gleason said.
Some drivers, however, misuse the lanes and create hazards for other drivers, police said.
“You’ll see an increased number of troopers out through the weekend specifically working (on enforcing) the express lanes,” said UHP Sgt. Todd Royce. “So if you’re a single occupant in a vehicle in that lane, that is what they’re looking for.”
Royce advised drivers to pay close attention to their use of the lanes to prevent being cited for a violation. Crossing the double white lines is unsafe and illegal, he said, adding that express lanes should not be used for passing either.
“Weaving in and out of the express lanes by crossing the double white lines is dangerous,” Royce said. “We see it every day. It can cause drivers to brake suddenly, swerve and cause a crash. It’s extremely unsafe.”
Violators risk fines up to $175 for improper use, he noted.
Among the issues drivers face in the express lanes are vehicles following too closely, Royce explained. He warned drivers to refrain from aggressive driving and suggested that motorists who are confronted with such a scenario move carefully out of the express lanes.
Troopers will be watching for improper use of the express lanes, particularly during the morning and evening commutes as troopers try to ensure safe use of the express lanes especially during high-traffic times of day.
“Troopers are always looking for those types of violations,” Royce said. “We’re always out there (watching) all the time.”
