What we know about HOV Enforcement:

Ž HOV lane enforcement is critical to the success of HOV lanes. Lack of enforcement offers rationalization for not using HOV lanes.

Northern Virginia:

Ž Less than half of SOV drivers believe HOV lanes are actually enforced. Among HOV users, even less are convinced. (Source: “Attitude and Usage Survey Regarding HOV Lanes on the Dulles Toll Road”)

Among SOV drivers, only 41% believe HOV lanes are really enforced.

Among HOV users, only 37% are convinced that HOV lanes are actually enforced.

Ž Many do not know the specific penalties for HOV lane violations.

Among all drivers (HOV and SOV), 34% do not know what the penalties for HOV violations are.

Ž Commuters, both HOV users and non-users, support the enforcement of HOV lane restrictions.

72% of HOV and SOV commuters believe that HOV lanes should be enforced more fully.

Hampton Roads:

Ž Hampton Roads (Southside) commuters are mixed about how they rate HOV enforcement. (Source: “HOV Attitudinal Research among Hampton Roads Commuters,” 2002)

About half (51%) of Southside commuters rate enforcement as “excellent” (7%), “very good” (15%), or “good” (29%).

Another third (35%) believe enforcement of the lanes is “fair” (18%) or “poor” (17%).

The remainder (14%) are “unsure” about how well the HOV lanes are enforced.

There is no significant difference by HOV corridor.

Ž Commuter rating of HOV lane enforcement improved from 1987 to 2002. In research conducted in 1987 and again in 2002, perceptions of HOV enforcement had increased significantly.

Ž The Virginia State Police report that citations issued for HOV Lane violators has increased substantially.

Troopers are actively patrolling the HOV lanes when possible.

However, the judicial system (particularly in Virginia Beach) is not convicting many of these violators.

Additionally, lack of officers does not allow as many HOV lane patrols as desired.

The State Police have been asked by the Hampton Roads HOV Steering Committee to provide an estimate of the costs to hire “off-duty” officers to patrol the HOV lanes to supplement the current force. (Source: April 14, 2004 Hampton Roads HOV Steering Committee Meeting)

Related Studies/Documents:

1987: “Commuters on the Virginia Beach Toll Road”

2002: “HOV Attitudinal Research among Hampton Roads Commuters”

2003: “Attitude and Usage Survey Regarding HOV Lanes on the Dulles Toll Road”

2004: “April 14 Hampton Roads HOV Steering Committee Meeting”