Is it okay to use the HOV lane for passing?

Dear Honest:
Doesn't that just drive you nuts? It does me. It's called an HOV lane for a reason -- it's for high occupancy vehicles only. It's not a POV lane -- Passing Other Vehicles. Unless there is more than one person in the vehicle, or it's a motorcycle, it has no business being out there. Not even just to sneak past one little car.

But, you know as well as I do that people won't stop doing it unless they know they are going to get called on it. So here is what you do. Next time you see one of those little sneaks, memorize the license plate number and the make, model and color of the vehicle. When you can safely get out a pen and paper, write it down. Also note the date and time of violation, and the location and direction of where it happened.

To report the violation call 206-764-HERO and leave the message on the answering machine. You can also complete the information online at http://transit.metrokc.gov/travel_options/heroform.html or fax the information to 206-684-2166.

Violators receive a letter and information about the proper use of HOV lanes. Their name and automobile information are also passed on to the highway patrol. If caught by the highway patrol, they can receive up to an $86 fine.

So next time don't let the opportunity pass you by. (Sorry couldn't resist the pun.) If you see someone using the HOV lanes to pass, report them to HERO.
HOV