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| Map of SR 167 HOT lanes access points. |
WSDOT is evaluating the state’s first-ever high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes on SR 167. This pilot project, which began in 2008, tests how HOT lanes can be used to improve traffic flow by making the carpool lanes more efficient.
The HOV lanes were converted to a single HOT lane in each direction along nine miles between Renton and Auburn, allowing solo drivers to use the carpool lanes by paying a toll. The HOT lane is separated from general purpose lanes by a double white line. It is illegal to cross the double white line. All vehicles may enter and exit the HOT lanes only at designated entry points marked by signs and a single dashed line.
New signs inform drivers of approaching HOT lane access points a half-mile before each dashed-line entrance zone. These signs and the dashed line indicate where transit, carpools and toll-paying solo drivers may enter and exit the HOT lane. An electronic sign displays the current toll price at each access point. Solo drivers pay one toll per trip for the amount displayed when they first enter the HOT lane and if the lane switches to HOV only, they are allowed to stay.
To use HOT lanes, solo drivers must open a Good To Go! account and install a Good To Go! pass in their vehcile. A Good To Go! Switchable Pass is well-suited for SR 167 HOT lanes users, as it can be turned on or off depending on the number of people in the car.
How are HOT lanes enforced?
We are partnering with the Washington State Patrol to monitor HOT lane traffic. If a law enforcement officer sees you breaking any of the HOT lane rules you could face $124 or more in fines and a moving violation on your driving record.
Enforcement
HOT Lane Signs
Enforcement
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Overhead sensors
When a solo driver with a valid Good To Go! transponder enters the HOT lanes, a light flashes on the overhead sensor. That signals the state patrol officer that the driver has entered legally. If the light does not flash the officer will pull over the solo driver and issue a citation.
Self enforcement
Also, a concerned driver can call in a violation through the HERO program if they see a solo driver using the SR 167 HOT lanes illegally with out a Good to Go! transponder.
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Where will enforcement officers be?
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Enforcement areas will be established along the HOT lane, as close as possible to the tolling area. These areas provide space to monitor the system as well as space to director vehicles in violation to safely pull over. |
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What do the signs mean
Warning signs: Access approaching
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A half mile before every HOT lanes access zone (six in the northbound lanes and four in the southbound lanes), this sign warns drivers that they are approaching an access point where they will see the current toll rate. |
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Along all nine miles of HOT lanes between Renton and Auburn, this sign indicates that the far left lane is a HOT lane open only to carpools of two people or more, vanpools, transit, motorcycles and solo drivers who pay the electronic toll. |
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Important rule
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This sign reminds drivers that it is illegal to cross the solid double white line that separates the HOT lanes from the two general purpose lanes. Access zones are marked by signs and a single dashed line. Breaking this rule could mean fines of $124 or more. |
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Access point signs
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As you approach an access zone, you'll notice this electronic sign that can change at any time. This sign shows that the current toll is $3.25 based on moderate traffic levels. Solo drivers should have plenty of time to decide if they want to pay the toll and enter the HOT lane. |
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This sign will show toll amounts that are higher and lower, depending on the level of traffic. If traffic in the HOT lane becomes too congested, the sign will switch to "HOV only," indicating that the lane is closed to all solo drivers, including those with transponders. |
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During night-time the hours when HOT lanes are not operating (7 p.m. to 5 a.m.), the sign will read open to all. No transponders are necessary. |
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When there's an emergency that blocks the HOT lane, the sign will switch to "closed," indicating that the lane is closed to all traffic. All vehicles in the HOT lane must exit at the next access zone. |
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