Cameras will capture images of cars using the future express toll lanes on I-405 between Lynnwood and Bellevue in order to send the bills.
But a reader wondered if the cameras also could be used to enforce carpool lane violators, a pet peeve.
The short answer is no.
“State law requires that any images or other data captured by the toll system only be used for tolling purposes, and we can only take images of the vehicle, not the people inside the vehicle,” said Tom Pearce, a spokesman with the state Department of Transportation.
The cameras are being tested right now (hence the blue flashes of light when you pass under them).
“During system testing, we keep tolling images and data for a few months before deleting them,” Pearce said.
Washington State Patrol handles enforcement of high-occupancy vehicle and high-occupancy toll lanes. Currently, the HOV lanes in that stretch of I-405 allow for carpools of two or more people. When they switch to HOT lanes this fall, carpools will need three or more people to use the lane for free.
Drivers can report violators of HOV and HOT lanes by calling the same number, 877-764-HERO, or filling out a violation form online at www.wsdot.wa.gov/HOV/reporting.htm. State law provides an exception to the hands-free cellphone law to report illegal activity.
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