Fines increasing for carpool lane cheaters

Those trying to trick troopers with a dummy or mannequin will pay an extra $200.

  • By Wire Service
  • Wednesday, July 24, 2019 8:59am
  • Northwest

Associated Press

OLYMPIA — A new state law that increases fines for carpool lane cheaters will go into effect Sunday.

KOMO-TV reports the base fine will go up by $50, meaning a first-time violator on freeways or in electronic toll lanes will be fined $186.

Second-time violators within two years will receive a fine of $336.

Those trying to trick troopers with a dummy or mannequin will have an extra $200 added to their tickets.

The Washington State Patrol has said high-occupancy vehicle lane cheating is the top complaint by commuters in Seattle’s King County.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Northwest

Jerry Cornfield / Washington State Standard A new law in Washington will assure students are offered special education services until they are 22. State Sen. Adrian Cortes, D-Battle Ground, a special education teacher, was the sponsor. He spoke of the need for increased funding and support for public schools at a February rally of educators, parents and students at the Washington state Capitol.
Washington will offer special education to students longer under new law

A new law triggered by a lawsuit will ensure public school students… Continue reading

Seen here are the blue pens Gov. Bob Ferguson uses to sign bills. Companies and other interest groups are hoping he’ll opt for red veto ink on a range of tax bills. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)
Tesla, Netflix, Philip Morris among those pushing WA governor for tax vetoes

Gov. Bob Ferguson is getting lots of requests to reject new taxes ahead of a Tuesday deadline for him to act on bills.

An apartment building under construction in Olympia, Washington in January 2025. (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard)
Next stop for Washington housing: More construction near transit

Noticed apartment buildings cropping up next to bus and light rail stations?… Continue reading

Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero / Washington State Standard Lt Gov. Denny Heck presiding over the Senate floor on April 27.
Washington tries to maintain B.C. ties amid Trump era tensions

Lt. Gov. Denny Heck and others traveled to Victoria to set up an interparliamentary exchange with British Columbia, and make clear they’re not aligned with the president’s policies or rhetoric.

Commuters from Whidbey Island disembark their vehicles from the ferry Tokitae on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018 in Mukilteo, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
Bids for five new hybrid ferries come in high

It’s raising doubts about the state’s plans to construct up to five new hybrid-electric vessels with the $1.3 billion lawmakers have set aside.

A speed limiter device, like this one, will be required for repeat speeding offenders under a Washington law signed on May 12, 2025. The law doesn’t take effect until 2029. (Photo by Jake Goldstein-Street/Washington State Standard)
Washington to rein in fast drivers with speed limiters

A new law set to take effect in 2029 will require repeat speeding offenders to install the devices in their vehicles.

Members of the Washington Public Employees Association march at the 2025 public service recognition event at the state Capitol on May 7, 2025. (Jerry Cornfield/Washington State Standard)
Union urges Ferguson not to sign budget without their pay raises

Lawmakers say a union representing 5,300 Washington state workers and community college employees ratified a contract too late to be funded this year.

Attorney General Nick Brown (center) announces a lawsuit against the Trump administration in Seattle, Washington, on May 9, 2025, over its declaration of an energy emergency. (Jake Goldstein-Street/Washington State Standard)
Trump energy emergency latest target for Washington AG

In a 15-state lawsuit filed in federal court in Seattle, states argue the president is abusing his authority to fast-track fossil fuel projects.

WA State Supreme Court upholds ban on high-capacity ammo magazine sales

Firearm magazines that hold more than 10 rounds will remain outlawed under a 2022 law that a gun shop challenged as unconstitutional.

Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero / Washington State Standard The Washington state Capitol on April 18.
Why police accountability efforts failed again in the Washington Legislature

Much like last year, advocates saw their agenda falter in the latest session.

Heavy rain eroded part of Upper Hoh Road, closing it in December. (Photo courtesy of Jefferson County) Heavy rain eroded part of Upper Hoh Road, closing it in December. (Photo courtesy of Jefferson County)
Hoh Rain Forest road to reopen after state assistance to repair washout

With the help of over $600,000 in state money, the sole access… Continue reading

A person turns in their ballot at a ballot box located near the Edmonds Library in Edmonds, Washington on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Decision on investing WA Cares tax dollars in stock market goes to ballot

A proposed constitutional amendment would let assets, which exceed $1.6B, be invested much like the state’s pension funds. Voters rejected the idea in 2020.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.