STATE POLICE WARN HOV VIOLATORS OF PLANNED ENFORCEMENT ON RT. 50

(COLLEGE PARK, MD) – No warnings will be issued Wednesday, so Maryland State Police are warning motorists now of an increased enforcement initiative that morning in the high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes on Rt. 50 in Prince George’s County.

In response to numerous citizen complaints, extra state troopers will be saturating Rt. 50 in Prince George’s County from Rt. 301 to I-495 this Wednesday morning. Troopers will use both moving and stationary enforcement to ensure compliance with the HOV lane restrictions along that section of the highway. Troopers will adjust enforcement methods to minimize the impact on traffic flow during the operation.

“This enforcement effort is about more than just HOV compliance,” Lt. Mike Powell, Commander of the College Park Barrack said. “Traffic safety is a necessity on Maryland’s highways, especially in areas prone to congestion. Our stepped-up visibility will hopefully be a reminder to all motorists of the need during their commutes to always buckle up, avoid distractions, share the road, drive drug and alcohol free and obey traffic control signs and devices.”

High occupancy vehicle lanes are reserved for carpools, vanpools, buses, and motorcycles during designated time periods. The intent of HOV lanes is to encourage carpooling and reduce the number of vehicles on the highway, especially during rush hours. Maryland law restricts vehicles using the HOV lanes to those occupied by two or more people.

An occupant is any person who occupies one seat in the vehicle. For example, a pregnant mother counts as one occupant. An infant in an infant seats counts as one occupant. Single-occupant motorcycles are permitted in Maryland HOV lanes.

The HOV restrictions along the 7.5 mile stretch of HOV lanes on Rt. 50 are in operation 24-hours-a-day. Motorists who violate the HOV laws will be charged with failing to obey a traffic control device and/or changing lanes where prohibited by a traffic control device. Both charges carry a penalty of a $90 fine and one point each.