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New WA Hov rules for State Route 167

State Patrol: no double-crossing in SR 167 HOT Lanes; Crews begin installing double striping, access zones this weekDate: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2008/04/9_HOTlanesstriping.htm

Drivers will no longer be free to weave in and out of the HOV lanes like some are accustomed to, said Washington State Patrol Capt. Steve Burns. Limited access zones are essential to the operation and safety of HOT lanes. For this pilot project, troopers will strictly enforce this statewide law .

Carpools of two or more, vanpools, buses and motorcycles can drive in the HOT lanes toll free, and do not need to carry a transponder

Unfortunately, the HOT lane policy will only increase the number of folks driving/riding in the HOV lane who feel entitled to speed and tailgate.
I'm glad to hear they'll limit weaving in and out of it though... that's always been a concern. 'Course, that'll probably increase the tendency of some to "push" others to go faster... with a decreased safe reaction distance.

If you're going the same speed as (or slower than) the lane to your right,
that's the lane you belong in.

Keep applying this until you are either going the speed of traffic,
or are parked on the shoulder.

The reason people tailgate is because of the lack of lane discipline
in the U.S. - one of the few things Europeans do a better job at.

HOT = High Occupancy Toll - You pay a toll to use the HOV lane
when driving as a single occupant. I can see why people don't want
slow-pokes clogging up the lanes they paid extra in order to use.

[rant]
The whole point of the HOV lane is to be faster than the other lanes.
If you're not driving faster than the other lanes you have no reason
to be in the HOV lane - the other lanes will get you there just as
fast, and w/o aggravating people who want to go faster.

Don't be a leftist - people who feel some need to drive in the left
lane at the speed limit so that no one else can speed. The speed
limit is not always the safest speed - sometimes faster is safer.
If people have to go around you, you increase everyone's risk, including
the poor guy in the lane the speeder changes into.

Why increase risk - do you think you are doing a public service
by "enforcing" speed laws?
[/rant]

I'm guessing the "rant" by Mark 42 is directed at me, since he refers to tailgating and speeding... which I initially commmented on in this thread.
SO...
MARK - the HOV lane was already paid for, by you, me and anybody else that pays federal taxes. The STATE decided to change the access to that lane with it's HOT policy. The ~intent~ of the HOV was to (supposedly) reduce congestion by encouraging carpools/multiple occupancy vehicles... it was modified to include motorcyclists later, with lobbying efforts.

If I am in the HOV it is precisely ~BECAUSE~ that is the safest place to be - whether riding my motorcycle, driving the combination OR in my car with additional passengers. I do NOT "think [I am]doing a public service by 'enforcing' speed laws" I am enjoying my right as a citizen, legally licensed to operate a registered motor vehicle within the limitations imposed by state law. If'n you don't like it, feel free to pass when it is safe to do so.

BTW - I generally stay in the right hand lane when driving the combination OR in my car - doesn't seem to stop tailgaters or other unsafe drivers. In my not-so humble opinion, they haven't learned an appreciation for the important things in life, preferring to believe that'd be THEM and THEIR SELF IMPORTANT WHINNY @$$ PROBLEMS.
YMMV (although I'd be hard pressed to believe that, given your earlier posts about licensing laws in WA).

Have a nice day.
Tony
Lacey, WA

Originally written by Mark 42 on 6/6/2008 6:26 PM

If you're going the same speed as (or slower than) the lane to your right,
that's the lane you belong in.

Keep applying this until you are either going the speed of traffic,
or are parked on the shoulder.

The reason people tailgate is because of the lack of lane discipline
in the U.S. - one of the few things Europeans do a better job at.

HOT = High Occupancy Toll - You pay a toll to use the HOV lane
when driving as a single occupant. I can see why people don't want
slow-pokes clogging up the lanes they paid extra in order to use.

[rant]
The whole point of the HOV lane is to be faster than the other lanes.
If you're not driving faster than the other lanes you have no reason
to be in the HOV lane - the other lanes will get you there just as
fast, and w/o aggravating people who want to go faster.

Don't be a leftist - people who feel some need to drive in the left
lane at the speed limit so that no one else can speed. The speed
limit is not always the safest speed - sometimes faster is safer.
If people have to go around you, you increase everyone's risk, including
the poor guy in the lane the speeder changes into.

Why increase risk - do you think you are doing a public service
by "enforcing" speed laws?
[/rant]

As a East sider I found the directions for that special lane very confusing, signs about tolls, can't leave the lane, etc.. I do use the I-90 HOC lane in a vehicle with 2 or more. Seems most folks don't crowd you as bad there. We are just getting used to roundabouts here. max