The following is a press release from the Washington State Patrol:

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties has shared the data from the HOV emphasis that was conducted September 10 – 14.

This tri-county emphasis consisted of on average 17 motorcycle troopers working in areas where the most complaints of HOV violators are generated. This was in partnership with the Washington State Department of Transportation, which provided funding for this to be possible. Below are the numbers compiled from this emphasis.

• Total Number of Contacts: 1,756

• Total Number of Citations: 1,671

• Total Number of Warnings: 85

Throughout the week, 17 drivers were ticketed on two separate occasions and one driver was ticketed three separate times.

The Washington State Patrol wants to stress that HOV violations do affect the transportation system as it is designed as stated by WSDOT. Please drive safe and have the right number of occupants when using the HOV!