The California Highway Patrol enforced High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) laws among Chula Vista commuters Saturday morning, where dozens received citations.
The enforcement took place on the southbound I-805 and an off-ramp to E. Palomar Street, according to OnScene T.V. HOV lanes can only be used by busses and vehicles occupied by more than two people inside, according to Caltrans.
The crackdown on HOV law violations comes after residents have complained about the single-car users constantly breaking the law and using the ramp. A pair of CHP officers pulled over more than 30 drivers and issued citations within the first hour of enforcement, according to OnScene TV.
According to Caltrans, HOV lanes, also known as carpool or diamond lanes, are a traffic management strategy to promote and encourage ride-sharing. HOV lanes are usually located on the inside (left) lane and are identified by signs along the freeway and white diamond symbols painted on the pavement.
In Southern California, HOV lanes are generally separated from other lanes by a buffer zone. The HOV lanes are in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, referred to as a "full-time" operation.
According to CHP, the goal is to keep violation rates to less than 10 percent. . Once monitor counts detect violation rates above 10 percent, District personnel will notify local area CHP of the need for heightened enforcement in a particular HOV corridor.
The fine for HOV violations is $495.
