How will access and tolling in the lanes be enforced?
Enforcement of HOV access and tolling in the HOT lanes will be critical to keeping the lanes free-flowing at all times. Protecting customer privacy will be paramount in the deployment of all enforcement strategies. First and foremost, all HOT lanes users will be required to have an E-ZPass or switchable tag transponder. A transponder reader will check for the presence of a transponder and if there is no transponder detected, the driver will be ticketed the cost of the toll and an administrative fee through the same kind of license plate detection/photo enforcement used on Virginia toll roads today. Secondly, state police that are fully funded by Transurban (the operator) will be stationed in the HOT lanes corridor checking for HOV violators. By using visual assessment and equipment that will alert them of vehicles that are claiming to be HOV on their switchable tag transponder, but are not carrying the necessary 3+ occupants, law enforcement officers will be the first defense against H
