5/14/04-Gov. Mark Warner signed legislation – SB508 – doubling fines for people who repeatedly violate high-occupancy vehicle rules on Northern Virginia highways.
The new law for the first time will treat HOV lane offenses as moving violations. Those caught breaking lane rules more than twice within five years would be assessed three points to their license, which could cause them to lose driving privileges and pay higher vehicle insurance bills.
A first offense would remain a $50 fine, but the second would increase from $100 to $200, a third violation from $250 to $500, and subsequent offenses would jump from $500 to $1,000.
The new law will take effect July 1.

3/24/04-The General Assembly has signed off on a bill that would double fines for people who repeatedly violate high occupancy vehicle rules on Northern Virginia highways. The bill now heads to Gov. Mark Warner for his signature.
The bill gained final approval from the Senate 38-0 after previously passing the House 87-11.
SB508, sponsored by Sen. Bill Mims, R-Leesburg, would for the first time treat HOV lane offenses as moving violations. Those caught breaking lane rules more than twice within five years would be assessed three points to their license, which could cause them to lose driving privileges and pay higher vehicle insurance bills.
A first offense would remain a $50 fine, but the second would increase from $100 to $200, a third violation from $250 to $500, and subsequent offenses would jump from $500 to $1,000.

3/9/04-The House of Delegates passed a bill that would double fines for people who repeatedly violate high occupancy vehicle rules on Northern Virginia highways.
SB508, sponsored by Sen. Bill Mims, R-Leesburg, would for the first time treat HOV lane offenses as moving violations. Those caught breaking lane rules more than twice within five years would be assessed three points to their license, which could cause them to lose driving privileges and pay higher vehicle insurance bills.
A first offense would remain a $50 fine, but the second would increase from $100 to $200, a third violation from $250 to $500, and subsequent offenses would jump from $500 to $1,000.
The Senate approved House amendments to the bill and forwarded the measure to the governor who is expected to sign it.
For bill status, call (804) 698-7410. In Virginia, call 1-800-892-6948.