(WUSA) -- Police were out Tuesday enforcing HOV restrictions, and a lot of drivers were caught in the crackdown.
One by one, Trooper Frantz pulled people over for trying to cheat the system.
The excuses can vary: "I didn't even know, I'm not from here, I was just following my GPS." From first timers or repeat offenders, it doesn't matter, Trooper Frantz has heard all the excuses.
"They wanted the dog to be counted as the third person which didn't
fly," he said.
No matter the excuse, it translates into getting caught and a ticket if you are driving solo during HOV hours.
Motorcycles are allowed in the HOV lanes, and so are hybrids as long as they have the clean fuel license plate.
In just one hour, Trooper Frantz pulled over at least 10 drivers, and that doesn't include others who skate by while officers are dealing with violators.
Troopers and police officers in Maryland and Virginia are targeting HOV roads on this one day campaign during the morning and evening rush.
While today especially would not be a day to risk it, police say they're out here every day catching cheaters.
HOV violators face a steep penalty if they get caught. First time offenders receive a $90 ticket and one point on their license in Maryland. That cost goes up with additional violations. In Virginia, your first HOV violation is $125 dollars. It doubles every time after that.