High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes are designated lanes that can only be used by vehicles carrying two or more people or other specific types of vehicles, such as licensed taxis and motorcycles.
HOV lanes help:
- encourage carpooling
- manage congestion
- reduce transportation-related emissions
- optimize infrastructure investments
In Ontario, HOV lanes are on the far-left side of the highway and are clearly marked by signs and pavement markings.
What Is the Fine For Driving In the HOV Lane?
Generally, with only a few exceptions, what is known as the High Occupancy Vehicle Lane ("HOV") requires that to use the HOV lane, vehicles must be occupied by at least two people, The HOV initiative was developed as a means to encourage carpooling, among other things, which enables reduced emissions, and reduced traffic congestion, among other things.
The penalty for misuse of the HOV lane is a set fine of $85.00 plus $25 as an applicable victim surcharge. Additionally, a convicted driver will also receive three (3) demerit points as imposed by the Ministry of Transportation.
Defence Strategy
Similar to fighting most traffic tickets where the initial burden of proof is upon the prosecution, a review of the evidence disclosed by the prosecution is necessary to determine the strength of the case against the accused person. In some circumstances, flawed evidence, and lack of evidence, among other things, will be immediately obvious to a seasoned professional. In other circumstances, a deeper look will be necessary. To help determine the best strategy, contact TicketZapper to review your options.
How to Fight a Ticket of HOV Lane
Step 1:
Hire a knowledgeable paralegal with excellent expertise and forget about your problem. The expert will examine your case and give you the best solution with a perfect defence strategy for your HOV violation.
OR
Step 2:
(A) File your traffic ticket with a court and get the meeting date with a prosecutor. The prosecutor may suggest you reduce your fine or offence. In case you accept it, you’ll automatically plead guilty. If not – you go to trial.
(B) Trial procedure. Before going to trial, ensure you’re ready to argue your case. Prepare questions for the police officer who issues a ticket for you, and try to persuade all participants that the situation is different (as compared to the words of a policeman).
To proceed with every step by yourself, you need to familiarize yourself with Highway Traffic Act, ONTARIO REGULATION 620/05, and court procedures.
This will take a huge amount of your time, and you won’t have any guarantee of getting a successful result on your case. Because high expertise and experience in fighting HOV tickets are required.
Each case has its own specifics, and there is no one standard scheme on how to fight it.
Summary Comment
While the fine for misuse of the HOV lane is relatively low, the three demerit points could be a significant concern. If you were unjustly charged with improper use of the HOV lane, get legal help and discuss your defence strategy options.
The most reliable way to protect your interests during the court procedure is the participation of our specialist team of traffic ticket lawyers/paralegals on your behalf!
Why? Because we’ve accumulated a unique experience and have the best traffic ticket lawyer in Ontario that allows us to solve your problems with the least expenditure of time and effort. Call us NOW!