SR 520 HOV lanes are 3+ (not 2): WSDOT and WSP launch awareness campaign

Washington State Department of Transportation sent this bulletin at 05/04/2026 02:27 PM PDT
There is a horizontal green band that reads Rest of the West News. Above it is the letters W S D O T. An oval on the right reads state route 520.

Three’s the (HOV) rule on SR 520

HOV lanes on SR 520 are for three or more people — not two.

The High-Occupancy Vehicle 3+ designation on SR 520 is required by law to keep transit and carpools moving and reduce congestion. When the new direct access ramps opened in Montlake in 2024, we saw more drivers using the HOV lanes illegally.

We’re kicking off an awareness campaign with the Washington State Patrol to make sure you understand the law and the consequences for breaking it.

HOV 3plus video still

Watch our explainer video here.

What you need to know:

  • The HOV 3+ rule is the law. It was passed by the Washington State Legislature in 2010. WSDOT does not set these designations.
  • HOV 3+ includes the driver and at least two passengers.
  • The rule applies 24/7 between I-405 and Montlake, including the Montlake transit/direct access ramps — there are no peak hours or exceptions.
  • The rule will extend across the Portage Bay bridges when complete in 2031 as well as the new flyover ramp to the I-5 Express Lanes.
  • HOV violations are considered moving violations enforced by the Washington State Patrol. Fines start at $186, increase with repeat offenses, stay on your record for three years, can affect insurance, and repeated violations may lead to license suspension.

Our new webpage is live — your go-to for all the details: https://sr520construction.com/hov3plus/

Construction Corner roundup

  • Feb. 18 - May 8: Boyer Avenue East between East Roanoke Street and Everett Avenue East reduced to single lane weekdays
  • May 4-7 and 11-14: Eastbound SR 520 off-ramp to Montlake Boulevard closed nightly
  • May 6: Southbound I-5 off-ramp to eastbound SR 520 closed overnight
  • May 8-11: Eastbound SR 520 closed between I-5 and Montlake Boulevard around-the-clock
  • May 29 — June 1: Eastbound SR 520 closed between I-5 and Montlake Boulevard in Seattle around-the-clock
  • May 29 — June 8: Eastbound SR 520 off-ramp to Montlake Boulevard closed around-the-clock

Check our Construction Corner map for the most up-to-date information on SR 520 closures and construction impacts.

How to reach us and stay informed about SR 520 construction:

  • Call or text our project-specific construction hotlines with pressing questions or concerns related to the:
    • Portage Bay Project: 206-319-4520 (24-hour hotline)
    • Montlake Project: 206-200-9484, M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Call the SR 520 Program information line (206-200-9484, M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.) with general SR 520 inquiries.
  • Email SR 520 staff with your questions about the project or construction activities.
  • Visit the SR 520 Construction Corner for the most up-to-date information on closures and construction impacts.
  • Visit the SR 520 Program website to find general information about the project.
  • Email Regina Glenn, WSDOT Megaprograms Diversity and Inclusion Manager, for more information about contracting opportunities.
  • Follow us on Twitter/X and BlueSky ‪to get key news and updates about the SR 520 program.
  • Share the ROTW listserv with your friends and neighbors.
  • View construction photos taken 'round the clock by our four mounted construction cameras.

Note: We combined our two SR 520 Program email lists into one. This newsletter will focus on Portage Bay Project construction and closures while also sharing other SR 520 updates. You can manage your preferences or unsubscribe anytime.

If you have difficulty understanding English, you may request language assistance services free of charge by calling (360) 705-7090 or emailing TitleVI@WSDOT.WA.GOV.

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中文 - Chinese 翻译服务 如果您难以理解英文，则请致电：(360) 705-7090，或给我们发送电子邮件： TitleVI@WSDOT.WA.GOV，请求获取免费语言援助服务。

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Thank you for signing up for the SR 520 Rest of the West news email updates. WSDOT will keep the community informed of current and planned construction activities through these updates and the tools listed above.