{"id":27210,"date":"2026-01-16T07:52:44","date_gmt":"2026-01-16T15:52:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/los-angeles\/cheaters-are-nabbed-in-the-91-express-lanes-2-different-ways-daily-news\/"},"modified":"2026-01-16T07:52:55","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T15:52:55","slug":"cheaters-are-nabbed-in-the-91-express-lanes-2-different-ways-daily-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/los-angeles\/cheaters-are-nabbed-in-the-91-express-lanes-2-different-ways-daily-news\/","title":{"rendered":"Cheaters are nabbed in the 91 Express Lanes 2 different ways \u2013 Daily News"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction to the 91 Express Lanes<\/h2>\n

The 91 Express Lanes have a unique feature that can save motorists money, but it also has measures in place to catch cheaters. A reader, Mike Rowland from Long Beach, asked about the purpose of the "3+ lane" that is less than a quarter mile long. The answer lies in the way the tollway operates and how it identifies legitimate carpoolers.<\/p>\n

How the System Works<\/h2>\n

Drivers with two or more passengers can use the "3+ lane" to get a discount on their toll. On the Orange County side, there are booths where spotters look out for cheaters and can alert California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers to issue citations. The Express Lanes pay for extra CHP officers to patrol the area and enforce the rules. The system is designed to detect and penalize cheaters, with fines for carpool-lane violations running over $400.<\/p>\n

Technology Used to Catch Cheaters<\/h2>\n

In Riverside County, the Express Lanes use an Occupancy Detection System to determine the number of occupants in a vehicle. This system can even detect infants in child seats and works through tinted windows. When a vehicle enters the "3+ lane," a camera takes eight still photos, and a $5 million "image technology" device checks if there are indeed three or more occupants. If the device detects a violation, a person reviews the photos to confirm.<\/p>\n

Effectiveness of the System<\/h2>\n

According to David Knudsen, deputy executive director of the Riverside County Transportation Commission, the system is "pretty effective." Before the technology was deployed, 40% of drivers in the "3+ lane" were not supposed to be there, but that number has decreased to 30% since its introduction. The commission has received calls from agencies across the country interested in the technology.<\/p>\n

Penalties for Cheaters<\/h2>\n

Violators who are caught using the "3+ lane" without the required number of occupants do not receive the discount and are charged a $5 Occupancy Correction fee. Additionally, CHP officers can pull over violators and issue citations for carpool-lane-like violations.<\/p>\n

Parking in Old Towne Orange<\/h2>\n

In a separate question, a reader asked if they need to pay for parking in Old Towne Orange with Disabled Person license plates. Starting February 9, parking on some streets in the area will require a fee, but those with valid Disabled Person license plates and placards are exempt from paying for metered parking on public streets under state law.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

The 91 Express Lanes have a system in place to catch cheaters and enforce the rules, using a combination of human spotters and advanced technology. While the system is effective, it is also important for drivers to be aware of the rules and penalties for violating them. By understanding how the system works and following the rules, drivers can avoid fines and ensure a smooth journey.<\/p>\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n