CHARLOTTE — A new system on Interstate 77 will now track the number of people in your car when you’re using HOV lanes.
I-77 Mobility Partners announced it will activate its occupancy detection system on April 12 to help ensure customers are using the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV3+) discount appropriately.
[ PAST COVERAGE: I-77 express lanes to get new technology for HOV enforcement ]
The system uses cameras to verify the number of people in a vehicle declaring HOV3+ status. Officials said facial images captured will be censored for privacy purposes.
Vehicles with three or more occupants can travel for free by declaring HOV3+ status to receive a full discount from tolls using a switchable NC Quick Pass transponder with the HOV3+ feature activated or declaring HOV3+ status through the NC Quick Pass app no less than 15 minutes before travelling on I-77 Express.
Before every trip on I-77 Express, officials said drivers should ensure their vehicles’ occupancy declaration accurately reflects the number of current passengers.
According to I-77 Mobility Partners, inaccurate or improper use of HOV3+ status can reduce toll lane capacity and inflate dynamic toll pricing, unfairly increasing tolls for other vehicles in the express lanes.
[ ALSO READ: I-77 toll lanes now open to larger vehicles ]
The system will help make sure tolls are charged fairly for travel on I-77 Express.
Additional signage has been installed near the express lanes to remind drivers that the proper use of I-77 Express is enforced by cameras.
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