(WWJ) Michigan's very first High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes — also known as "carpool lanes" — are now open along I-75 in Oakland County.
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has announced that the left lane in each direction, between 12 Mile Road and South Boulevard, will now operate as an HOV lane Mondays through Fridays, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Motorists with two or more occupants (including the driver) in the vehicle, or those driving on a motorcycle, can use this additional lane during these designated times.
Outside of those hours, all drivers are welcome to use the lane without the risk of a violation, MDOT said.
To be clear, this is a new, additional lane that has just been added to the freeway
WATCH: MDOT video demonstrates how to use new HOV lanes opening soon on I-75 in Oakland County
Signs are posted to indicate where the HOV lanes start and end. The lanes are open access, which means vehicles can enter an exit the lanes at any point.
Officials say the purpose of the HOV lanes is to reduce congestion on the freeway, and improve safety, air quality and travel time reliability.
"Opening these HOV lanes continues MDOT's commitment to modernizing our high-volume freeways," said State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich, in a statement. "Similar to the Flex Routes on US-23 and I-96, the HOV lanes will improve mobility and make I-75 travel safer."
MDOT said police will be keeping an eye on the lanes, making sure they're being used correctly.
Violators could face civil infractions.
Asked about enforcement efforts, Michigan State Police First Lt. Mike Shaw told WWJ that "nothing specific" is planned at this time as far as targeted patrols of these lanes.
"We will enforce it like any other violations," Shaw said, adding that the amount of the fines will be up to the courts to determine.
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