Lone driver in HOV lane on Hwy. 417 charged with stunt driving

Ontario Provincial Police say a driver was recorded going 156 km/h while driving alone in an HOV lane on Highway 417. (OPP/X)

Ontario Provincial Police say a driver is facing a stunt driving charge after being caught speeding in a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane on Highway 417 in Ottawa.

“If you plan to drive alone in the HOV lane, it’s probably not a good idea to drive speeds that attract attention,” said OPP Const. Michael Fathi in a post on X on Friday.

Fathi said the driver was “trying to beat rush hour traffic” and was caught going 156 km/h while driving alone in the HOV lane near Moodie Drive.

The driver’s licence has been suspended for 30 days, and his vehicle was impounded for 14 days.

“He now faces a minimum $2,000 fine, six demerit points and a one-year driving prohibition upon conviction,” said Fathi.

Improper use of the HOV lane, such as not having enough people in the vehicle, can also result in a $110 fine and three demerit points.

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