DALE CITY, Va. — Police in Virginia and Maryland cracked down on HOV violators Tuesday, stopping 449 drivers who police say violated the rules of the road.
High Occupancy Vehicle lanes like the ones on Interstate 95 and 395 between Dumfries and the Pentagon offer a faster ride for vehicles with three or more occupants. Since the 1970s, the lanes have been successful in spurring carpooling and slugging — a unique form of ridesharing where lines of commuters all heading to the same destination form in parking lots like Potomac Mills mall in Woodbridge or the Garrisonville Road commuter lot in North Stafford, where they wait for a driver who’s also headed in their direction to pick them up and give them a free ride to work via I-95’s HOV lanes.
When the system is used correctly everyone benefits, but officials say single drivers who get on the lanes during peak times – between 6 and 9 a.m. and 3:30 and 6 p.m. weekdays when the three or more occupants rule is enforced – can gum up the works and slow everyone’s commute.
According to their final tally, 426 drivers were issued first-time HOV offenses, 18 drivers got second offenses, four were cited or the third offense, and one brazen driver ignored HOV rules for a fourth time, police said.
HOV enforcement on I-95 during the morning rush hour Tuesday was suspended after a series of two fatal crashes on the highway in Dale City, said Virginia State Police spokeswoman Corinne Geller.
Police also stopped drivers for speeding, seatbelt violations, and for not obeying the Virginia’s “Move Over Law” that requires drivers to merge to the left when an emergency vehicle rendering assistance in a shoulder lane of a highway, added Geller.
Changes are coming to the HOV lanes on I-95 staring sometime this year, as Virginia transportation officials plan to mark the beginning of the conversion of the lanes to High Occupancy Toll lanes that will be dubbed “95 Express Lanes.” Cars with three or more occupants will still be able to ride free with an EZPass transponder, but single drivers for the first time will be able to use the lanes for a fee. The lanes now end at Dumfries, but will be extended nine miles south to Va. 610 in North Stafford, and the total project could be completed in 2014, according to transportation officials.
Tuesday’s enforcement targeted drivers on Interstates 66, 95, 395, and the Dulles Toll Road in Virginia, and on I-270 in Maryland.
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Germanna Community College (GCC) hosted a ribbon cutting at its new Stafford expansion today, January 23, 2025.
The preliminary hearing for Tryevon Davis, one of three men charged in connection with the fatal shooting of 43-year-old Jason Thomas Blake in Dumfries, has been delayed due to the pending completion of the Medical Examiner’s report. This critical evidence is being handled by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Northern District office.
Davis, along with Jerrome Thomas Barnes, 40, and Jackson Arthur Crisler, 30, face charges stemming from a fatal shooting on October 25, 2024. Police said Blake had gone to a residence on Cherry Hill Road in Dumfries to sell a firearm and purchase narcotics. An altercation ensued, leading to Blake being handcuffed, abducted, and taken to a secluded area along Triangle Street, where he was fatally shot. His body was discovered two days later in the backseat of his car.
The Prince William County Police Department charged Davis, 31, of Dumfries, with accessory before the fact in the commission of a felony, conspiracy to commit a felony, two counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and abduction. Barnes and Crisler face additional charges, including murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. All three suspects remain in custody without bond.
The Fourth Wish Foundation invites the community to a special white belt graduation ceremony on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 1:15 p.m. at Underground Krav Maga and Fitness in Gainesville.
The event celebrates the achievements of 54 children who have completed three months of Krav Maga training as part of the foundation’s “Healthy Kid Initiative,” a program launched in 2024 to provide extracurricular opportunities to children from financially challenged families.
“We want to ensure these children can continue with this worthy program that has already made such a positive impact on their lives,” said Sue Khalatbari, Director of The Fourth Wish Foundation. The foundation is seeking donations to sustain and expand the initiative, helping more children gain confidence, physical fitness, and critical life skills.
A debate over proposed legislation targeting panhandling in road medians sparked a spirited discussion among Stafford County Supervisors during their January 21 meeting. The proposed bill, sponsored by Delegate Paul Milde (R-64, Stafford County), seeks to impose fines on motorists and pedestrians who exchange items in roadway medians to improve safety and reduce traffic disruptions.
The legislation was also a topic of discussion on the Potomac Local News Podcast, where Milde elaborated on his rationale behind the bill in an interview with Publisher Uriah Kiser.
During the podcast, Milde emphasized the safety and traffic issues posed by panhandling in medians.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
