Riverside County Installs Cameras to Catch Carpool Lane Violators on 91 Freeway

New occupancy detection system helps county recover over $1 million in tolls and fees

Feb. 5, 2026 at 8:39pm

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Riverside County has installed a new camera system on the 91 Freeway to crack down on carpool lane violators. The system captures photos of the front and back seats to verify if drivers qualify for the carpool discount. Since last August, the new system has helped the county recover over $1 million in tolls and fees from an average of 25,000 violators per month.

Why it matters

Carpool lane cheating takes away the benefits of the HOV 3+ lanes, causing congestion and making it harder for those who legitimately use the carpool lanes. The new camera system aims to ensure the carpool lanes are used properly and that all drivers are paying their fair share.

The details

The occupancy detection system installed in the center median of the 91 Freeway captures multiple photos of the front and back seats through a car's windshield. The system's software flags violators, and RCTC staff then verifies the photos to confirm the driver doesn't qualify for the carpool discount before billing the account a $5 fee.

  • The new camera system was installed last August.
  • Since last August, the system has helped the county recover over $1 million in tolls and fees.

The players

Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC)

The agency responsible for managing the 91 Freeway and implementing the new occupancy detection camera system to catch carpool lane violators.

Ariel Alcon

Spokesperson for the Riverside County Transportation Commission.

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What they’re saying

“We've seen cheaters use hats on headrests, putting items in baby carseats and even using mannequins to try to get the HOV+ discount.”

— Ariel Alcon, Spokesperson, Riverside County Transportation Commission

“The people who are losing out are the people paying full toll, and it makes it harder to ensure there is flowing traffic in the express lanes.”

— Ariel Alcon, Spokesperson, Riverside County Transportation Commission

What’s next

RCTC staff said they have gotten calls from some of the people ticketed through the new system, and after learning about the cameras, most of them don't challenge the charges.

The takeaway

The new camera system in Riverside County aims to crack down on carpool lane cheaters and ensure the HOV 3+ lanes are used properly, benefiting those who legitimately use the carpool lanes and improving traffic flow on the 91 Freeway.