The first test of the new HOT lanes on State Route 167 – at least from the commuters’ standpoint – came Monday morning.

There’s still a learning curve about the meaning of the different white striping on the nine-mile stretch of freeway between Renton and Auburn, according to officials.

But, as Craig Stone, Urban Corridors administrator for the state Department of Transportation, said, “It’s going good so far.”

Still, the Washington State Patrol is enforcing the restrictions on the lanes, according to Stone.

The key is to cross into the HOT lanes in marked areas, those with dashed white stripes.

Those who violate the rules face a $124 ticket.

The HOT lanes – high-occupancy toll lanes – opened for business on Saturday, giving solo drivers a chance to use what have been carpool lanes, if they pay a toll.

The toll is “collected” using transponders a driver obtains from the state.

On Saturday, the system – and motorists – had to deal with wet pavement, police activity, typical fender benders and I-405 construction closures.

To open an account on the Good To Go! Web site for the HOT lanes, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/goodtogo.