Enforcement on the metro area's newest MnPASS lane begins on Monday.

Over the weekend, the Minnesota Department of Transportation opened the new southbound express lane on I-35E between County Road 96 and Little Canada Road and the northbound express lane between County Road E and County Road J through White Bear Lake and Vadnais Heights. Due to the snow, MnDOT allowed all drivers to use the lanes.

The new lanes will be restricted to MnPASS tag holders along with buses, carpools and motorcycles during peak travel times. Those hours are 6 to 10 a.m. weekdays in the southbound lane and 3 to 7 p.m. for the northbound lane.

MnDOT says some of the tolling equipment along the new stretch may not be working, so drivers will not be charged to use the new MnPASS lanes. Fees will be charged for using express lanes between Little Canada Road and Cayuga Street during peak periods.

State troopers will be looking for violators. Solo drivers using the lane without a MnPASS tag are subject to fine of up to $200.

For more information on MnPASS or to sign up for an account see www.mnpass.org. Motorists who enroll in MnPASS by Jan. 31 will receive a $15 toll credit by entering TAG$15 on the application.