DETROIT -- Metro-Detroit commuters can begin taking advantage of Michigan's first car pool lane Monday.

The five-mile stretch on Michigan Avenue from Wyoming Avenue to the Detroit Central Business District opened Feb. 25, which coincides with the kickoff of the massive Gateway construction project on Interstate 75.

At least two occupants will have to be in a vehicle to use the lane.

However, since there is no Michigan law for a car pool lane, people who violate the rules cannot be ticketed.

The car pool lane is only in effect on the weekdays from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and again from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

A new bus route will open along with the car pool lane, running from the Gibraltar Trade Center into central Detroit.

The car pool lane will remain open until December 2009, when the Gateway project is scheduled to finish.