Carpool Lane Cheater Busted Using Disguised Mannequin as Passenger
In an attempt to exploit carpool lane privileges, a driver was apprehended by California Highway Patrol officers for using a
Tristan Green
In an attempt to exploit carpool lane privileges, a driver was apprehended by California Highway Patrol officers for using a mannequin as a passenger. The incident occurred near Ignacio Boulevard, approximately 20 miles north of San Francisco, during the evening rush hour last week. Officer Susan Withers, who noticed the unconventional “passenger” seated in the rear of a minivan, initiated the stop.
Officer Darrel Horner, a spokesperson for the California Highway Patrol, highlighted that Officer Withers became suspicious due to the unusual appearance of the “passenger” and the absence of any movement or response. Upon closer inspection, it was revealed that the supposed passenger was a mannequin dressed in dark sunglasses, a straw hat, and sporting a goatee.
The carpool lane, designed to expedite traffic flow by accommodating vehicles with a certain number of passengers, has become an attractive option for drivers seeking quicker routes during congested times. However, solo drivers attempting to manipulate this rule can face fines of up to $490 USD.
Officer Horner explained that some drivers attempt to evade law enforcement by hastily changing lanes when they spot officers nearby. Nevertheless, this incident stands out as a unique case in the region. The unconventional use of a mannequin to deceive authorities underscores the lengths to which some drivers are willing to go to bypass traffic regulations and gain an unfair advantage on the road.