The California Highway Patrol is reminding motorists that creativity won’t save them from carpool violations after a bizarre traffic stop along northbound Highway 101 on Tuesday morning.
According to the Press Democrat, a CHP officer pulled over a truck on Robert Lakes Road after noticing the lone driver cruising in the high-occupancy vehicle lane. Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer discovered the “passenger” was actually a front seat elaborately rigged with a safety vest, clothing, a helmet, and a masked face equipped with goggles.
While local CHP officials noted this isn’t the first time they’ve seen creative props—including a full-sized mannequin—used to game the system, they emphasize that it doesn’t exempt drivers from the rules.
The driver was issued a standard HOV-lane citation, which carries a minimum fine of $490, and authorities are strongly discouraging commuters from using fake passengers to bypass traffic congestion.
