It can be tempting to fake your way into the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane, but the Port Mann Traffic Services have a fresh case to prove the point that it's still against the law. They recently busted a B.C. driver for using a mannequin in the passenger seat to use the HOV lane.
Photo courtesy BC RCMP
The incident took place on February 6 on Highway 1 through the Langley/Surrey border. A vehicle that had moved into the HOV lane without signalling caught the Port Mann Traffic Services officer's attention, so he was pulled over.
Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer noticed the passenger looked a little...off.
It was, in fact, an armless mannequin with a wig, hoodies, and sunglasses.
"The driver of the vehicle was issued several tickets for the alleged offences and the passenger, who did not protest, was given a ride to her new home...in a police car," joke the RCMP.
Although the police do want drivers to take HOV lane vehicle occupancy laws seriously, they are having a bit of fun with this one.
"We routinely conduct patrols on Highway 1 to enforce all the traffic laws, including HOV violators, said Corporal Garth Domm of Port Mann Traffic Services. This is one of those cases where the RCMP got their mannequin. The passenger exercised the right to remain silent."
Oh, and the police are hanging onto the "passenger" to curb the driver's chances of pulling the stunt again.
