Driver caught using mannequin to drive in carpool lane
By The Associated Press - AP
Posted: September 23, 2016 - 8:19pm
This Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016 photo provided by the Brea, Calif., Police Department shows a mannequin in the passenger seat of a truck that the driver was using to use the carpool lane instead of congested regular traffic lanes on the 57 Freeway in Brea. The driver was cited, and admitted to using the mannequin to use the carpool lane for some time, and said he would now just accept the fact he needs to sit in traffic like everyone else. Driving alone in the carpool lane requires a fine of at least $481. (

BREA, Calif. (AP) — A California driver has been cited for using a mannequin — not the required human being — to drive in the carpool lane.

The Orange County Register reports (http://bit.ly/2d5N3Sh ) Brea police found the mannequin Wednesday inside a truck on the congested 57 freeway.

The truck veered out of the carpool lane close to an officer's motorcycle. As the officer attempted to warn the driver to be careful, he noticed the passenger wasn't a passenger.

Police say the driver acknowledged using the mannequin in the carpool lane for some time. The driver told police that he would now accept that he needs to sit in traffic like everyone else.

California requires that a vehicle have a minimum of two people for carpool lanes. Driving alone requires a fine of at least $481.

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