In a bizarre incident over the weekend, a driver near San Jose was stopped by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) for using an unusual passenger to qualify for carpool lane privileges: a plastic skeleton. The skeleton, which was adorned with a mask featuring a wide grin reminiscent of the Scream films, was seated in the passenger seat in an apparent attempt to fool law enforcement.
The CHP shared the incident on Facebook, humorously reminding drivers that while the Halloween season is approaching, decorative items such as skeletons do not meet the legal requirements for carpool lanes. “While #spookyseason is upon us, it’s important to remember that decorations being transported in the passenger seat do not qualify to meet carpool requirements,” the CHP stated. The identity of the driver has not been disclosed.
Carpool lanes, also known as high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, are designed to encourage ridesharing, reduce traffic congestion, and maximize the capacity of California's highways. These lanes are typically enforced during rush hours in Northern California. A solo driver caught in an HOV lane can face fines up to $490, with approximately 50,000 citations issued each year for this violation, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
According to state law, an “occupant” is defined as “any person who occupies a safety restraint device, i.e., seatbelt,” the CHP explained. Although the skeleton was wearing a seatbelt, it obviously did not qualify as a person.
This is not the first time drivers have attempted to use a skeleton to bypass carpool regulations. In 2020, a 62-year-old man in Arizona was cited for using a similar tactic, despite the skeleton's attempt to appear fashionable with a hat. A year prior, another driver tried to use a mannequin wearing sunglasses in the HOV lane.
The CHP continues to encourage compliance with carpool lane rules, emphasizing that the intention behind these regulations is to enhance traffic flow and promote carpooling.
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