California Driver Fined for Using Mannequin as Carpool Companion

A driver in California has learned the hard way that a mannequin does not count as a second occupant for carpool lanes after being caught by police. The Los Angeles motorist was pulled over by an officer from CHP Santa Fe Springs following an alleged lane violation, during which time it became apparent that his passenger was actually made of plastic. “The answer is simple,” said the police department in a social media post on Thursday. “NO.” Officer Kaplan issued multiple carpool violations to the driver after making the enforcement stop for crossing solid double lines. CHP Santa Fe Springs advised drivers to plan ahead and avoid being tempted into using the lanes improperly due to time constraints, adding: “We’ve gotta give it to them – the appearance is next level modelling but at the end of the day…plastic is plastic.”