A driver in Los Angeles was caught attempting to deceive the carpool lane system by draping his jacket over the passenger seat and buckling a seatbelt over it, creating the illusion of having a passenger. This incident occurred on Highway 10 near West Covina on March 3.
California Highway Patrol officers quickly recognized that something seemed off about the supposed passenger, who was positioned in the front seat.
“At first glance, it looked like there was a passenger in the car,” said CHP. “But upon closer inspection, the ‘passenger’ turned out to be just a jacket, neatly placed on the seat with the seatbelt fastened.”
The CHP shared this unusual incident on social media, reminding drivers that clothing cannot substitute for an actual passenger. “Carpool lanes are designated for vehicles that genuinely comply with the occupancy rules,” they added. “Having an imaginary friend or a mannequin as your co-pilot simply doesn’t qualify.”
As a result, the driver faced charges for unlawfully using an HOV lane—an infraction that carries a hefty minimum fine of $490 in California.
