A California driver thought they could get away with using a plastic mannequin as a passenger in the carpool lane. His trick didn't fool an eagle-eyed police officer who pulled them over.
The California Highway Patrol posted about this bizarre incident on Instagram on Thursday (April 17). According to the agency, an officer stopped the vehicle for allegedly crossing double lines. When the cop approached the vehicle, they were introduced to the driver's fake friend sitting in the front passenger seat.
Troopers also gave the driver for how they dressed the mannequin, which sported jet-black sunglasses and a gray hoodie.
"We’ve gotta give it to them, the appearance is next level modeling but at the end of the day… plastic is plastic," officials remarked. "The goatee was sharp … just a little too sharp."
CHP said the driver was issued a citation for several alleged carpool violations. The California Department of Transportation states the minimum fine per violation is $490.
"Remember to plan ahead, know your route of travel, and the general challenges of your drive to avoid being in a rush or tempted to push your luck," troopers reminded the public.
Several U.S. drivers have tried to dupe law enforcement by using fake passengers to drive in HOV lanes.