PHOENIX — In recent weeks, the Arizona Department of Public Safety has busted two drivers for being in the carpool lane on Valley freeways with fake passengers.
On September 7, a driver was busted in the HOV lane with a life-sized lady mannequin near the Van Buren Street exit on Loop 202 Red Mountain. Then just five days later, a 48-year-old woman was caught in the HOV lane on the Loop 202 San with a fake baby aboard. The only thing that gave the scam away was the doll’s fake feet were hanging out from the blanket inside the car seat.
"It's amazing what people will try to get away with," said Raul Garcia, Public Information Officer with DPS.
We all know Phoenix traffic can brutal and that often causes people to do irrational things to get to where they need to go faster. But what are the rules for HOV use? 12 News asked Garcia for answers. Here's what we were able to verify:
- HOV lanes are enforced Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. During these days and times you must have at least two people in your vehicle.
- There is no minimum age for that second passenger, so a real baby would count.
- A person may drive a motorcycle in a HOV lane at any time, regardless of the number of passengers.
- A tow truck can be in the lane at any time, regardless of the number of passengers.
- If you have a registered Alternative Fuel Vehicle or Energy Efficient Vehicle with a valid plate you’re allowed in the HOV lane at any time, regardless of the number of passengers.
So what about some common excuses DPS troopers hear a lot? We asked Garcia about those also.
"We get a lot of excuses but we have to enforce the law no matter how good they sound," Garcia said.
Garcia says avoiding an accident a mile up the road is no excuse for being in the HOV lane. Your service dog or pet also does not qualify as a passenger. Finally, using the HOV lane to pass cars when you're not eligible to be in there is a sure way to get a ticket.
"We've heard them all," Garcia said.
If you are given a citation in the HOV lane fines start at $400. You can contest it in court, go to traffic school to keep the violation off your record or pay the fine and move on.