AUBURN, Wash. -- Washington State Patrol troopers ticketed a driver last month for using a children's stuffeddoll as a free pass for the HOVlane.
The man was driving in the HOVlane on northbound SR167 near I-405 on November 29. Troopers said they passed the car and noticed the passenger had huge unblinking eyes.
The driver was pulled overand troopers saw the doll was a stuffed toy from the children's show Go Diego, Go.
The man told troopers he was late for work and used the toy to drive in the carpool lane and hopefully avoid being caught.
The driver was ticketed for the violation. Troopers report 21 other drivers were ticketed during the same morning rush hour emphasis patrol that day.
Troopers said the doll was wearing its seatbelt.