New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
This morning, at approximately 6:35 a.m., Trooper John Carnell assigned to the Motorcycle Unit was working a paid detail in Quincy when he observed a vehicle enter the HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lane with what appeared to be a counterfeit passenger. Trooper Carnell stopped the vehicle on Route 93 northbound.
After further investigation, Trooper Carnell discovered the operator had propped up a work jacket with a mannequin head affixed to the top of the jacket in an attempt to create the illusion of a true passenger. The operator of the vehicle was issued a citation for operating on an excluded way.
In order to utilize the HOV lane, a driver must be operating a vehicle that is occupied by at least two persons. The purpose of the HOV lane is to alleviate the number of cars on the roadway during the morning and evening commute times. This is accomplished by encouraging carpooling.
This is not the first time that Trooper Carnell has stopped an operator for exhibiting a false passenger. In April of 2013, Trooper Carnell stopped a vehicle and discovered that a woman had placed a full size doll in a car seat in an attempt to pass the doll off as a legitimate passenger. That operator was also cited.
