Arizona DPS reminds drivers skeletons don’t count as HOV passengers

PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Public Safety on Wednesday sent out a reminder of what counts as a passenger when it comes to HOV lane access during restricted hours.

The department tweeted out that skeletons and dolls still don’t count.

“If you’re caught with a faux passenger, our troopers will definitely have a bone to pick with you,” DPS said.

The reminder comes after an Arizona motorist was caught trying to use a skeleton to drive in the HOV lane during restricted hours last week.

This isn’t the first occurrence of drivers in the state getting caught with a fake passenger.

Troopers have previously reported catching drivers illegally using the HOV lane with mannequins in the passenger seat or a baby doll in a car seat.

Vehicles are only allowed in the Valley’s HOV lanes weekdays from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. as long as they have two or more real people inside.

Drivers caught violating HOV rules are subject to $400 fines.

Cars with Arizona’s “Blue Sky” license plates, motorcycles and buses are also allowed in the lanes during the restricted times.

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