WSP: Driver cited for HOV lane violation, ticket price more frightening than clown dummy

KING COUNTY, Wash. - A driver traveling through King County received a traffic violation for driving in the HOV lane, and the price of the ticket might be scarier than the clown dummy used as a fake passenger.

According to Washington State Patrol Trooper Rick Johnson, this particular incident took place on I-405 near 30th St.

Photo: WSP Trooper Rick Johnson

The driver had fastened a clown dummy in the passenger seat, apparently in the spirit of Halloween. However, Trooper Johnson clarified that this does not meet the criteria for a legitimate High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) passenger.

What’s more frightening is how the use of a dummy added more money to the infraction. 

The exact price of this particular ticket is unknown, but according to the Washington State Department of Transportation, first-time HOV violators receive a fine of $186. If that same driver receives another HOV violation within a two-year period, that ticket increases to $336. 

Anyone who uses a doll or a dummy in the car will automatically have $200 added to the ticket. 

It’s safe to say it’s possible this driver received a ticket anywhere between $386 and $536 for the HOV violation alone. It looks like they were also cited for driving with expired tabs.

While unconventional attempts to bring humor to the road may evoke curiosity and amusement, FOX 13 can confirm that only one person was left with an ear-to-ear grin on their face: the clown.