Earlier this month, a Nevada Highway Patrol trooper pulled over a motorist driving solo in the carpool lane on Interstate 15. The driver of the Chrysler minivan stunned the trooper after revealing the reason why he was using that lane.
Apparently, there was a deceased individual in the back of the van. When the trooper looked inside, he realized the van was altered to function like a hearse, equipped with a rail and a gurney that held a coffin.
When the driver asked if the deceased person counted, the trooper couldn’t help but laugh. Although only living occupants count, the trooper let him off with a warning.
In order to drive an HOV (High Occupancy Vehicles) lane in Colorado, a motorist must have at least two more living persons in the vehicle. The law doesn’t include pets, mannequins, or deceased individuals.
In January 2017, all Colorado HOV lanes changed from HOV 2 to HOV 3, meaning vehicles must have at least three occupants to use carpool lanes--not at least two. Breaking this law is punishable by a $250 fine, not including other legal fees.
If you have been cited or charged with a traffic offense in Denver, contact Orr Law Firm today at (303) 747-4247 and schedule a free case review.