Driver creates fake passenger to drive in HOV lane in Burlington

A Burlington woman faces charges after police spotted a fake passenger in an HOV lane.

Officers were monitoring the High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes on the QEW in Burlington on Friday just after 5 p.m. when they “noticed something wasn’t quite right,” OPP said in a post on X.

“A coat was set up to attempt to simulate another passenger,” OPP said.

Police said a 21-year-old woman from Burlington faces HOV violation charges.

HOV lanes are designated for vehicles carrying two or more people or other specific types of vehicles, such as licensed taxis and motorcycles, according to the Ministry of Transportation.

The lanes are meant to encourage carpooling and manage congestion.