Q: I am a new mom, with a 6 month old. Just want to be sure I can properly go in the car pool lane if it’s me driving with the baby as the only passenger.
-J.K., Rancho Palos Verdes
A: Car pool lanes legally are designated as “High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes.” The number of occupants required to properly be in the lane should be indicated by posted signs. This number varies at times between two and three persons, regardless of age. A baby is indeed deemed to a passenger for purposes of the car pool lane. Keep in mind, however, that kids under the age of 8 must be secured in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat.
Recently a California man was busted for driving in a carpool lane with a mannequin. Photos suggest it was a rather realistic looking dummy, dressed in a plaid shirt, Cleveland baseball cap, glasses and even a paper mask. An alert CHP officer next to him noticed the passenger was not moving, at all. Research indicates the fine is $481, but as to how this particular case turns out has not been reported. Apparently, the driver told the officer he had been driving in the car pool lane with the mannequin for a year and a half.
Q: My boyfriend thinks hanging dice from his front, center rear view mirror “is really cool.” They are large-sized. Is there a risk this is illegal?
A: You see a number of items hanging from front center rear view mirrors, including air fresheners, a DMV-issued handicapped parking placard and, as you mention, dice. Keep in mind that if those objects are too large, that can cause a problem for the driver. California law does not allow you to place any object in the vehicle that impedes your view through the windshield. In addition, the driver has to have an unimpeded rear view of the highway for at least 200 feet behind his or her car.
Ron Sokol is a Manhattan Beach attorney with more than 35 years of experience. His column, which appears in print on Wednesdays, presents a summary of the law and should not be construed as legal advice. Email questions and comments to him at ronsesq@gmail.com.
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