CHOKEPOINTS

Nice try: WSP busts driver using Halloween decoration in HOV lane

Jun 19, 2025, 5:00 AM

HOV lane violator...

WSP pulls over woman using dummy in HOV lane. (Photo courtesy of WSP)

(Photo courtesy of WSP)

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) can add another fake passenger to its growing list of HOV lane violators.

WSP Trooper Rick Johnson is reminding the public that items do not count as humans.

HOV lane violator uses a dummy

Troopers pulled over a woman on I-5 south near 185th street on Monday who had a fake skeleton in the back seat. At least this one was dressed up, wearing a black t-shirt and a paper crown.

Her excuse? That she “accidentally left her Halloween decoration up,” Johnson wrote on X.

KIRO Newsradio’s Chris Sullivan had a cheeky response.

“No Kings???” he commented on X.

Follow Julia Dallas on X. Read her stories here. Submit news tips here.

Chokepoints

Winter driving prep; don't be the reason for a pass closing...

Chris Sullivan

Don’t be the driver who shuts down a mountain pass: Get winter-ready

Call it a practice run for the rest of the winter. Our first snow storm of the season this week provided a reminder that it's time to get our cars in shape.

4 hours ago

box truck...

MyNorthwest Staff

SR 16 on-ramp to northbound I-5 back open after overturned box truck

The SR 16 on-ramp to northbound I-5 has reopened after an overturned box truck blocked the road.

18 hours ago

Light Rail collision...

MyNorthwest Staff

Light rail train collides with vehicle making illegal turn

A scary moment for Light Rail passengers after a train collided with a vehicle Wednesday morning.

21 hours ago

Flying for the holidays? SEA airport ranks No. 3 for fewer travel disruptions...

Regan Gallo-Fenz

Flying for the holidays? SEA Airport ranks No. 3 for fewer travel disruptions

If you're worried about flying out of Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) airport for the holidays, a new consumer report may ease your mind. SEA ranks No. 3.

2 days ago

New partial joint installed on Tacoma Narrows Bridge...

Lexi Herda, KIRO 7 News

New partial joint installed on Tacoma Narrows Bridge

Some good news for drivers who regularly use the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The Washington State Department of Transportation says the new partial joint has been installed on the aging structure.

2 days ago

US 2 Crash Monroe...

MyNorthwest Staff

US 2 reopens after multi-vehicle collision shuts down all lanes for nearly six hours

An early morning headache for drivers near Monroe. WSDOT says all lanes of US 2 are blocked in both directions near Monroe after a collision involving multiple vehicles.

2 days ago

Nice try: WSP busts driver using Halloween decoration in HOV lane