California man caught driving in carpool lane with a mannequin

The California Highway Patrol is cracking down on carpool fraud.

They pulled over a car with a suspicious-looking woman in a hoodie Friday afternoon.

A man was driving in the carpool lanes between Lake County and Novato in Santa Rosa when the police noticed something off about his car.

Motor Officer Ken Enger, a "trained observer of human nature and fashion, concluded it was far too warm for such a thick hoodie. He called shenanigans, made a stop, and took the appropriate enforcement action," said the California Highway Patrol in a Facebook post.

Although unusual, the imposter passenger didn't come as a surprise to the agency.

"People hate carpool cheaters. We get calls every day complaining about them, and we catch them every day," the Facebook post said.

Carpool lanes in Sonoma County are reserved during rush hour for drivers with at least two passengers.

According to the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, CHP Officer Kerri Post said it is common for drivers to attempt this kind of manipulation.

"Some people try to put hats on head rests, wrap plastic bags around it for a face and then drape a jacket on the seat. Other times, people put baby dolls in car seats," said Officer Post.

In this specific case, the driver was issued a fine of at least $491.