HOV Dummy Fails His Mission

What a dummy!

The driver, that is.

Not the, well, dummy.

Here's how Fairfax described it on Facebook:

"Our Fairfax County Police Department spotted a dummy aiding an HOV violator. Officers report the hair gave it away."

Actually, though, it's no laughing matter.

According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, fines for HOV violators in most of Northern Virginia are as follows:

First offense: $125.

Second offense: $250 plus 3 points on your driving record.

Third offense: $500 plus 3 points on your driving record.

Fourth offense: $1,000 plus 3 points on your driving record.

Even so, with ongoing repairs to Metro and thus increased traffic volume on the highways, especially on the Beltway, I-395 and I-66, some folks are willing to take the risk.

Yet alternatives abound. For one, there's the time-honored, D.C.-area tradition of slugging. Also available are park-and-ride community lots. And VDOT has an extensive list of tips for commuters looking to find a car pool, among other suggestions and resources.

But for those who insist or persist in going their own way, the Virginia Traffic Court website provides handy defense tips for violators — or dummies.

Photo: Fairfax County Police Department